Characterization Engineer Job Description

A Characterization Engineer measures how semiconductor devices actually behave under real stress, not just whether they pass a test. Sitting between device design and product qualification, the role runs devices through bias, temperature, humidity, and cycling conditions to pull the performance data that becomes the basis for compact and behavioral model design teams rely on. The work is inherently exploratory. Correlating hand-built bench measurements against automated test equipment output, often against quality standards audited during certification such as IATF16949, is what separates a strong characterization result from a guess, and it is this modeling and correlation work, more than pass/fail testing alone, that defines the role.

As the Characterization Engineer, you own the qualification test plan that pushes devices through bias, temperature, humidity, and cycling stress to define their real performance margins. Working alongside device design and product quality teams, you turn lab measurements into compact models and qualification reports that guide shipment decisions for automotive and industrial parts.

Career Impact: Compact and behavioral model development experience carries weight specifically in power and mixed-signal semiconductor groups, not in general test teams.

Business Impact: Thorough bench characterization catches device margin problems and silicon defects before they reach a customer's production line, reducing costly field returns.

Growth Opportunity: Depth in fab quality audits, metrology equipment upgrades, and stress-test methodology also opens paths toward device modeling, design-side model validation, or product engineering leadership roles over time.

• Design and execute characterization test plans spanning bias, temperature, humidity, and cycling conditions to define device performance margins for qualification.
• Build measurement circuits and lab test setups spanning wafer and subassembly levels to support characterization and qualification.
• Analyze test data to identify device failures and recommend design or process corrections that improve yield.
• Correlate bench measurements against automated test equipment results to validate performance models used by design teams.
• Document characterization methods, procedures, and findings to support qualification plans and recurring quality audits.
• Coordinate with design, systems, and quality teams to align test structure goals with qualification requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians in characterization methodology and lab safety practices.
• Maintain calibration of lab equipment and test setups to ensure measurement accuracy over time.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent hands-on work experience.
• 5 or more years of experience in semiconductor device characterization or qualification testing, with consistent hands-on lab work.
• Experience with bench-level test equipment, lab setup, and calibration procedures required consistently for device qualification work.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to device performance data, margins, and failure root-cause analysis.
• Ability to correlate hand-built bench data against automated test equipment results with consistent accuracy.
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis methods applied to device yield, reliability, and margin data trends.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and cross-functional team presentations.
• Comfortable working across mechanical, electrical, and cross-functional engineering teams in a hands-on lab environment.

• Exposure to compact or behavioral device modeling work used later by downstream circuit design teams.
• Experience characterizing power, RF, or optical devices in addition to standard digital or mixed-signal semiconductor parts.
• Background working within a certified quality environment such as ISO or automotive quality standards audits.
• Prior experience mentoring junior engineers or technicians in a shared lab environment.

• Bench-to-ATE correlation accuracy, showing how closely lab results match automated test data.
• Device margin coverage, the range of stress conditions validated before qualification sign-off.
• Yield improvement rate, reflecting design or process fixes driven by characterization findings.
• Qualification cycle time, measuring days from test plan start to sign-off.
• Compact model prediction accuracy, tracking how well models match measured silicon behavior.

• Base Salary Range: $75,000 to $110,000 per year, depending on seniority and specialization.
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus typically 5% to 10% of base salary.
• Equity: Rare at non-executive levels; more common at startup or scale-up semiconductor firms.
• Health Benefits: Standard US medical, dental, and vision coverage, often employer-subsidized.
• PTO: Typically 10 to 20 days annually, plus standard holidays.
• Common Perks: Lab equipment stipends, conference attendance, and tuition reimbursement for certifications.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background checks are typically required before a final offer, consistent with standard pre-employment screening practices in engineering and manufacturing environments. All qualified applicants receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, in accordance with federal, state, and local law. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants and employees with disabilities upon request. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

The Characterization Engineer owns RF test bench setup, calibration, and measurement accuracy across semiconductor validation activities, translating mechanical development into electrical validation methods. Reporting to the lab team, this Characterization Engineer works alongside Mechanical Engineering to standardize measurement processes and supports colleagues on electrical and mechanical activities within an international group.

Key Responsibilities

• Assemble, tune, and release test circuits, including documentation.
• Perform measurements on test benches.
• Play an active role in the standardization of measurement processes and improvements.
• Document measurements, processes, and support updates to Test Methods.
• Set up the complete test bench, including calibration.
• Resolve practical issues to achieve required measurement accuracy.
• Perform regular checks and correlation of setups.
• Translate RF Mechanical development into electrical validation methods in cooperation with Mechanical Engineering.
• Set up an investigation structure, execute it, and bring outcomes and results to the next level through organizational buy-in.
• Support other team members in electrical and mechanical activities.
• Support, maintain, and contribute to the 5S infrastructure of the lab.
• Follow internal ESD and radiation procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in RF, Electromechanics, Electronics, or Telecommunications, or equivalent technical experience with at least five years of experience.
• Technical affinity, preferably within the semiconductor industry.
• Knowledge of RF PCB design and simulation tool experience.
• Experience with board assembly, including SMD, connectors, soldering, milling, and drilling.
• Comfortable solving issues in the electrical and mechanical domain.
• Familiar with RF measurement techniques and RF lab equipment such as VNA, power meters, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and oscilloscopes.
• Experience with ADS Momentum and similar simulation tools.
• Familiar with tools such as TCAD, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Siemens NX.
• Self-starting and proactive, with a drive to constructively challenge the status quo.
• Accurate and curious, always looking for improvement opportunities and different approaches.
• Hands-on mentality with lab work affinities and a service-oriented, results-driven approach focused on quality and customer needs.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.

Embedded within a self-organized laboratory team, the Characterization Engineer plans and executes semiconductor product qualification tasks, building measurement circuits and overseeing equipment for reliability testing. Working closely with Product Quality Engineering and external contacts, this Characterization Engineer evaluates test results, coordinates equipment maintenance with suppliers, and supports lab housekeeping and cost-reduction initiatives.

Core Functions

• Participate in or lead projects for the release of products, processes, or materials.
• Perform electrical or mechanical measurements involved in customer inquiries, customer complaints, or product release.
• Create and update measurement programs.
• Build measurement circuits for product characterization and qualification.
• Set up and oversee equipment for product qualification tests, e.g., reliability.
• Assure execution of product qualification tests, such as bias voltage, current, temperature, humidity, time, and cycles, according to the qualification plan.
• Use electronic databases to enter test results and as a source of information.
• Evaluate and report test results.
• Participate in quality-related working groups, e.g., FMEA.
• Source lab material and perform or coordinate maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment, partly in cooperation with suppliers.
• Execute calibration of lab equipment and special measurements.
• Discuss measurement results with Product Quality Engineering.
• Support housekeeping (5S), work safety, cost reduction, and improvements in quality, environment, and performance.
• Plan laboratory equipment load and align with colleagues on usage.

Qualifications & Experience

• Technical school for electronics, or an engineering background.
• Experience working with an electronics background.
• Technical competency, especially circuitry know-how.
• Good IT and software knowledge, including Office (incl. MS Access) and LabVIEW, with EFK-level knowledge.
• Talent for planning and organization.
• Basic English, spoken and written.

Reporting to the lab manager, the Characterization Engineer trains researchers and students in advanced microscopy and materials characterization techniques such as SEM, TEM, and XRD. Partnering with lead PI groups, this Characterization Engineer writes standard operating procedures and identifies new instrumentation needs to support method development across the shared research facility.

Primary Duties

• Operate and train users in advanced characterization techniques including SPM, SEM, FIB, TEM, Raman, FTIR, XRD, SIMS, nano-mechanical testing, and XPS, depending on experience.
• Develop documentation and training materials for the proper use of characterization systems.
• Train new users on the proper operation of characterization instruments, teaching safety protocols and shared research facility etiquette.
• Write standard operating procedures and train students in the use of specific instrumentation.
• Assist students and other researchers in instrument use and method development for common characterization applications.
• Interact with lead PI groups and the lab manager to identify research trends and new instruments for the center.

Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum of five years' experience in materials characterization.
• Experience in student instruction or development of instructional materials.
• Experience and expertise in safety procedures in a research laboratory environment.
• Experience and expertise in troubleshooting electrical and electronic devices, and mechanical, pneumatic, and vacuum system components.
• Experience working in a university shared-use facility.
• Strong background in microscopy and microanalysis characterization techniques and equipment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work well in a team.

Sitting at the intersection of standard cell design and semiconductor characterization, the Characterization Engineer develops CMOS standard cell libraries for high-speed, low-power automotive products, validating NLDM and CCS models against foundry process technologies. Operating across simulation, layout review, and library release, this Characterization Engineer benchmarks power, performance, and area to ensure quality-checked libraries reach production.

Duties

• Develop CMOS standard cell libraries for high-speed, low-power, automotive products using different foundry and process technologies.
• Perform characterization, including NLDM and CCS, and validate standard cell libraries.
• Write and simulate behavioral Verilog models for standard cells.
• Create EDA views and perform validation of library views.
• Perform library comparison and benchmarking across power, performance, and area.
• Release standard cell libraries with quality checks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electronics or Electronics & Communication, with a minimum of four years of experience in the semiconductor industry.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Hands-on experience in standard cell library development, with expertise in characterization.
• Strong understanding of CMOS and FinFET technologies.
• Expertise in standard cell library development, including design, characterization, and modeling of standard cell libraries.
• Exposure to AOCV and LVF model characterization is a plus.
• Awareness of layout proximity effects in standard cells and their impact on power, leakage, and performance.
• Exposure to Verilog modeling is desired.
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills in cell design, SPICE simulation, and characterization.
• Experience with cluster and server utilization tools.
• Exposure to EDA tools such as Cadence Virtuoso, Calibre, and HSPICE, or an industry-standard simulation and characterization tool, is a must.
• Programming skills using Perl, TCL, and Cadence SKILL are a plus.
• Experience with configuration management tools such as DesignSync.
• Good written and oral communication skills in English.

A key member of the bench validation team, the Validation/Characterization Engineer defines validation and characterization methodologies for custom mixed-signal products, ensuring datasheet specifications and system-level requirements are met. Collaborating across Design, Systems, and Test functions, this Validation/Characterization Engineer serves as the primary customer contact for co-development and resolves customer return debug issues.

Functions

• Lead bench validation for complex custom new product developments.
• Function as the primary customer point of contact during and after co-development activities.
• Coordinate responsibilities and activities with validation support peers and collaborate cross-functionally with DV, Design, and Systems to plan and define SCM and bench test requirements.
• Define comprehensive validation and characterization methodologies and procedures to ensure datasheet specifications and system-level expectations are met.
• Develop comprehensive validation plan templates that include system-level and customer-driven use cases to meet and exceed VVCM requirements.
• Define high levels of standardization across validation to ensure complete and accurate validation data is captured in Starfish.
• Drive cross-collaboration with the test team to correlate bench results to ATE results in a structured manner.
• Work with cross-functional teams, including design, systems, design validation, and test, to understand and validate design specifications.
• Lead and solve customer return bench debug activities.
• Implement containment and corrective actions for customer returns.
• Support internal and external customer-specific application and specification issues.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• 5 or more years of relevant experience as a Validation Engineer for mixed-signal systems.
• Experience designing complex bench or test hardware for testing custom products.
• Experience with customer interaction during new product development and sustaining activities.
• Experience with FPGA emulation, schematic capture, board design, and PCB layout.
• Strong understanding of the IC product development process, from concept to volume production.
• Experience with LabVIEW and TestStand development tools.
• Proficiency with bench-level test equipment, including DC power supplies, oscilloscopes, multimeters, and PXIe.
• Experience using Spotfire, Starfish, and Python.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong, influential relationships with internal and external teams, and to collaborate effectively with people in different functions.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong time management skills that enable on-time project delivery in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to take the initiative and drive for results.

Accurate yield analysis and reliable new product introduction depend on the Bench Characterization Engineer, who leads product characterization and qualification projects while owning at least one product line. Serving as the technical interface between production and engineering groups, this Bench Characterization Engineer applies statistical yield analysis and reliability testing knowledge to resolve performance problems in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

Accountabilities

• Lead projects, teams, and individuals, and develop project schedules.
• Perform product characterization and qualification.
• Perform yield analysis and yield improvement.
• Interface with various technical and production groups.
• Contribute to all aspects of new product introduction.
• Solve problems independently as a team player in a highly dynamic environment.

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent; Master's degree preferred.
• Five or more years of recent experience in product engineering, with ownership of at least one product line during that time.
• Experience in a high-volume production environment.
• Experience with bench setups and evaluations of semiconductors.
• Experience with yield analysis software and database, with demonstrated statistical capabilities.
• Knowledge of CMOS basics and device physics, BiCMOS knowledge, and high-voltage device physics including DMOS planar technology, with high-voltage and high-power testing experience.
• Familiarity with reliability testing methodologies, basic failure analysis principles and techniques, automated test equipment, wafer sort, and final test.
• Automotive quality experience is a plus.
• Ability to demonstrate strong problem-solving skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.

As the Characterization Engineer, this role designs, debugs, and brings up silicon validation board-level hardware, developing automated regression test suites in TestStand and Python to support post-silicon validation. The validation team relies on this work to correlate bench results against datasheet specifications and to resolve analog, digital, and hardware tool issues quickly.

Activities

• Design, develop, and debug silicon validation board-level hardware and bring-up platforms.
• Debug analog and digital silicon issues, board issues, and validation software and hardware tool issues, finding collaborative solutions to complex problems.
• Develop and execute tests on the lab bench per the validation and characterization plan during post-silicon phases to ensure functionality and performance against the datasheet.
• Develop automated test frameworks and regression test suites in TestStand, Python, or LabVIEW to optimize validation efficiency.
• Work with validation and production test peers to implement best practices and continuous improvements to validation methodologies.
• Collaborate closely with IC design engineers, systems engineers, and application engineers to understand requirements and use cases.
• Analyze test results and identify failures and defects using business intelligence tools such as Spotfire.
• Develop and work with supporting hardware, including FPGA, DSP, ARM, 8051, and JTAG debuggers, and software, including C, Assembly, and scripts.
• Develop tests and work on testing platforms including NI-STS, HSDIO, DSA, and bench-top equipment.
• Interface with customers on customer issues.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 5 or more years of experience in an IC Product Engineering role.
• Able to handle engineering tasks combining experience in characterization, failure analysis, test development, statistical analysis, and customer support.
• Mixed-signal background with experience in power analysis.
• Experience with production mixed-signal IC testers such as NI-STS, including HSDIO, DSA, and FPGA PXI instrumentation.
• Ability to organize assignments and schedule time to complete work within established timelines.
• Good communication skills and ability to collaborate with others to solve routine problems.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and diagnostic skills.

Characterization Engineer builds 3D computer vision algorithms to evaluate and validate sensing technologies across AR and VR hardware platforms, integrating sensor data into statistical analysis pipelines. Success in the position means collaborating with computer vision, software, and hardware teams to debug integrated sensor systems and deliver characterization software that generates standardized reports.

Operational Focus

• Design and implement 3D computer vision algorithms to evaluate, characterize, and validate various sensing technologies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with computer vision, software, and hardware teams to explore and evaluate new sensing technologies.
• Integrate sensor data into a data analysis software pipeline and perform statistical and other analyses.
• Develop characterization and metrology capabilities for a broad range of parameters across multiple sensors.
• Test and capture sensor data, and debug issues with integrated sensor systems.
• Work with unfamiliar hardware at the BSP or SDK level to evaluate performance of various systems.
• Develop characterization software to establish a standard set of data analysis tools for generating reports.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Optics preferred.
• 4 or more years of experience in applied research or product development of characterization systems.
• 4 or more years of experience working directly with hardware systems such as depth sensors, cameras, imaging devices, or displays.
• Hands-on laboratory or factory experience with mechanical and electrical hardware bring-up and debug.
• Experience troubleshooting hardware.
• Experience with depth sensors and laser systems.
• Knowledge of low-level BSP programming.
• Experience coding in C or C++.
• 5 or more years of experience coding in MATLAB.
• Experience with control systems such as Git or SVN.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams.

The Laser Characterization Engineer develops electro-optical test platforms for VCSEL devices at wafer and subassembly levels, calibrating equipment and analyzing device performance data. Reporting to the R&D and production teams, this Laser Characterization Engineer performs root cause analysis of device failures and recommends structural improvements based on characterization findings.

Key Deliverables

• Develop a test and characterization platform for VCSEL devices, on wafer and subassembly levels, including test equipment and component sourcing, hardware integration, and automation.
• Perform hands-on electro-optical characterization of device performance and prepare characterization reports.
• Write and debug test programs for device characterization.
• Calibrate and maintain characterization setups and test equipment.
• Interface with vendors and internal engineers to design and procure test equipment and test fixtures.
• Analyze test data, perform root cause analysis of device failures, and define solutions.
• Recommend improvements to device structure based on characterization data.
• Develop new techniques to streamline the characterization process.
• Identify and resolve device performance issues promptly.
• Present test results in an accurate and clear manner.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of academic or semiconductor manufacturing experience.
• Experience in testing and characterization of electronic or optical components, preferably semiconductor lasers or LEDs.
• Experience with RF and short pulse (ns) signals.
• Experience with electro-optical test equipment.
• Hands-on experience with machine troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance.
• Good understanding of semiconductor laser diode physics and laser diode characteristics, including electrical, optical, spectral, and thermal properties.
• Good knowledge of optics and RF.
• Strong debugging skills in hardware and software.
• Good programming skills and test automation experience with MATLAB, LabVIEW, Python, or C++, or similar tools.
• Experience with JMP, Minitab, or similar statistical software.
• Good computer skills in Microsoft Office, especially MS Excel.
• Strong presentation and communication skills.

Embedded within the sensor fusion and quality teams, the Characterization Engineer refines test and characterization procedures for internal setups, serving as an interface to external test houses during product qualification. Working closely with quality and operations groups, this Characterization Engineer reviews product documentation, identifies sensor limitations, and recommends equipment improvements based on characterization data.

Areas of Ownership

• Write, debug, and execute test and characterization procedures for internal setups and equipment to determine device performance.
• Serve as interface to external test houses during the product qualification phase.
• Specify and implement new test setups based on application and NPI requirements.
• Support the sensor fusion team with data analysis and result review.
• Prepare and present characterization reports in an accurate and clear manner.
• Review and improve product documentation and datasheets based on the latest findings.
• Identify limitations and possible enhancements of sensors based on characterization data.
• Recommend and implement improvements to characterization equipment, setups, and procedures.
• Cooperate with the quality and operations team on legacy products during continuous improvement and in cases of customer complaints.
• Support root cause analysis of device failures and definition of improvements.

Education & Experience

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, or a comparable engineering discipline.
• Hands-on know-how in sensor and semiconductor technology.
• Experience working with international teams.
• Active participation in a development team for new product introduction.
• Effective written and oral communication skills in English.
• Knowledge of the German language is preferred.

Reporting to the fab quality organization, the Characterization Engineer oversees all metrology equipment across the fab, including AVI, AFM, SEM, and XRD systems supporting ISO9001 and IATF16949 standards. Partnering with process technicians, this Characterization Engineer advances SPC monitoring and trains new engineers on tool optimization across the fab floor.

Role Responsibilities

• Develop and own the automated visual inspection (AVI) process.
• Manage all metrology equipment across the fab, including AVI, AFM, ellipsometer, XRD, SEM, white light interferometer, and measurement microscopes.
• Conduct MSA and GR&R studies supporting ISO9001 and IATF16949 quality standards.
• Support quality programs, both sustaining and in preparation for major audits or certifications.
• Monitor and implement SPC toward continuous improvement of laser products.
• Build understanding of how process steps impact laser performance and reliability through metrology.
• Specify, procure, and bring up new characterization equipment.
• Train new engineers and process technicians and develop work instructions.
• Implement hands-on process improvements and tool optimization, spending significant time on the fab floor.

Background & Experience

• Graduate degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or another relevant physical science.
• Industry experience in semiconductor manufacturing or a university lab is a plus.
• Experience with characterization processes and tools such as AVI tools, SEM, AFM, profilometers, ellipsometers, XRD, interferometers, and optical CMM or CD microscopes.
• Experience with large datasets and process analysis using software such as JMP or Minitab.
• Experience in a quality-certified environment, such as ISO9001, 5S, 8D, or Lean Six Sigma.
• Willing to work in a startup environment outside the scope of standard job duties and experience.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with minimal guidance.

Sitting at the intersection of device modeling and power semiconductor test, the Staff Power Characterization Engineer develops equipment and software to characterize power devices, supporting compact and behavioral model creation for the modeling group. Operating across test structure design and novel device evaluation, this Staff Power Characterization Engineer mentors junior engineers and resolves production yield issues.

Job Functions

• Lead projects in power IC electrical characterization.
• Lead and support development and implementation of equipment and software in a lab environment to characterize power semiconductor devices efficiently.
• Support characterization for the modeling group to create custom compact and behavioral models.
• Support the modeling group in answering questions from design about product behavior, driving continuous improvement of model prediction capability.
• Coordinate with the modeling group and device development group, understanding test structure layout and goals so characterization supports those goals.
• Lead the development of novel test solutions focused on the characterization of novel power semiconductor devices, pushing the envelope of product performance.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and technicians in the characterization group.
• Support quick resolution of production yield or performance problems as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• 8 or more years of experience in electrically characterizing devices.
• Strong experience in labs specifying and setting up equipment and software for semiconductor power device data acquisition, including automating data acquisition to improve efficiency.
• Experience with integrated UHV processes preferred.
• Experience with compound semiconductor devices is a plus.
• Experience with LabVIEW or scripting is a strong plus.
• Experience with IC-CAP or automating data analysis is a plus.