Senior Characterization & Reliability Engineer for Power Semiconductors

Vertical Semiconductor; Somerville (MA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock option program

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Vertical Semiconductor is looking for a full-time Senior Characterization & Reliability Engineer to lead the commercialization of vertical GaN technology. The successful candidate will focus on the characterization of vertical GaN devices, supporting our engineering team at Greentown Labs in Somerville, MA.

The role requires a master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering or 5+ years of relevant experience. We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, along with stock options.

Qualifications

• Experience with high-voltage test instrumentation for power device testing.
• Knowledge of the operation of semi-automatic probe stations.
• Understanding of medium voltage power devices like GaN HEMTs and SiC MOSFETs.

Responsibilities

• Characterize vertical GaN devices for various applications using test setups.
• Support engineering team through critical stages of growth.
• Contribute to the commercialization of vertical GaN technology.

Skills

Electrical characterization of power devices

Designing circuit boards for packaged device tests

Familiarity with JEDEC qualification standards

Proficiency in python/MATLAB

Key power device parameter extraction

Experience with PCB layout tools

Power circuit design experience with GaN or SiC

Excellent communication skills

Education

Master’s degree or PhD in electrical engineering

5+ years of relevant industry experience

Job description

Company Description

Vertical Semiconductor, a transformative MIT spin‑out, is leading the development of vertical gallium nitride (GaN) power transistors which will revolutionize power electronics in industries such as data centers, energy systems, renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs).

Role Description

As a rapidly growing startup, we are seeking a full-time Senior Characterization & Reliability Engineer to help drive the commercialization of vertical GaN technology and support our engineering team through its critical stages of growth. This role will focus on characterizing vertical GaN devices for a variety of target applications using both on‑wafer and packaged device test setups. You will have opportunity to be hands‑on in shaping the development of a world‑changing power electronics, and your contributions will directly impact the success of the company and the industries we aim to disrupt. We have a preference for candidates who are able to work from our office at Greentown Labs (Somerville, MA), but are open to considering hybrid candidates.

Key Skills

• Deep knowledge of electrical characterization of power devices (IV, CV, pulsed IV, gate charge, etc.) using high‑voltage test instrumentation and curve tracers for on‑wafer probing with semiautomatic probe stations.
• Ability to design circuit boards for packaged device tests such as UIS and switching performance.
• Familiarity with JEDEC qualification standards (HTRB, HTGB, TDDB, thermal cycling, etc.) and their evaluation.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in python/MATLAB or similar for data analysis and measurement automation.
• Well‑versed in key power device parameter extraction for data sheets.
• Experience with schematic entry, circuit simulation, and PCB layout tools.
• Desire to work in a highly collaborative, fast‑paced startup environment.
• Power circuit design experience with GaN or SiC preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across cross‑functional teams and with external partners.

Qualifications

Applicants should have a master’s degree or PhD in electrical engineering with a focus on power device design/characterization or have 5+ years of relevant industry experience. Familiarity with power devices for medium voltage (600‑1200 V) applications such as GaN HEMTs, SiC MOSFETs, or Si IGBTs is strongly preferred. Applicant should be comfortable working closely with semiconductor device engineers and expect a high degree of ownership in their role.

Compensation

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package along with participation in our stock option program that is commensurable with candidates’ experience and impact.

Values

Vertical Semiconductor is seeking an engineer who is not only capable of accelerating the technical vision of the company but is also willing to get involved in the day‑to‑day execution of a startup. The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys tackling complex engineering challenges, is comfortable with a hands‑on approach in a collaborative arena and thrives in a startup environment where they can make an immediate impact. We value integrity, initiative, problem‑solving, creativity and a passion for creating transformative technology that can change industries and improve the world.