Staff DFT Engineer

We are seeking a Staff DFT Engineer who can own and drive the complete DFT strategy for complex SoCs from architecture through production silicon. This role requires deep hands-on expertise, strong technical judgment, and the ability to lead and mentor junior engineers while collaborating cross-functionally with design, PD, validation, and manufacturing teams.

The ideal candidate operates independently, makes architecture-level decisions, and is accountable for test quality, coverage, and silicon readiness.

Responsibilities:

DFT Architecture & Planning

• Own DFT architecture definition at chip and subsystem level
• Define scan, compression, LBIST, MBIST, boundary scan, and test access strategies
• Drive testability requirements early in the RTL design phase
• Balance coverage, test time, power, area, and schedule tradeoffs

DFT Implementation (End-to-End Ownership)

• Lead and execute:
• Scan insertion, stitching, and DRC closure
• ATPG (stuck-at, transition, path delay)
• Test compression and pattern optimization
• Own DFT signoff including coverage, IR drop, power, and timing impacts
• Debug and resolve DFT issues across RTL, synthesis, P&R, and gate-level stages

ATPG & Test Quality

• Generate, analyze, and optimize ATPG patterns
• Achieve high fault coverage with minimal pattern count
• Review and sign off on:
• Fault coverage reports
• Pattern volume and test time
• Diagnose coverage holes and drive design or methodology fixes

Silicon Bring-Up & Production Support

• Support first silicon bring-up, failure analysis, and yield ramp
• Debug scan, BIST, and tester-related failures
• Collaborate with ATE and manufacturing teams to improve yield and test robustness
• Drive ECOs for DFT-related silicon issues

Technical Leadership & Mentorship

• Act as DFT technical lead for one or more chips
• Guide and review work of junior and senior DFT engineers
• Define best practices, checklists, and reusable DFT methodologies
• Provide technical direction and design reviews

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with:
• RTL designers
• Physical design (PD)
• Functional verification
• Product engineering and manufacturing
• Communicate DFT requirements and risks clearly to stakeholders

Preferred/Nice-to-Have Experience:

• Experience with high-volume production test, ATE bring-up, and test cost optimization.
• Exposure to safety-critical applications (automotive, industrial) and standards (e.g., ISO 26262) from a test/reliability standpoint.
• Experience with on-chip debug, trace, and design-for-debug features.
• Scripting skills in Python/Tcl/Perl for DFT automation, log analysis, and flow integration.
• Prior experience mentoring or leading small DFT teams or task forces.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven experience in leading DFT teams through end-to-end SoC execution, from architecture to silicon bring-up.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing DFT architecture from scratch for complex SoC designs.
• Strong team management and leadership experience with a track record of mentoring and growing engineering talent.
• Bachelor's or Masters degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering or a closely related field.
• 7+ years of hands-on experience in DFT methodologies and industry-standard test techniques.
• Deep knowledge and hands-on experience with:

Logic BIST (LBIST)

Automatic Test Pattern Generation (ATPG)

DFT Rule Checks (DFT DRC)

Scan chain compression and stitching

Low-power DFT techniques and constraints

Memory BIST (MBIST) including repair mechanisms

Boundary Scan (IEEE 1149.1)

Analog DFT strategies

JTAG architecture and TAP integration

DFT-specific STA constraints

• Proficient in using industry-standard DFT EDA tools, including cadence, Siemens.
• Strong scripting and automation skills using Perl, Tcl, and/or Python.
• Solid understanding of digital design fundamentals, including RTL design, Lint/CDC, low power checks, and the full ASIC design flow.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex DFT issues efficiently.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively in cross-functional and team-oriented environments.