Senior DFT Engineer

E-Space; Saratoga (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

E-Space in Saratoga, California, is looking for a Senior Design-for-Test Engineer. You will define and implement DFT strategies for complex digital SoC designs in the areas of 5G, IoT, and satellite communications. Ideal candidates should have 8+ years of experience and a strong proficiency in DFT tools and techniques. The position offers between $120,000 and $220,000 in base pay annually based on experience. We're looking for someone who can work collaboratively and mentor team members in this full-time role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8+ years of hands-on experience in DFT for complex digital ASICs or SoCs.
• Experience with industry-standard DFT tools and techniques.
• Strong expertise in digital design fundamentals and RTL design practices.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement end-to-end DFT architecture and strategy.
• Perform fault simulation and analyze test coverage metrics.
• Document DFT specifications, methodology guidelines, and test coverage reports.

Skills

Design-for-Test (DFT)

DFT tools (Synopsys DFT Compiler, Tessent)

Scan insertion

ATPG pattern generation

Scripting (Tcl, Python, Perl)

Collaboration with physical design teams

Education

MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

Senior Design‑for‑Test Engineer

Responsible for defining and implementing comprehensive Design‑for‑Test (DFT) strategies across complex digital SoC designs for 5G, IoT, and LEO satellite communications applications. You will ensure robust testability and quality of our silicon from early design stages through manufacturing tests.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

• Define and implement end‑to‑end DFT architecture and strategy for complex SoC designs, including scan, MBIST, BIST, and JTAG/IEEE 1149.x
• Insert and verify scan chains, compression logic, and test wrappers using industry‑standard DFT tools
• Own the full ATPG lifecycle: verification, coverage analysis, pattern generation, and ATE bring‑up
• Perform fault simulation and analyze test coverage metrics to meet manufacturing test requirements
• Collaborate with physical design teams to optimize scan chain ordering, routing, and test timing
• Define and implement memory BIST (MBIST) and logic BIST (LBIST) strategies for embedded memories
• Work with ATE teams to develop test programs and validate tester compatibility
• Develop DFT automation scripts and integrate DFT flows into the overall design implementation flow
• Perform DFT sign‑off verification and resolve DRC/functional issues related to DFT logic
• Document DFT specifications, methodology guidelines, and test coverage reports

WHAT YOU BRING TO THIS ROLE

• MS/PhD or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering or a related field
• Minimum 8+ years of hands‑on experience in Design‑for‑Test (DFT) for complex digital ASICs or SoCs
• Hands‑on experience with industry‑standard DFT tools such as Synopsys DFT Compiler, Tessent, or equivalent
• Strong expertise in scan insertion, ATPG pattern generation (stuck‑at, transition, IDDQ), and fault simulation
• Experience with compression architectures (EDT, DFTMAX) and advanced DFT techniques
• Working knowledge of MBIST architectures and embedded memory test strategies
• Familiarity with JTAG/IEEE 1149.1, IEEE 1500, and IEEE 1687 (iJTAG) standards
• Proficiency in scripting (Tcl, Python, Perl) for DFT flow automation and analysis
• Experience collaborating with physical design and STA teams for scan chain closure
• Strong understanding of digital design fundamentals and RTL design practices
• Passion for mentoring engineers and scaling technical excellence across a team

BONUS POINTS

• Experience with IEEE P1838 (3D‑IC test standards) or die‑to‑die interface test
• Exposure to at‑speed test methodologies, on‑chip clock control for at‑speed test, and diagnosis flows for yield improvement
• Experience with system‑level test and in‑system test (IST) approaches
• Familiarity with ATE platforms (Advantest, Teradyne) and test program development
• Expertise in using programming languages and AI tools for test flow automation
• Background in satellite communication, 5G NR, or IoT SoC designs

This is a full‑time, exempt position based out of our Saratoga office. The target base pay for this position is $120,000 – $220,000 annually. The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

E‑Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.