Senior/Staff CHAR Engineer

Overview

At PDF Solutions, we are at the forefront of revolutionizing the semiconductor industry. Our cutting-edge technologies and data-driven solutions empower semiconductor manufacturers to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency, quality, and innovation. By joining our team, you'll have the opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry, tackle complex challenges, and contribute to groundbreaking advancements that shape the future of technology. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, PDF Solutions also operates worldwide in Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.

Provide accurate, thorough, and timely electrical characterization (CHAR) data analysis to support client teams in resolving yield, performance, and reliability challenges. Leverage deep device and parametric analysis expertise to identify root causes and drive actionable insights, while contributing to the continuous enhancement of analysis methodologies and technical capabilities within PDF Solutions.

Responsibilities

• Partner with cross-functional teams (device engineering, test, yield, and customer-facing consultants) to define data sources, characterization objectives, analysis methodologies, and deliverable formats aligned to project timelines.
• Apply and continuously refine standardized electrical characterization and parametric analysis methodologies while adapting to technology node, device architecture, and customer-specific requirements.
• Analyze and interpret parametric test data (e.g., IV, CV, reliability, variability metrics), identifying sources of variation across process, design, test conditions, and data integrity. Proactively troubleshoot data anomalies including probe/test issues, data pipeline errors, and process-induced variability.
• Collaborate closely with test engineers, product engineers, and design teams to debug silicon issues, validate test structures, and ensure data quality and measurement accuracy.
• Develop, customize, and optimize analysis workflows, scripts, and reporting templates (e.g., JMP, Python, MATLAB) to improve efficiency, scalability, and repeatability of characterization analysis.
• Perform rigorous quality checks on analysis outputs to ensure technical accuracy, statistical relevance, and clarity of insights for engineering and customer stakeholders.
• Benchmark results against historical data, baseline models, and expected device behavior; identify deviations, trends, and early indicators of yield or reliability risks.
• Synthesize complex datasets into clear, actionable insights and communicate findings through well-structured reports and presentations to internal teams and external clients.
• Lead or support advanced analyses including DOE (Design of Experiments), correlation studies across multiple data sources (fab, test, reliability), and time-based performance tracking.

Qualifications

• Electrical Characterization (CHAR) Expertise
  Strong hands-on experience with parametric test data (IV, CV, Idsat, Vt, leakage, variability, reliability) and deep understanding of device behavior across silicon.
• Semiconductor Device Physics & Process Knowledge
  Solid grounding in MOSFET/device physics and process integration, with the ability to link electrical signatures to process variations and yield impact.
• Advanced Data Analysis & Statistics
  Proven capability in statistical analysis, variability characterization, and Design of Experiments (DOE) to diagnose complex yield and performance issues.
• Programming & Data Tools
  Proficiency in tools such as Python, JMP, MATLAB, or similar for data mining, automation, and large dataset analysis.
• Root Cause Analysis & Debugging
  Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot electrical anomalies across test, probe, and process domains; isolate root causes and drive resolution.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  Experience working with test, product, yield, and design teams to close the loop between silicon data and engineering actions.
• Data Integrity & Validation
  Strong attention to data quality, with the ability to identify inconsistencies from test setup, data pipelines, or measurement artifacts.
• Technical Communication
  Ability to distill complex datasets into clear insights, reports, and presentations for both internal stakeholders and customers.

Nice to have-

• Advanced Node Experience (FinFET / GAA / sub-10nm)
  Familiarity with variability challenges, short-channel effects, and reliability concerns specific to leading-edge technologies.
• Reliability & Failure Analysis Knowledge
  Exposure to TDDB, BTI, HCI, EM, and other reliability mechanisms, with ability to correlate parametric shifts to long-term behavior.
• Test & Measurement Systems
  Experience with ATE platforms, wafer probe, parametric testers, and test structure design.
• Scripting & Automation at Scale
  Ability to build scalable data pipelines, dashboards, or automated reporting solutions for high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Data Visualization & BI Tools
  Experience with tools like Tableau, Spotfire, or similar for interactive analysis and stakeholder reporting.
• Customer-Facing Experience
  Ability to present technical findings directly to customers and support external engagements.
• Machine Learning / Advanced Analytics (Emerging)
  Exposure to predictive modeling or anomaly detection techniques applied to semiconductor data.

Pay Range

USD $140,000.00 - USD $210,000.00 /Yr.