CLAWS Electronics Test Engineer

About the Department

North Carolina State University is leading the charge as the recipient of a $39.4 million award from the Department of Defense to establish the regional Microelectronics Commons regional innovation hub, Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors (CLAWS). This initiative, part of the larger $238 million investment through the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act, aims to revolutionize the field of wide bandgap semiconductors. Hub leadership, Distinguished Professors John Muth and Fred Kish, are dedicated to the “lab to fab” journey—translating laboratory advancements into fabrication capabilities for wide bandgap semiconductors. The hub brings together a dynamic partnership with N.C. A&T State University and industry leaders, including Wolfspeed, Coherent Corp., General Electric, Bluglass, Adroit Materials, and Kyma Technologies, Inc. This collaborative effort will propel the development of semiconductors crucial for national defense, electric vehicles, power grid technologies, 5G/6G, quantum technologies, and artificial intelligence applications.

Essential Job Duties

• Execute on-wafer and packaged device tests in state-of-the-art CLAWS test facility (50%)
  • RF devices, including amplifiers, passives, and MMICs. Small signal (S-parameter), load-pull, pulsed I-V, DC characteristics, parametric test, thermal effects.
  • Power devices, including transistors and diodes. DC and switching characteristics of high voltage and high current electronics.
  • Go/No-Go electrical testing of process control monitors.
  • Reconfigure test equipment to support varied test specifications.
• Implement new device/wafer characterization plans, methods for data reduction, and parameter extraction (30%)
  • Support design for test (DFT) initiatives that facilitate high throughput testing.
  • Develop and qualify new test capabilities.
  • Collaborate with MES engineers to integrate test capabilities with centralized data infrastructure.
• Ensure the availability of test equipment and capabilities (20%)
  • Leverage statistical methods to define test capabilities such as GR&R or MSA.
  • Oversee equipment calibrations and apply known-good standards regularly to demonstrate conformance with specifications.
  • Develop and document SOPs, training other users where necessary.
  • Maintain or repair test equipment with support from OEMs. Replace consumables.

Other Responsibilities

• Comply with stated workplace policies.
• Communicate results, plans, and other updates to a variety of audiences.
• Adhere to and mentor others in known best practices.
• Support CLAWS activities such as tours, meetings, and conferences.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education and Experience: M.S. or B.S. in Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on semiconductor devices. 3+ years experience in RF or Power semiconductor device test.
• Other Required Qualifications: The successful candidate must demonstrate: Experience testing power or RF semiconductor devices (on-wafer and packaged). Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to multitask and meet deadlines with moderate supervision. Ability to follow safe procedures for working with semiconductor test equipment, and machine guarding and interlocks. Comfort in collaborating with students, faculty, and staff of varying experience and backgrounds. Eligibility to obtain clearance upon request of the US government.
• Preferred Qualifications: The successful candidate would preferably have additional experience in: RF discrete device, MMIC, and passive components test. Parameter extraction and supporting EDA or PDK. Reliability test. MES and SPC systems. PCB design, build, and test. Standardized tests and methods (e.g., JEDEC, ASTM). Statistical methods (e.g., DOE, GR&R). and tools (e.g., JMP, Minitab). Programming or scripting languages (e.g., Python, JSL, SQL).

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Applicants should upload a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for at least three professional references. Optional documents – you may upload any previous projects as Other Document (1).