Validation/Characterization Engineer

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About the Team

This role is in the HVDC datacenter product line where we are working on designing the chips needed for the next generation of AI datacenter power supplies. This is a high visibility and high growth product area. The product line develops both 400V GaN power stages as well as low-voltage synchronous rectifiers.  We are looking for a validation engineer that will lead the validation efforts across both the primary-side 400V GaN power stages and the secondary low-voltage synchronous rectifiers, playing a critical part in bringing next-generation AI datacenter power solutions to market.

Job Responsibilities

As a Validation Engineer, your primary responsibility is to ensure the product meets its specifications as defined in the datasheet and VVCM (validation/verification compliance matrix). Beyond specification compliance, you are responsible for ensuring device functionality is fully characterized and validated across real-world system-level use cases.  In order to achieve this, validation engineers design PCB boards and develop automation software to increase coverage and reduce data collection time.  You will also work closely with design, systems, and application engineers to drive root cause analysis on failures and influence product improvements based on validation findings. 

As a member of the HVDC new product development execution team, you will be responsible for validating both the 400V GaN power stages and the low voltage synchronous rectifiers.  Validation work will involve the following:

1. Work with the product definition and design team before device availability to thoroughly understand validation requirements, including device-level and system-level specifications.
2. Define, own, and drive a comprehensive validation test plan and schedule that covers every specification in the VVCM, the datasheet, and required functional tests, ensuring full traceability and on‑time delivery of results.
3. Design and build validation PCBs using Cadence Allegro X that meet high-voltage signal and power integrity requirements for the GaN power stages and high-current requirements for the low-voltage synchronous rectifiers, while leveraging and integrating with existing validation hardware infrastructure.
4. Build reusable, automated test sequences using NI TestStand and LabVIEW to execute the validation plan, collect characterization data across multiple devices and test conditions, and drive execution of all functional tests. 
5. Analyze characterization data collected across multiple devices and test conditions against VVCM specifications to assess device compliance, verify that all functional tests have defined pass/fail criteria, and confirm all tests have passed prior to validation sign-off. 
6. Drive cross-functional reviews covering validation hardware, test results, and debug findings with stakeholders across design, systems, applications, and test engineering teams. 
7. Perform datasheet plot generation; apply statistical analysis (distributions, Cpk, limit capability) to assess spec margins and drive datasheet limit decisions.
8. Investigate unexpected behavior when observed during validation through structured design of experiments (DoE) to narrow down the root cause — whether an error in stimulus, error in hardware, or a suspect on-device circuit block — and drive resolution with the design team.
9. Maintain clear, thorough documentation of validation test plans, test procedures, and debug findings. 
10. Author concise validation summaries that include all test results for cross-functional reviews and program records.

Minimum requirements:

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field of study
• 3+ years of relevant semiconductor industry experience in Characterization or Validation
• Proficiency with lab instrumentation: oscilloscopes, SMUs, DMMs, signal generators, power supplies, and NI PXI system
• Experience developing test automation using Python, NI TestStand, LabVIEW

Preferred qualifications:

Domain Knowledge & Interpersonal

• Experience testing high‑voltage GaN power stages and low‑voltage synchronous rectifiers—including COSS, double‑pulse test, SOA, and I_DSAT measurements—is a strong plus.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, results‑driven development environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in diagnosing and resolving complex hardware, software, and device-level issues using systematic debugging methodologies and root-cause analysis. 
• Strong hands-on laboratory skills, including proficient soldering, board bring up, and equipment setup for validation testing. 
• Ability to establish strong relationships with key stakeholders critical to success, both internally and externally. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-driven with a strong sense of ownership — able to independently plan and execute validation work from test plan definition through sign-off with minimal direction.

Hardware

• Hands-on PCB design experience using Cadence Allegro X.
• Understanding of power electronics layout fundamentals specifically for GaN FETs.
• Experience working with high-voltage power circuits in a lab environment.

Software

• Proficiency with Python/NI TestStand/LabVIEW for automated data collection and test sequence development.
• Familiarity with validation compliance tracking tools
• Experience with Git or equivalent version control system

Data Analysis

• Experience with Spotfire or equivalent tool for data visualization and analysis
• Experience generating datasheet-quality characterization plots from data
• Working knowledge of statistical methods for limit validation: distribution analysis, Cpk, and specification capability