Senior Lab Engineer

PTR Global; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

PTR Global is seeking a Senior Lab Engineer to support a hardware forensics laboratory for a leading technology company in Fremont, CA. You will conduct device teardowns, perform electrical and RF measurements, and apply chip-level analysis to identify root causes.

You will document findings to evidentiary standards, maintain rigorous records, and develop automation scripts incorporating AI/ML to streamline workflows.

Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Electronics or Computer Science (degree conferred)
• Minimum of two years of hands-on laboratory experience with electronic test equipment
• Direct, hands-on experience with chip decapsulation and die-level failure analysis
• Demonstrated experience performing and interpreting electrical and RF measurements
• Proficiency in laboratory automation using Python or MATLAB
• Strong technical writing skills and adherence to laboratory safety practices

Responsibilities

• Lead device teardowns, identify components and perform root-cause failure analysis
• Perform IC decapsulation and apply circuit theory and IC architecture to die-level findings
• Conduct signal-integrity and RF testing using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, multimeters and soldering stations
• Maintain chain-of-custody records, sample tracking, standard operating procedures and technical reports
• Develop laboratory automation scripts and integrate AI/ML tools into laboratory workflows

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Technical writing

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering / Electronics / Computer Science

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Vector network analyzers

Multimeters

Soldering stations

Job description

PTR Global is seeking a Senior Lab Engineer to support the hardware forensics laboratory of a leading technology company. The Senior Lab Engineer will conduct device teardowns, electrical and RF measurements and chip-level analysis to determine device composition and the root cause of failures. All findings are documented to evidentiary standards, so the role calls for precise technical work and rigorous record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Lead device teardowns, identify components and perform root-cause failure analysis
• Perform IC decapsulation and apply circuit theory and IC architecture to die-level findings
• Conduct signal-integrity and RF testing using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, multimeters and soldering stations
• Maintain chain-of-custody records, sample tracking, standard operating procedures and technical reports
• Develop laboratory automation scripts and integrate AI/ML tools into laboratory workflows

Required Qualifications

• Completed PhD in Electrical Engineering, Electronics or Computer Science (degree conferred)
• Minimum of two years of hands-on laboratory experience with electronic test equipment
• Direct, hands-on experience with chip decapsulation and die-level failure analysis
• Demonstrated experience performing and interpreting electrical and RF measurements
• Proficiency in laboratory automation using Python or MATLAB
• Strong technical writing skills and adherence to laboratory safety practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in hardware security or forensic analysis
• Background in semiconductor failure analysis or reliability engineering
• Experience in reverse engineering or complex device investigations
• Familiarity with evidence handling and traceability requirements
• Experience integrating AI/ML into laboratory workflows

Pay Range

$70 - $80/hour on W2

The specific compensation for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment. Our full-time consultants have access to benefits including medical, dental, vision and 401K contributions as well as any other PTO, sick leave, and other benefits mandated by appliable state or localities where you reside or work.