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Semiconductor Characterization Jobs in California

Nokia

Semi MFG Technician 2

Sunnyvale, CA

Experience and familiarity with compound semiconductor epitaxy equipment, processes, and characterization tools (including photoluminescence and x-ray diffraction) is highly desirable, but not ...

Amat

Manager - FIB Lab Operations

Santa Clara, CA

$147K - $202K/yr

Manage FIB engineers and technicians in utilizing FIB techniques for semiconductor characterization, create new FIB methods on advanced semiconductor applications from logic devices, memory ...

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All JobsSemiconductor Characterization JobsSemiconductor Characterization Jobs in California

Semiconductor Characterization information

See California salary details

$28.9K

$87.5K

$152.8K

How much do semiconductor characterization jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for semiconductor characterization in California is $87,513.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,284.00 and $112,121.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a semiconductor characterization do?

In a Semiconductor Characterization role, your daily tasks often include preparing test setups, performing electrical and physical measurements on semiconductor devices, and analyzing the resulting data to assess performance or reliability. You'll collaborate closely with design engineers and process technologists to interpret test results and troubleshoot any anomalies. Documentation of procedures, maintaining test equipment, and sometimes developing automated test routines are also common responsibilities. This role typically involves both hands-on lab work and detailed data analysis to support ongoing product development and improvement.

What is characterization in the semiconductor characterization industry?

In semiconductor characterization, the job involves analyzing and measuring the electrical, optical, and physical properties of semiconductor devices and materials. This process uses specialized tools such as electron microscopes, spectrometers, and probe stations to ensure device performance and quality meet specifications. Accurate characterization is essential for process development, quality control, and failure analysis in semiconductor manufacturing.

What is a semiconductor characterization?

A Semiconductor Characterization job involves testing and analyzing the electrical, optical, and material properties of semiconductor devices to ensure performance and reliability. Professionals in this role use advanced lab equipment such as probe stations, parameter analyzers, and oscilloscopes to measure key characteristics like mobility, carrier concentration, and defect density. Their work is crucial for optimizing fabrication processes, validating device designs, and troubleshooting issues in semiconductor manufacturing.

Is it hard to get a job in semiconductor characterization?

Securing a job in semiconductor characterization can be competitive and typically requires a background in electrical engineering, materials science, or related fields, along with experience in using testing equipment and analyzing data. Entry-level positions may be accessible with relevant internships or certifications, but advanced roles often demand specialized knowledge and skills. Familiarity with industry tools and a strong understanding of semiconductor processes can improve job prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in semiconductor characterization?

To thrive in Semiconductor Characterization, you need a strong background in materials science, electrical engineering, or physics, along with experience in device testing and data analysis. Proficiency with tools such as semiconductor parameter analyzers, probing stations, and characterization software like LabVIEW or MATLAB is highly valued. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams. These competencies are crucial to ensure accurate device evaluation, efficient troubleshooting, and the reliable reporting of test results in semiconductor development environments.

What are popular job titles related to Semiconductor Characterization jobs in California?

For Semiconductor Characterization jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Semiconductor Characterization jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Semiconductor Characterization jobs in California are:

Semiconductor Characterization jobs near you
Infographic showing various Semiconductor Characterization job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,513 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Senior NPI Test Engineer (Semiconductor)

Elevate Semiconductor

San Diego, CA

$106K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

At Elevate Semiconductor, we design high performance analog and mixed signal integrated circuits for automated test equipment (ATE), helping the world's leading semiconductor companies reduce the cost of test while improving speed, accuracy, and efficiency.

As a growing, engineering driven company, we offer the opportunity to solve complex technical challenges, collaborate with experienced industry leaders, and make a direct impact on products used across the global semiconductor industry.

Elevate Semiconductor is seeking a Senior Test Engineer to lead New Product Introduction (NPI) for precision analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits used in memory, AI, computing, and high-performance automated test equipment (ATE) applications. This role owns the production test strategy from first silicon through high-volume manufacturing and works closely with Design, Product Engineering, Applications, Quality, Operations, and external manufacturing partners to deliver robust, cost-effective production solutions.

Responsibilities

  • Lead NPI activities from first silicon through production release for precision analog and mixed-signal IC products.
  • Develop complete production test solutions for wafer sort and final test using Teradyne UltraFlex IGXL and associated handlers/probers.
  • Correlate bench measurements with ATE results and establish production test limits using statistical analysis and characterization data.
  • Develop and optimize production test programs for precision DACs, current source/sink products, PMICs, analog interface ICs.
  • Design, debug, and validate load boards, probe cards, sockets, and production hardware in collaboration with external vendors.
  • Drive multisite optimization, parallel testing, throughput improvement, and overall manufacturing cost reduction.
  • Perform silicon debug and root-cause analysis for design, process, package, and test related issues.
  • Work closely with IC Design during schematic reviews, silicon bring-up, and Design-for-Test (DFT) planning.
  • Support qualification, reliability, HTOL, characterization, and customer qualification activities.
  • Develop production release documentation including correlation reports, GR&R studies, guard-banding analysis, and manufacturing specifications.
  • Transfer products into OSAT and high-volume manufacturing while providing engineering support during production ramp.
  • Develop automation tools using Python, JMP, and data analytics to improve engineering productivity and manufacturing quality.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
  • 6 plus years of experience in semiconductor test engineering, ideally with analog or mixed signal ICs
  • Experience with Teradyne UltraFlex and or Verigy SmartScale or PinScale platforms
  • Understanding of analog testing principles and methodologies
  • Experience with vector translation tools such as Velocity or Test Insight
  • Familiarity with scan testing, JTAG, memory BIST, and loopback techniques
  • Strong troubleshooting skills and attention to detail
  • Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams

Preferences

  • Experience with test hardware development including load boards, probe cards, and sockets
  • Exposure to high volume manufacturing environments and offshore vendors
  • Experience with wafer level testing and multi-site optimization
  • Familiarity with analog simulation tools and testbench correlation
  • Interest in process improvement and test automation

Benefits

  • 100% Employer Paid Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
  • Unlimited Paid Time Off
  • Performance Bonuses
  • Daily Free Lunch Catered in by Local Restaurants
  • Private Equity Options
  • Retirement Plans
  • Sabbatical Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Volunteer Days
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Conference Attendance Support
  • Biweekly Phone Stipend
  • Employee Assistance Program

The salary range for this role is $106,250.00- $166,750.00 USD/year. Starting salary will be aligned with your relevant experience and demonstrated capabilities during the interview process. Typically, candidates begin at the initial tier of our compensation range, with placement adjusted for candidates presenting extensive directly applicable experience.

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