Principal Test Engineer

About the job

Company Description Renesas is a global semiconductor company providing hardware and software solutions for advanced automotive, industrial, infrastructure, data-centre and smart-home applications. We are a dynamic, multicultural technology company where employees learn, mentor, innovate and thrive while helping shape what is next in electronics.

Job Description IFI (India for India) organization is seeking a Principal Test Engineer to define and deliver robust, cost-effective production test solutions for new semiconductor products from concept through mass production and sustaining support. In this lead role, the principal test engineer owns the test strategy, ATE test development, test hardware, test validation, qualification and production release, test-cost optimization and industrial activities. Key Responsibilities

- Define the production test strategy and manufacturing test flow for assigned products including tester selection

- Own the test planning

- Provide testability input to DFT, DFM and design reviews before tapeout

- Define detailed test plan covering ATE implementation

- Lead test hardware requirements and development, including loadboards, probe cards, sockets, interface hardware and related fixtures.

- Develop and review ATE test programs, test methods, production patterns and supporting software.

- Lead first-silicon ATE bring-up, test program debug and sample generation.

- Execute ATE characterization across process, voltage and temperature conditions in alignment with the product characterization plan.

- Support qualification and customer sample generation by developing dedicated test programs

- Identify test coverage gaps and potential escapes, then implement containment and permanent corrective actions

- Release qualified test software and hardware into production and support OSAT manufacturing start-up.

- Review and sign off test deliverables

- Drive production ramp readiness reviews and close test-related release risks.

- Reduce test time through method optimization, improved sequencing, multisite efficiency and instrumentation utilization.

- Support customer-return and RMA investigations by reproducing failures and assessing production test coverage. Technical Leadership

- Provide technical direction, sign off reviews

- Lead technical decisions and risk resolution across Design, Product Engineering, Operations, suppliers and OSAT teams including DFX topics

- Fully independent and recognized as subject-matter-expert

- Influence cross-functional teams without direct authority and communicate clearly to the stakeholders.

Qualifications - Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.

- At least 15 years of relevant semiconductor test engineering experience spanning NPI, characterization, qualification, production release and sustaining support.

- Strong knowledge of semiconductor production test methodologies and practical experience developing ATE test solutions.

- Experience with Teradyne J750HD, Advantest V93000 or equivalent ATE platforms.

- Experience developing production test solutions for SoC, MCU products

- Experience with test hardware development, including loadboards, probe cards, sockets and handler/prober interfaces.

- Strong programming skills

- Experience driving manufacturing release at OSATs

- Experience with data-analysis and yield-management tools such as JMP, PDF Exensio, Python or equivalent platforms.

- Strong analytical, technical leadership, planning, communication and problem-solving skills.

Additional Information Renesas is an embedded semiconductor solution provider driven by its Purpose, To Make Our Lives Easier . With a global team of over 21,000 engineers and problem solvers in more than 30 countries, we offer the opportunity to work on world‑leading technology for Automotive, Industrial, Infrastructure, and IoT, shaping a safer, healthier, greener, and smarter future. At Renesas, TAGIE is our culture, grounded in being Transparent, Agile, Global, Innovative, and Entrepreneurial. It shapes how we work, grow and deliver on our purpose together. This collaborative spirit and mindset drive our semiconductor technology to transform industries and impact millions of lives. We believe in rewarding our employees with a competitive benefits package alongside their salary. More information will be provided during the hiring process. Are you ready to join our team and shape the future with us? 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 .