Lead Validation and Characterisation Engineer

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Engineering group in Cambridge! Reporting to the Device Validation Manager and forming a key part of our Validation & Characterisation team, this is a pivotal role that will primarily involve designing and developing test solutions, and validating the performance of our core semiconductor devices.

You will work closely with our Research and Development and Production teams to uphold the high-quality standards of our products and meet the needs of our customers. We are looking for candidates with proven ATE and bench level testing, as well as strong coding / data analysis skills and the ability to work highly effectively across different teams.

We are offering a highly competitive benefits package for this position, with the opportunity to join a collaborative supportive team during a critical ramp-up phase.

Key tasks

• Lead the development and execution of device validation strategies across multiple technology nodes and product generations

• Design, develop, and maintain robust electrical test methodologies for device characterisation and qualification

• Collaborate closely with R&D, process, and production teams to ensure alignment between device design, fabrication, and validation

• Define validation plans, including test coverage, sample size, and stress conditions for new and existing devices

• Oversee test program development on ATE platforms and ensure efficient and reliable data collection

• Mentor and guide junior engineers, providing technical leadership within the validation team

Qualifications and training

You will ideally be educated to Degree/Master's/PhD level in a relevant discipline such as Electronic Engineering or Physics (or you will possess equivalent experience).

Skills and experience

• Strong understanding of semiconductor device physics and electrical characterisation techniques

• Proven experience in Device Validation, Characterisation or Test Development

• Extensive experience with test equipment (e.g., SMU, parametric analysers, ATE systems)

• Strong data analysis skills using tools such as Python, JMP, or similar

• Experience in developing and debugging test scripts and automation frameworks

• Ability to interpret complex datasets and translate findings into actionable insights

• Strong problem-solving skills with a structured and analytical approach

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in cross-functional teams

• Experience with semiconductor mass production test systems or reliability testing (desirable)

• Experience with probe stations and wafer-level testing (e.g., TEL, MPI systems)

• Experience analysing large-scale production datasets and yield trends in semiconductor manufacturing (desirable)

• Experience in high-volume manufacturing test environments (desirable)

• Familiarity with database systems and data management pipelines (desirable)

• Previous experience in a technical leadership or mentoring role (desirable)
  

Candidates who do not meet every requirement but feel their skills are a good fit for the role the role are encouraged to apply.

Pragmatic Semiconductor is committed to equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion; we strive to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to be themselves at work. Please let us know if you would like any adjustments to our application and interview process.