Probe Test Technician

Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: Assured PNT, Attollo Engineering, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry. Safran DSI Business Unit: Attollo Engineering

ABOUT OUR MISSION:

Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.! Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: Assured PNT, Attollo Engineering, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry. Attollo Engineering is a designer and manufacturer of cutting-edge infrared cameras and laser sensor systems for defense and industrial applications. Leveraging extensive expertise in the electro-optical market, systems design, and packaging, Attollo delivers superior solutions for system integrators, original equipment manufacturers, and custom applications. Their commitment to quality engineering empowers Safran DSI to provide innovative and reliable technology to its partners. If you’re ready to join our mission and serve those who serve, Safran DSI is the perfect place for you to take your career to the next level. Make a real difference and be part of something extraordinary. Apply now and help us build the future of defense and space.

POSITION PROFILE:

The Probe Test Technician performs electrical probe testing on full wafers and singulated semiconductor devices, including custom read-out integrated circuits (ROICs), other integrated circuits, and infrared detector arrays. This role sets up and operates manual and semi-automatic probe stations, aligns and maintains probe cards and needle probes, and executes established test programs and procedures to collect, log, and report electrical data. Working in a cleanroom environment under strict contamination-control and ESD discipline, the Probe Test Technician generates wafer maps and yield data used by process, test, and design engineering, and supports the engineering team in troubleshooting fixturing, contact, and equipment issues. This is a hands-on role with direct influence on yield visibility and product quality.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operations
• Set up and operate manual and semi-automatic wafer probe stations for wafer, die, and packaged device testing.
• Handle wafers, die, detector arrays, and sensor assemblies using proper cleanroom, ESD, and contamination-control practices.
• Load, align, and probe wafers; execute approved test programs for ICs, ROICs, and infrared detector arrays.
• Perform electrical and temperature-controlled characterization using probe stations, cooled chucks, and standard test instrumentation.
• Operate and troubleshoot test equipment including parameter analyzers, SMUs, LCR meters, oscilloscopes, and multimeters.
• Equipment & Maintenance
• Install, align, clean, and maintain probe cards, probe assemblies, chucks, microscopes, and manipulators.
• Perform routine calibration checks, preventative maintenance, and equipment troubleshooting.
• Build or modify test cables, interface boards, and simple fixtures under engineering direction.
• Data & Quality
• Collect, document, and maintain accurate test data and wafer/lot/device traceability in ERP/MES and quality systems.
• Generate wafer maps, bin summaries, yield reports, and basic statistical summaries.
• Identify and communicate anomalous or trending test results to engineering.
• General
• Follow cleanroom, ESD, safety, environmental, and applicable ITAR/EAR requirements.
• Support NPI, engineering test runs, characterization, and process improvements.
• Draft and update work instructions, setup sheets, and test procedures.
• Train and assist other operators/technicians and recommend improvements to test methods, fixturing, throughput, and data handling.
• Duties as assigned

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

• High school diploma required; Associate's degree or technical certificate in electronics, engineering technology, semiconductor manufacturing, or related field preferred
• 3+ years of semiconductor probe test, wafer test, or electronics test technician experience preferred; equivalent military electronics/instrumentation experience considered
• Hands-on experience operating wafer probe stations and performing electrical probe test in semiconductor manufacturing, R&D, or test environment
• Working knowledge of basic electrical measurement principles and instrumentation (voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, I-V characterization)
• Demonstrated fine motor dexterity, including microscope-based probe tip alignment and handling of small, fragile parts
• Proven care and discipline in wafer/die handling, including cleanroom protocol and ESD control
• Ability to follow detailed written procedures precisely and record data accurately and legibly
• Ability to work independently on routine tasks after training, and collaboratively on non-routine work
• Ability to use probe station and test instrument software and data acquisition interfaces, including file organization, data export, and basic spreadsheet analysis
• Familiarity with ERP/MES transactions for lot tracking and test record entry
• Requires U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident Status required.

IDEALLY, YOU’LL ALSO HAVE:

• 3+ years of semiconductor test experience, with strong attention to detail and judgment to stop and escalate when results or equipment behavior look off
• Experience probing infrared detector arrays, photodiodes, or other photonic/optoelectronic devices
• Familiarity with ROIC or mixed-signal IC test, including digital I/O and pattern-based functional test
• Familiarity with FPA, ROIC, and infrared detector architectures (e.g., InGaAs, SWIR, eSWIR, MWIR)
• Experience with semi-automatic or automatic probers and probe card handling/planarization
• Experience with semiconductor parameter analyzers (e.g., Keysight/Agilent B1500-class) and associated software
• Familiarity with SPC concepts, yield analysis, and wafer map interpretation
• Experience within an AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality system
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
• Works well in a fast-paced team environment; able to complete tasks with minimal supervision
• Experience working in an ITAR environment

SALARY RANGE: Hourly compensation is $32.69-$38.46, plus participation in individual performance bonus plan. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. EOE/AA/M/F/Vets – US Protected Individual status required (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee or temporary resident (as defined at 8 USC 1160(a).