Sr. ASIC DFT Engineer (Silicon)

SpaceX; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. ASIC DFT Engineer to develop advanced ASICs for space and ground infrastructures. This role involves optimizing DFT architectures and collaborating with various engineering teams to enhance the Starlink network's capabilities.

Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in DFT engineering and knowledge of Siemens Tessent tools. The position offers a competitive salary, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits including medical coverage and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in semiconductor Design For Test (DFT) engineering.
• Experience in post−silicon validation and production testing.
• Strong communication skills for documentation and stakeholder presentations.

Responsibilities

• Optimize DFT architectures including scan insertion and memory BIST.
• Run ATPG tools and manage pattern generation for fault models.
• Automate processes and analyze data for silicon characterization.

Skills

DFT architectures implementation

Siemens Tessent tools

Test scripts development

Programming languages (Perl, Python, Tcl, C++)

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or physics

Master’s or PhD in related field

Tools

Automated Test Equipment (ATE)

ATPG tools

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SR. ASIC DFT ENGINEER (SILICON ENGINEERING)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

We are seeking a motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious engineer who will work alongside world-class cross-disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering and ASIC implementation). In this role, you will be developing next-generation ASICs for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has previously not been available, affordable or reliable. Your efforts will help deliver cutting‑edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.

Responsibilities

• Implement and optimize DFT architectures, including scan insertion, compression/decompression logic, memory BIST, and logic BIST, leveraging Siemens Tessent tools.
• Integration and verification of Design for Test (DFT) IPs and fabrics within Subsystems.
• Set up and run Automatic Test Pattern Generation (ATPG) tools and methodologies, including generating patterns for stuck‑at, transition, and path‑delay fault models, while focusing on pattern compression, diagnosis, and hierarchical test flows.
• Run and debug non‑timing and SDF annotated gate‑level simulations.
• Create and validate DFT patterns for post‑silicon bringup and also help with ATE debug through all cycles of silicon characterization.
• Develop test scripts, automate processes, and analyze data using programming languages such as Perl, Python, Tcl, or C++.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or physics.
• 5+ years of experience in semiconductor Design For Test (DFT) engineering, post‑silicon validation, and/or production testing.

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Master’s or PhD in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or related engineering field.
• Extensive experience in post‑silicon bringup, including silicon debug, failure analysis, and yield optimization on complex SoCs or ASICs.
• Hands‑on experience with Automated Test Equipment (ATE) platforms (e.g., Teradyne, Advantest) for high‑volume manufacturing test development and debug.
• Experience collaborating with cross‑functional teams (e.g., design, verification, and manufacturing) to ensure DFT features meet production requirements, utilizing Siemens Tessent workflows.
• Knowledge of industry standards for testability (e.g., IEEE 1500, 1687) and experience with low‑power DFT techniques using Siemens Tessent.
• Experience with In‑System Test (IST), boundary scan (IEEE 1149.1), functional testing in embedded systems, or board‑level diagnostics, preferably using Siemens Tessent tools.
• Hands‑on experience with Tessent Streaming Scan Network.
• Experience with cell‑aware fault models in ATPG.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex test failures and implement corrective actions.
• Strong communication skills for documenting test strategies, reporting results, and presenting to stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, handling multiple projects and adapting to evolving technology nodes (e.g., 7nm and below).

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range

• Level 1: $135,000 - $160,000
• Level 2: $155,000 - $185,000

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of company stock or long‑term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s AffirMative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].