Staff Silicon Characterization Engineer

Impinj, Inc.; United States; Remote; USD 136,000 - 204,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) with company match

Remote work option

Job summary

Impinj is seeking a senior Semiconductor Characterization Engineer to join the Silicon Characterization Engineering team. You will perform device characterization, automate data collection, and collaborate with Industrialization and Silicon Processing Engineers.

This role offers a strong base pay in the US, competitive benefits, and potential remote/hybrid flexibility. A Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering plus 8+ years of lab experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with 8+ years of experience.
• 4+ years hands-on semiconductor lab experience with test equipment (semiconductor parameter analyzers).
• Knowledge of Bipolar and MOS device physics, fab flow and RF principles.
• Experience in test scripting automation (Python, Perl, C++, or similar).

Responsibilities

• Conduct device characterization testing using a parameter analyzer and GUI-controlled probe station.
• Automate data collection, analysis, and reporting to streamline characterization processes.
• Troubleshoot device characterization issues and implement robust solutions.
• Set up custom test hardware/tools as needed and support RMA efforts for field applications.

Skills

Semiconductor lab experience

Python scripting

C++

RF principles

Documentation skills

AI productivity tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Tools

Agilent B1500

Tektronix SCS4200

MicroManipulator

FormFactor/CascadeTech

Job description

Impinj is a leading RAIN RFID provider and Internet of Things pioneer. We’re inventing ways to connect every thing to the Internet — including retail apparel, retail general merchandise, healthcare items, automobile parts, airline baggage, food and much more. With more than 100 billion items connected to date, and multiple Fortune 500 enterprises around the world using our platform, we solve for a better understanding of our world.If it’s a thing, we’re working to connect it. Join Impinj and help us realize our vision of a boundless IoT— connecting trillions of everyday items to the Internet.

Team Overview:

The Silicon Characterization Engineering team supports and helps coordinate lab-based probe station device characterization projects and commitments to schedules. This requires experience working daily in a semiconductor R&D lab within a fast-paced and motivated design team.

What You Will Do:

• Conduct device characterization testing by applying a semiconductor parameter analyzer, applying scripting to control embedded switch matrix and probe station operations through a GUI
• Streamline characterization and debug processes, including collection of data and reporting, through automation, scripting, and innovative methodologies
• Apply troubleshooting skills to resolve device characterization debug issues
• Set up and, when needed, build custom test hardware and tools
• Support RMA efforts for the field application and sales team such as I-V tracing, RF sensitivity, conductivity test Rp/Cp, etc.
• Collaborate closely with Industrialization and Silicon Processing Engineers on evaluations and analysis of EPIC (end-point integrated circuit) products
• Learn and perform Impinj’s dry inlay die shear, bend, and THT & TCT test methodologies on samples from RFID Inlay builds
• Record microscope images of bonded die on dry inlays
• Communicate with Impinj Operations and Engineering teams, regarding the builds and analysis status and any emerging issues
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and provide feedback to optimize and improve them.

What You Will Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with 8+ years of experience
• 4+ years of hands-on semiconductor lab experience using R&D lab test equipment, especially semiconductor parameter analyzers like the Agilent B1500 or Tektronix SCS4200
• Working knowledge of Bipolar and MOS device physics, semiconductor fab flow and processing, and RF principles
• Experience in test scripting automation (Python, Perl, C++, or similar); working experience with AI assistant or productivity tools
• Ability to develop and write clear, detailed procedures and data reports, and documentation skills
• Hands on experience using Tektronix KCON or Agilent EasyExpert Device Char software, and with MicroManipulator or FormFactor/CascadeTech semi-automated probers
• Working knowledge of maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing mechanical equipment
• Experience working effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines

Compensation & Benefits:

The benefits listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Impinj and the country where you work.

The typical base pay range for this role across the US is $136,000 - $204,000. Individual base pay depends on various factors such as complexity and responsibility of role, job duties, requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Both market wage data and the mid-point of the pay range is reviewed and used as the starting point for all new hire offers. Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time.

At Impinj certain roles are eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, annual bonus and stock. These awards are allocated based on individual performance. In addition, certain roles also have the opportunity to earn sales incentives based on revenue or utilization, depending on the terms of the plan and the employee’s role. US based employees have access to healthcare benefits; a 401(k) plan and company match among others.

For a more comprehensive list of US employment benefits, click here.

US Export Controls:

This position has access to technologies or data subject to U.S. export control regulations. Under these laws, the release or transfer of export-controlled items or information to individuals who are not classified as “U.S. persons” (as defined by Immigration & Nationality Act) may require prior authorization from the U.S. government. We may require additional documentation related to national identity to determine whether an export compliance license is required for any export-controlled items. This information is requested solely for the purpose of complying with U.S. export control laws and will not be used for other purposes. Learn more about export compliance here.

Why work at Impinj:

Know you’re making a difference. Competitive benefits. Support for remote work or a desk with a view. Weekly Q&A sessions with our executive team. Impinj provides an environment that fosters openness and innovation and is developing technology that delivers a positive impact on the world. Collaboration and teamwork are highly valued, and accomplishments are duly celebrated. We have an open paid time-off policy paired with a respect for work/life balance. Our headquarters is located in Seattle with spectacular views of the Olympics, Lake Union, and Mt Baker, which can be enjoyed from our rooftop deck. Our Brazilian site is in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul state, at “Tecnopuc,” a technology park that offers a very nice workplace for the development of groundbreaking technologies. Impinj is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.