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Device Characterization Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

onsemi

Device Characterization Engineer

Hopewell, NY · On-site

$88K - $142K/yr

onsemi is seeking a highly motivated Semiconductor Device Characterization Engineer at Hopewell Junctions, New York. to support high-volume manufacturing and new technology development activities.

OMNIVISION

Design Characterization Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Description We are seeking a highly skilled Design Characterization Engineer to join our fast-paced ... device physics * Proficiency with Python and/or MATLAB for data analysis and automation

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Device Characterization Engineer information

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How much do device characterization engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for device characterization engineer in the United States is $82,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $95,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a characterization engineer do?

A characterization engineer tests and analyzes electronic devices, such as semiconductors or integrated circuits, to ensure they meet performance specifications. They use specialized equipment and software to measure parameters like speed, power consumption, and reliability, often working closely with design and manufacturing teams. This role requires strong analytical skills and knowledge of testing tools and industry standards.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior device characterization engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills in semiconductor testing, and expertise in tools like SPICE or MATLAB, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles in specialized fields such as semiconductor, aerospace, or software engineering may also reach this compensation level, often requiring advanced degrees and certifications. Salary varies based on industry, location, and company size.

What does a Device Characterization Engineer do?

A Device Characterization Engineer is responsible for testing and analyzing the electrical and physical properties of electronic devices, such as semiconductors or integrated circuits, to ensure they meet performance specifications. They design experiments, set up test equipment, collect data, and interpret results to identify any issues or improvements needed in device performance. Their work is essential in the development and manufacturing of reliable, high-quality electronic components used in a wide range of applications. This role often requires a strong background in electrical engineering, materials science, and data analysis.

What is the difference between Device Characterization Engineer vs Test Engineer?

AspectDevice Characterization EngineerTest Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D centers, semiconductor fabsManufacturing facilities, labs, product testing environments
Industry UsageSemiconductors, electronics, hardware developmentElectronics manufacturing, consumer electronics, hardware testing
Primary FocusAnalyzing and characterizing device performance and parametersTesting products to ensure functionality and quality

The Device Characterization Engineer focuses on detailed analysis and measurement of device properties, often working in R&D and labs. In contrast, the Test Engineer emphasizes testing finished products or components during manufacturing to ensure quality. Both roles require technical expertise but serve different stages of product development and testing processes.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Device characterization engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills in semiconductor testing, and proficiency with specialized measurement tools, can earn $200,000 or more annually. Salaries vary based on industry, location, and level of expertise, with senior roles often reaching or exceeding this threshold.

What are some typical challenges Device Characterization Engineers face when working with new semiconductor technologies?

Device Characterization Engineers often encounter challenges such as developing measurement techniques for novel device architectures, interpreting complex electrical data, and ensuring measurement accuracy under varying environmental conditions. Collaborating closely with process engineers and designers is essential to troubleshoot unexpected device behavior and optimize test protocols. Staying current with rapidly evolving semiconductor technologies and tools is also crucial for success in this dynamic role.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Device Characterization Engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common among executive roles or specialized senior engineers in high-demand industries. Top-tier engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in semiconductor testing, and leadership responsibilities may reach high six-figure or low seven-figure compensation, often including bonuses and stock options.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Device Characterization Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Device Characterization Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering or physics, with expertise in semiconductor device physics and measurement techniques. Familiarity with lab equipment such as probe stations, parameter analyzers, and data analysis tools like MATLAB or Python, as well as experience with relevant industry standards, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate device evaluation, clear reporting of results, and successful collaboration within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
More about Device Characterization Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Device Characterization Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Device Characterization Engineer jobs are:
Device Characterization Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Device Characterization Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,636 per year, or $39.7 per hour.
Device Characterization Engineer

Device Characterization Engineer

onsemi

Hopewell, NY • On-site

$88K - $142K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Onsemi rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


onsemi is seeking a highly motivated Semiconductor Device Characterization Engineer at Hopewell Junctions, New York. to support high-volume manufacturing and new technology development activities. Expertise in trench MOSFET and/or IGBT is desired. This role serves as a critical technical resource for electrical characterization, data analysis, process evaluation, and manufacturing decision support during non-standard operating hours, providing rapid response to production and quality issues.
The successful candidate will leverage device physics knowledge, statistical analysis, and electrical characterization expertise to evaluate product performance, disposition manufacturing holds, assess process changes, and drive timely technical decisions that maintain product quality and manufacturing continuity.
Responsibilities
  • Electrical characterization activities for trench MOSFET, IGBT, and related power semiconductor technologies.
  • Analyze parametric, probe, final test, reliability, and failure analysis data to identify trends, excursions, and process-induced performance shifts.
  • Provide technical assessment and disposition recommendations for manufacturing lot holds, process deviations, and electrical outliers.
  • Serve as the primary engineering resource for rapid investigation of production issues requiring immediate technical evaluation.
  • Evaluate the impact of process changes, equipment modifications, material changes, and process excursions on device performance and reliability.
  • Develop and execute characterization plans to support process qualification, technology transfers, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Correlate wafer sort, package test, reliability, and device characterization data to determine root causes of electrical performance variations.
  • Collaborate with process integration, device engineering, yield engineering, quality, reliability, test engineering, and manufacturing teams to resolve issues and drive corrective actions.
  • Perform statistical analysis using large datasets to identify yield detractors and opportunities for process optimization.
  • Actively monitor and react to key device parameters
  • Generate concise technical reports and communicate findings, risks, and recommendations to management and cross-functional teams.
  • Support reliability investigations and customer-facing quality issues when device characterization expertise is required.
  • Drive implementation of automated data analysis and characterization methodologies to improve engineering response times.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Semiconductor Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
  • Minimum 2+ years of experience in semiconductor device engineering, characterization engineering, product engineering, or a related role.
  • Strong understanding of power semiconductor device physics and operation
  • Experience analyzing manufacturing and characterization datasets for device performance assessment and process monitoring.
  • Demonstrated experience evaluating manufacturing excursions through FMEA and making technically sound disposition decisions.
  • Strong understanding of semiconductor fabrication processes and their impact on device electrical performance.
  • Experience with electrical characterization equipment and semiconductor parametric measurement techniques.
  • Knowledge of statistical analysis tools and methodologies.
  • Excellent problem-solving, root-cause analysis, and decision-making skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
  • Experience supporting high-volume semiconductor manufacturing operations.
  • Familiarity with reliability qualification standards and methodologies.
  • Experience with wafer acceptance testing, process control monitoring, and electrical yield analysis.
  • Working knowledge of TCAD simulation or device modeling tools.
  • Experience using JMP, Minitab, Python, MATLAB, SQL, Spotfire, or similar data analytics platforms.
  • Knowledge of automotive, industrial, or high-reliability power semiconductor products.
  • Experience with 300 mm power semiconductor manufacturing environments.

Salary: onsemi is excited to share the base salary range for this position is$88,700 to $142,000 exclusive of fringe benefits or potential bonuses.The final pay rate for the successful candidate will depend on geographic location, skills, education, experience, and/or consideration of the internal equity of our current team members. We also offer a competitive benefits package. https://www.onsemi.com/site/pdf/Benefits-Summary-USA.pdf
About Us
onsemi (Nasdaq: ON) is driving disruptive innovations to help build a better future. With a focus on automotive and industrial end-markets, the company is accelerating change in megatrends such as vehicle electrification and safety, sustainable energy grids, industrial automation, and 5G and cloud infrastructure. With a highly differentiated and innovative product portfolio, onsemi creates intelligent power and sensing technologies that solve the world's most complex challenges and leads the way in creating a safer, cleaner, and smarter world.
More details about our company benefits can be found here:
https://www.onsemi.com/careers/career-benefits
About the Team
We are committed to sourcing, attracting, and hiring high-performance innovators, while providing all candidates a positive recruitment experience that builds our brand as a great place to work.
onsemi is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact Talent.acquisition@onsemi.com for assistance.

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