Staff Hardware Engineer

Position Summary

Responsible for the design, development, qualification, deployment, and lifecycle support of semiconductor test hardware solutions for wafer sort and final test applications. The role focuses on probe cards, FPCs, daughter cards, sockets, debug hardware, and tester interface solutions, ensuring robust hardware readiness for product qualification, volume production, and manufacturing expansion initiatives.

This role combines deep semiconductor test hardware expertise with the ability to lead hardware projects independently, collaborate across global teams, manage suppliers, solve complex technical issues, and drive hardware solutions from concept to production release. The individual demonstrates strong ownership, excellent communication skills, and a continuous improvement mindset while balancing technical excellence with business and manufacturing needs.

Key Responsibilities

Test Hardware Development

• Design and develop probe cards, daughter cards, FPCs, debug boards, interface hardware, and socket solutions for semiconductor testing.
• Generate and review schematics, layouts, technical specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
• Support hardware optimization for multi-site and high-parallelism test solutions.

Probe Card and FPC Engineering

• Drive probe card and FPC projects from concept through design, vendor engagement, manufacturing, qualification, buyoff, and production release.
• Define technical requirements and coordinate hardware modifications, rewiring activities, and engineering improvements.
• Resolve probe and interconnect related issues affecting yield, leakage, continuity, and qualification performance.

Hardware Qualification and Buyoff

• Execute hardware verification and qualification activities.
• Support engineering buyoff reviews and release readiness assessments.
• Investigate qualification failures and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure hardware meets product and manufacturing requirements before deployment.

Manufacturing Expansion Support

• Support new manufacturing site readiness programs through hardware development and deployment activities.
• Coordinate hardware requirements for production transfers and capacity expansion initiatives.
• Ensure timely delivery and qualification of test hardware required for manufacturing ramps.

Technical Problem Solving

• Troubleshoot complex hardware related issues.
• Perform root cause analysis on hardware failures and qualification issues.
• Recommend and implement design improvements to enhance test robustness and reliability.

Vendor and Supplier Management

• Work closely with external suppliers and engineering partners on hardware design, fabrication, repair, and qualification activities.
• Manage RFQs, technical reviews, supplier discussions, and delivery follow-up.
• Evaluate supplier solutions and ensure compliance with project requirements.

PCSF and Documentation Management

• Create, maintain, review, and release Probe Card Specification Form (PCSF)
• Support hardware configuration management and release processes.
• Ensure engineering documentation is properly maintained within corporate systems.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Product Engineering, Test Engineering, Manufacturing, NPI, Operations, and external vendors.
• Provide technical guidance during project planning, qualification, and production support activities.
• Support multiple concurrent product and platform development projects.

Key Deliverables

• Probe cards qualified and released for production.
• Fixed Probe Card (FPC) designed, fabricated, and deployed.
• Daughter cards, debug boards, and hardware interfaces completed on schedule.
• PCSF documentation created and maintained.
• Manufacturing readiness hardware delivered for production ramps.
• Hardware qualification issues resolved and closed.

Required Technical Skills

• Semiconductor test hardware development.
• Probe card technology.
• Fixed Probe Card (FPC) design and qualification.
• Tester interface hardware development.
• Hardware debugging and failure analysis.
• Qualification and buyoff processes.
• Engineering change management.
• Supplier technical management.
• Documentation and specification control.
• Project coordination across multiple stakeholders.
• Understanding of statistical analysis and measurement uncertainty principles
• Understanding of industrial, automotive and consumer market requirements

Soft skills

• Minimum 7 years of experience in semiconductor industry with focus on test hardware design.
• Bachelor or Master degree in Electronic Engineering.
• Fluent communication skills in English language
• Candidate to be technically inclined and to have excellent problem solving skills.
• Able to build good relationships between cross functional teams.
• Fast learner and needs to be self-motivated.
• Demonstrate open mindedness, and an eagerness to learn and think outside the box
• Be passionate about new, innovative methods and technologies
• Demonstrate an ability to work in teams and collaborate effectively with people in different functions
• Demonstrates commitment to delivering quality results within agreed timelines.
• Escalates issues appropriately and follows through until resolution.
• Demonstrate an ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment.
• Capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
• Effectively balances urgent production support with long-term development activities.
• Maintains clear visibility of project status, dependencies, and risks.
• Communicates technical concepts clearly to engineers, managers, suppliers, and manufacturing teams.
• Produces concise and accurate technical documentation, reports, and specifications.
• Provides regular project updates and effectively drives technical discussions.

Talent acquisition based on Nexperia vacancies is not appreciated. Nexperia job adverts are Nexperia copyright © material and the word Nexperia® is a registered trademark.

D&I Statement

As an equal-opportunity employer, Nexperia values diversity not just because it is the right thing to do but because diverse teams perform better. We are dedicated to being inclusive, and a proof point of this dedication is that we were the main partner of the very first Dutch Paralympic Team NL House during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all, and we consider all applicants fairly, as well as providing a safe work environment and reasonable adjustments where requested.

In addition, we offer our colleagues the possibility to join employee resource groups such as the Pride Network Group or global and local Women's groups. Nexperia is committed to increasing women in management positions to 30% by 2030.