Senior Semiconductor Device Yield Engineer

HRL Laboratories, LLC; Malibu (CA); On-site; USD 173,000 - 222,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401K match

Gym facilities

PTO

Sick time

Upward mobility

Challenging work environment

Job summary

HRL Laboratories in California seeks a PhD-level scientist to lead automated cryogenic test pipelines for semiconductor spin-qubit devices. You will analyze measurements across temperature stages, drive device-yield characterization, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve fabrication and test methodologies.

The role emphasizes Python/SQL tooling, data-driven decision making, and clear communication through reports and presentations; a strong background in quantum-device testing

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in semiconductor yield engineering or quantum-device testing.
• Experience with cryogenic measurement methods.
• Strong data analysis and statistics experience.
• Proficiency in Python, SQL for data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop automated cryogenic test pipelines for spin-qubit devices across multiple hardware platforms.
• Analyze electrical measurements across temperature stages for yield and relate results to fabrication processes.
• Design scalable test architectures to improve throughput, repeatability, and long-term yield.
• Investigate device failures and document results with clear recommendations.
• Organize device-test databases, extract metrics, and perform statistical analyses.
• Collaborate across materials, device-design, and process engineering to integrate results into models.
• Develop Python- and SQL-based tooling to automate data processing and testing workflows.
• Present findings through oral and written reports and cross-functional reviews.

Skills

Cryogenic tests

Data analysis

Statistical analysis

DOE

Python

SQL

Technical communication

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

Ph.D. in Physics

Tools

Python

SQL

Job description

HRL Laboratories, an IBM company, pioneers the next frontiers of physical and information science. Delivering transformative technologies in automotive, aerospace and defense, HRL advances the critical missions of its customers to help them remove limitations and create competitive advantage. HRL then transitions the work back to customers – ready for real‑world application. For more than 70 years, HRL’s rich portfolio of scientific discoveries and engineering innovations continues to build on each other — often in unexpected, profound and far-reaching ways. As a private company owned by IBM, HRL prioritizes purpose over profit, significantly advancing the state of the art.

Qubit Systems Laboratory (QSL) is a world leader in semiconductor spin qubits. Our broad expertise spans semiconductor growth, device design and modeling, cryogenic control, high‑density interconnects and packaging, quantum architecture, and multiqubit demonstrations. Our system architecture is built entirely around scalable semiconductor manufacturing to make quantum computing affordable for practical business and scientific applications.

Essential Duties

• Lead the development, deployment, and refinement of automated cryogenic test pipelines used to characterize semiconductor‑based spin‑qubit devices across multiple hardware platforms.
• Drive quantum‑device testing and yield characterization by analyzing electrical measurements collected at various temperature stages, including coherent spin‑qubit characterization, and relating results to fabrication processes and device‑design choices.
• Help lead the design of scalable test architectures that improve measurement throughput, repeatability, and consistency while supporting long‑term device‑yield improvement.
• Investigate device failures using established material characterization techniques and consolidate results into structured reports and clear recommendations for fabrication and process engineering.
• Organize and maintain device‑test databases, extract key metrics, and perform statistical data analysis to identify trends, correlations, and root‑cause indicators.
• Collaborate across semiconductor materials, device‑design, and process‑engineering teams to integrate measurement results into device and process models, guiding future qubit and fabrication development.
• Develop Python‑ and SQL‑based tooling to automate data processing, improve analytical workflows, and support scalable testing infrastructure.
• Communicate findings through clear oral presentations, written reports, and cross‑functional reviews, contributing to experimental strategy and continuous improvement of device‑yield methodologies.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field; plus 7+ years of relevant experience in semiconductor yield engineering or quantum‑device testing.
• Strong expertise in semiconductor or quantum‑device testing, yield characterization, and cryogenic measurement methods.
• Experience with materials‑based failure analysis and familiarity with fabrication processes, cleanroom techniques, and semiconductor device physics.
• Background in statistical analysis, design of experiments, and interpretation of large measurement datasets.
• Proficiency in Python, SQL, or similar tools for data analysis, automation, and database operations.
• Ability to document complex results clearly and communicate technical findings to multidisciplinary teams.
• Expertise with cryogenic test equipment and related measurement workflows.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to climb ladders to use elevated test equipment. Must be able to work safely in a laboratory environment.

Special Requirements:

US Person Status Required

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay Range: $172,900 - $221,600
• Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location (California). The range displayed on each job posting reflects the target range for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.

• Benefits: HRL offers a generous and very competitive total compensation and benefits package. Our Regular/Full Time benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K match, gym facilities, PTO, Sick time, upward mobility, and an exciting and challenging work environment.
• For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: https://www.hrl.com/careers/benefits

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At HRL, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing.

If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Employees & Job Applicants | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

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