ATE Test Engineer

ATE Test Engineer - Bristol 

I am recruiting for an experienced ATE Test Engineer to support the launch and production of cutting-edge semiconductor products. This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands-on professional to be at the forefront of new product introduction, silicon validation, and production ramp-up in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

As an ATE Test Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring that test strategies are both comprehensive and cost-effective. Working closely with outsourced test partners, you will contribute to all phases of the product lifecycle, from initial silicon characterisation to high-volume manufacturing support.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the first silicon bring-up process by collaborating with design and manufacturing teams to debug initial devices, perform in-depth characterisation, and validate functionality.
• Take ownership of ATE test code development and debugging, ensuring correlation with bench-level results and identifying yield-impacting issues.
• Develop and optimise test flows for both wafer sort and final test, balancing thorough coverage with time and cost efficiency.
• Analyse test data to support yield improvement initiatives, applying statistical analysis and root cause methodologies to refine performance windows.
• Manage relationships with OSAT partners, ensuring smooth production transitions, and implementing improvements to test processes and hardware.
• Design and verify hardware for testing, including load boards and probe cards, to meet mass production requirements.
• Support ongoing test development and provide knowledge transfer to sustaining engineers, ensuring long-term test stability and cost control.

What We’re Looking For

• Degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering (BSc or MSc).
• At least 8 years of industry experience in semiconductor ATE testing, ideally involving NPI and high-volume production.
• Deep technical knowledge of ATE systems, hands-on experience with silicon bring-up, SCAN/MBIST/DDR testing, and characterisation across voltage and temperature ranges.
• Competency in hardware design for testing, including understanding of test interface boards and signal integrity.
• Strong data analysis skills for identifying and solving complex yield and test-related issues.
• Comfortable working across multiple time zones and functions, with excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Willingness to travel for short-term assignments at OSAT sites during key product stages.

Desirable Attributes

• Previous experience liaising with OSAT partners, overseeing test execution and improving efficiency.
• Familiarity with DFT concepts and post-silicon debug practices, including scan diagnostics and memory analysis.
• Ability to work proactively in dynamic environments, demonstrating high levels of ownership and adaptability.

If you're a driven ATE Test Engineer seeking to influence the next generation of semiconductor products, we’d love to hear from you. This role offers a unique blend of technical challenge, cross-functional collaboration, and the opportunity to shape how innovative devices come to life in production.