Principal Engineer, Test Engineering

Location:San Diego, CA - Hybrid (4 days in office, Friday remote)Our Team:Semtech's Global Test Engineering team is a world-class organization of innovative engineers who enable the success of our entire semiconductor portfolio through cutting-edge test solutions and methodologies. We are the technical backbone that ensures every Semtech product meets the highest standards of quality, reliability, and performance. Our team spans multiple sites globally and serves as the center of excellence for test innovation, working closely with all business units to deliver breakthrough test capabilities. We specialize in mixed-signal, high-speed digital, and RF test development. Our engineers drive competitive advantage through innovative test architectures, methodologies, and continuous improvement initiatives that directly impact Semtech's bottom line.Job Summary:We are seeking a Principal Test Engineer to serve as the technical authority and strategic leader for new product introduction test development in our mixed-signal product portfolio. This role demands a proven innovator who can architect comprehensive test solutions spanning from early silicon validation through high-volume production. The ideal candidate will drive testability standards across the organization, lead complex multi-disciplinary projects, and deliver breakthrough test methodologies that enable next-generation test solutions supporting sensing products for wearables, cell phones, as well as industrial and automotive.Primary responsibilities:Technical Leadership & ArchitectureArchitect and define test strategies for complex mixed-signal products from concept through production maturityLead development of innovative test methodologies sensing productsDrive DFT/testability requirements into IC architecture, establishing company-wide standards and best practicesDevelop and implement advanced test techniques for sensing productsCreate reusable test IP, libraries, and frameworks that accelerate NPI cycles across product familiesPerform technical risk assessment and mitigation strategies for test coverage and qualityCross-functional NPI SupportServe as test engineering authority in product architecture reviews and gate meetingsPartner with IC design teams from concept phase to ensure optimal test coverage and manufacturabilityLead test readiness reviews with stakeholders, providing strategic recommendationsCollaborate with Product Engineering to define characterization strategies and correlation methodologiesInterface with customer quality teams on test specifications and coverage requirementsArchitect and launch test solutions that achieve test time targets for complex mixed-signal devicesDrive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce NPI cycle time by 10-20%Innovation & Technology DevelopmentResearch and implement next-generation ATE capabilities and measurement techniquesDevelop proprietary test methods that provide competitive advantage in cost and qualityLead evaluation and adoption of new test platforms, instrumentation, and methodologiesPioneer implementation of AI/ML techniques for yield enhancement and test optimizationEstablish Semtech as industry leader in mixed-signal test innovationProduction Excellence & ScaleEnsure seamless transfer of test solutions to high-volume OSATs with >99% first-pass successDrive test cost reduction initiatives delivering year-over-year improvementsEstablish and monitor KPIs for test effectiveness, efficiency, and qualityMentorship & Knowledge ManagementMentor junior engineers, developing next generation of test leadersCreate and maintain comprehensive test methodology documentation and training materialsBuild strategic relationships with test partners to influence platform developmentFoster culture of innovation and continuous learning within test organizationRequired Qualifications:Education & Experience:Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field12+ years of progressive experience in semiconductor test engineering8+ years specifically in mixed-signal test developmentProven track record leading NPI programs for high-speed communication ICsTechnical Expertise:Expert-level proficiency with Advantest V93000 platform (SmarTest 7/8)Advanced programming skills in C/C++, Python, and TCLDeep understanding of high-speed signal integrity, jitter analysis, and BER testingExpertise in analog/mixed-signal DFT techniques (BIST, scan, boundary scan)Strong foundation in statistical process control and quality methodologiesExperience with PCB design tools (Cadence, Altium) and signal integrity simulationLeadership & Business Acumen:Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority across organizationsTrack record of delivering complex projects on aggressive schedulesStrong presentation skills to executive leadership and customersProven ability to build and maintain strategic vendor relationshipsDesired Qualifications:Master's degree or PhD in relevant engineering discipline15+ years in semiconductor testExperience with SiGe BiCMOS process technology and its test challengesKnowledge of automotive quality standards (AEC-Q100) and qualification flowsFamiliarity with 93000 PS1600/PS3600 digital channels and Wave Scale RFExperience with wafer-level testing and probe card designExperience with test data analytics and machine learning applicationsUnique Differentiators for This Role:Serves as company-wide test architecture authority for mixed-signal productsBuilds test capabilities that enable entry into new markets and applicationsEstablishes Semtech's reputation as test innovation leader in high-speed communicationsThe intent of this job description is to describe the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically included in this description.All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.We are proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace.A reasonable estimate of the pay range for this position is $137K - $196K. There are several factors taken into consideration in determining base salary, including but not limited to: job-related qualifications, skills, education and experience, as well as job location and the value of other elements of an employee’s total compensation package.#LI-HybridSummaryLocation: USA - San Diego, CAType: Full time