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Freelance Probe Card Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Advantest

Lead Application Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Guide ATE system configuration, load board and probe card design, and test interface integration ... Work closely with engineering teams across Europe, Asia, and North America. * Conduct customer ...

Nokia

Senior ATE Wafer Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Knowledge of automated test equipment (ATE) platforms, probe card development, software and ... Some experience with scripting and simple programming skills. * Critical thinking skills to debug ...

Nokia

Senior ATE Wafer Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Knowledge of automated test equipment (ATE) platforms, probe card development, software and ... Some experience with scripting and simple programming skills. * Critical thinking skills to debug ...

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Freelance Probe Card Engineer information

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$132

How much do freelance probe card engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance probe card engineer in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance Probe Card Engineers when working with multiple clients?

Freelance Probe Card Engineers often juggle projects for several clients, each with distinct testing requirements, timelines, and communication styles. Managing these diverse expectations while ensuring high-quality, timely delivery can be challenging. Additionally, remote collaboration with in-house engineering teams requires strong organizational and communication skills to keep all stakeholders aligned and to clarify technical specifications. Staying up to date with evolving semiconductor technologies and industry standards is also crucial to remain competitive and deliver effective solutions.

What is a Freelance Probe Card Engineer?

A Freelance Probe Card Engineer is a specialized professional who designs, develops, and tests probe cards used in semiconductor wafer testing, working independently rather than as a full-time employee for a single company. Probe cards are essential tools that facilitate electrical testing of semiconductor devices during manufacturing. As a freelancer, this engineer may take on projects from multiple clients, often providing services such as probe card design, troubleshooting, performance optimization, and technical consulting. Their work ensures the quality and reliability of semiconductor chips before they are packaged and shipped. Freelance roles offer flexibility and the opportunity to work with a variety of clients and technologies in the semiconductor industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Probe Card Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Probe Card Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, semiconductor testing, and probe card design, often supported by a relevant degree and industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software, wafer probing systems, and semiconductor test equipment is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective client communication set standout professionals apart in this field. These skills are crucial for delivering precise, reliable probe card solutions that meet client specifications in a highly technical and competitive industry.

What is the difference between Freelance Probe Card Engineer vs Contract Probe Card Engineer?

AspectFreelance Probe Card EngineerContract Probe Card Engineer
CredentialsRelevant technical certifications, industry experienceSame as freelance, often with additional contractual agreements
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote or on-site, project-basedOn-site or remote, typically through staffing agencies
Employer/Industry UsageFreelance platforms, direct clients, consulting firmsElectronics manufacturers, staffing agencies, contract firms

Both roles require technical expertise in probe card design and testing, with similar credentials. The key difference lies in employment status: Freelance Probe Card Engineers work independently on a project basis, while Contract Probe Card Engineers are hired through agencies or companies for fixed-term contracts. Understanding these distinctions helps professionals choose the right engagement type for their career goals.

More about Freelance Probe Card Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Probe Card Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Probe Card Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Probe Card Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Probe Card Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Probe Card Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Probe Card Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Probe Card Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Probe Card Engineer jobs are:
Freelance Probe Card Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Probe Card Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 2% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Lead Application Engineer

Advantest

San Jose, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Description:
We are seeking a highly experienced Lead Application Engineer to join Advantest to develop cutting-edge test solutions across the entire test ecosystem including wafer test, package test, and system level test. This role is tailored for a deeply technical individual with advanced knowledge of test solutions of entire integrated test cells and hands-on expertise with sophisticated test equipment like the Advantest V93000, engineering handlers, load boards, probe cards, and exceptional customer-facing capabilities. You will work on cutting-edge technologies, delivering high-performance test solutions on the Advantest V93000 platform as well as other leading Advantest products.
This is a high-impact opportunity to define Advantest's application engineering strategy and contribute to test innovation at the highest technical level. Join us to shape the future of semiconductor testing with creativity, technical depth, and global collaboration.
Responsibilities:
Technical Leadership & System Strategy:
  • Translate customer requirements into optimized test solutions.
  • Architect, develop, and debug test programs for complex devices
  • Guide ATE system configuration, load board and probe card design, and test interface integration.
  • Provide roadmap feedback and contribute to technical direction in collaboration with R&D and marketing teams.

Application & Customer Engagement:
  • Act as a principal technical contact for pre- and post-collaboration engagements.
  • Support customer/partner installations, test program bring-up, and correlation activities.
  • Work closely with engineering teams across Europe, Asia, and North America.
  • Conduct customer demos, and technical deep-dives.

Product & Solution Development:
  • Deliver complete test solutions.
  • Develop test programs.
  • Understand and analyze load board schematics and test interface topologies.
  • Ability to run correlations and utilize important data analysis skills

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field; MS preferred.
  • 7+ years of hands-on ATE and test development experience
  • Strong proficiency in test development using Java, Python, C++, Linux and automation scripting.
  • Deep understanding of test architecture and test techniques.
  • Ability to analyze schematics, evaluate signal integrity, and apply de-embedding methods.
  • Familiarity with test sockets, probe cards, and probe technologies.
  • Strong customer engagement and presentation skills.
  • Willingness to travel up to 25% to support customers and internal sites.

Additional Skills Preferred (but not required):
  • Experience with V93000 platform, SmarTest and test solutions.
  • Exposure to signal integrity design, simulation, and measurement.
  • Prior experience working in a global engineering team or environment

Apply