Principal Test Engineer

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.