Principal Test Engineer

Renesas is seeking a highly experienced Principal Test Engineer to drive advanced test development for new products within the Performance Computing Power (PCP) business unit in Catania, Italy.

This role is a key technical position combining deep hands-on expertise with strategic influence across product development and production. As a senior individual contributor, the selected candidate will define and lead test methodologies, guide complex technical decisions, and act as a reference point for the broader engineering team.

You will work on cutting-edge power management solutions, including multiphase controllers, smart power stages, and 48v system power regulators.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end test strategy definition for new product development, ensuring scalability, quality, and cost efficiency
• Define and drive adoption of best-in-class test methodologies, test plan development, DFT approaches, and ATE hardware design
• Act as technical leader and mentor for test engineers, supporting capability growth across the team
• Ensure robust production release, including high coverage, test time optimization, and manufacturability
• Lead root cause analysis and yield improvement initiatives, applying advanced statistical and data-driven techniques
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Design, Product Engineering, Operations, and Quality teams worldwide
• Provide technical leadership in customer interactions, escalations, and quality investigations
• Influence test roadmap and long-term strategy, aligning with business and product requirements
• Support cost reduction initiatives through test optimization and efficiency improvements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical/computer engineering (master’s preferred)
• Typically 12+ years of experience in test engineering for analog/mixed-signal or power management ICs
• Extensive expertise in ATE test development (Advantest 93K, Teradyne/Eagle, SPEA, COHU)
• Strong knowledge of DFT techniques, test coverage analysis, and production flows
• Proven experience in complex product bring-up, debug, and production ramp
• Advanced skills in data analysis, statistical methods, and yield optimization
• Strong programming skills C/C++, python or similar is a plus
• Deep understanding of ATE instrumentation, signal integrity, and hardware design constraints
• Experience in debugging analog and mixed-signal systems, including serial interfaces

Key Competencies

• Strong technical leadership without formal people management responsibility
• Ability to work independently and drive complex problems to resolution
• Strategic mindset with attention to technical details
• Excellent communication skills in global, cross-functional environments
• Capability to mentor engineers and elevate overall team performance

The expected annual pay range for this position is €74,000–€100,000. Please note that the final offer will depend on factors such as geographic location, relevant experience, and the candidate’s skill set. This role is also eligible for a bonus.

Renesas is an embedded semiconductor solution provider driven by its Purpose ‘To Make Our Lives Easier.’ As the industry’s leading expert in embedded processing with unmatched quality and system-level know-how, we have evolved to provide scalable and comprehensive semiconductor solutions for automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and IoT industries based on the broadest product portfolio, including High Performance Computing, Embedded Processing, Analog & Connectivity, and Power.
 
With a diverse team of over 21,000 professionals in more than 30 countries, we continue to expand our boundaries to offer enhanced user experiences through digitalization and usher into a new era of innovation. We design and develop sustainable, power-efficient solutions today that help people and communities thrive tomorrow, ‘To Make Our Lives Easier.’     
 
At Renesas, you can: 

• Launch and advance your career in technical and business roles across four Product Groups and various corporate functions. You will have the opportunities to explore our hardware and software capabilities and try new things.  

• Make a real impact by developing innovative products and solutions to meet our global customers' evolving needs and help make people’s lives easier, safe and secure. 

• Maximize your performance and wellbeing in our flexible and inclusive work environment. Our people-first culture and global support system, including the remote work option and Employee Resource Groups, will help you excel from the first day.    

Are you ready to own your success and make your mark?  

Join Renesas. Let’s Shape the Future together.  

Renesas Electronics is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to supporting diversity and fostering a work environment free of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. For more information, please read our Diversity & Inclusion Statement.