Principal Test Engineer
San Jose, CA | Hybrid (3 days onsite / 2 remote)
Base Salary: $150,000–$190,000 (DOE)
A leading chip and silicon IP innovator is seeking a Principal Test Engineer to join its Operations organization. This is a highly visible role working on high-performance, high-speed products alongside world-class engineers and inventors—directly influencing product quality, manufacturability, and time-to-market for technologies that make data faster, more reliable, and more secure.
What You’ll Do
- Own and drive end-to-end test strategy across the full product lifecycle—from design concept through high-volume manufacturing and sustaining support.
- Define comprehensive test plans and partner closely with design teams to ensure robust test coverage and DFT implementation.
- Architect and design ATE hardware for NPI, including load boards, probe cards, and interfaces.
- Lead test bring-up for prototypes and production ramps at OSAT partners (domestic and offshore).
- Optimize yield, test time, and multisite efficiency to improve cost, quality, and throughput.
- Provide technical leadership during RMA analysis and sustaining activities.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with design, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers, serving as a trusted technical expert.
Requirements
What You Bring
- 3+ years of hands-on test engineering experience supporting complex semiconductor products.
- Deep expertise with Advantest V93000 (V93K) platforms.
- Strong background in DFT and test coverage (Scan, ATPG, JTAG, BIST).
- Experience supporting high-speed digital and DDR products (strongly preferred).
- Proficiency with Smartest, Red Hat Linux, and version control systems (Git/SVN).
- Experience working directly with OSATs, including offshore manufacturing partners.
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset across functional boundaries.
- B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent practical experience).
Why This Role
- Work on cutting-edge silicon IP with real-world scale and impact.
- High level of technical ownership and influence in a Principal-level role.
- Hybrid flexibility while remaining closely connected to engineering teams.
- Competitive compensation and the opportunity to grow with a technology leader.