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Wafer Device Characterization Jobs (NOW HIRING)

onsemi

Device Characterization Engineer

Hopewell, NY · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

Correlate wafer sort, package test, reliability, and device characterization data to determine root causes of electrical performance variations. * Collaborate with process integration, device ...

onsemi

Device Characterization Engineer

Hopewell, NY · On-site

$88K - $142K/yr

Correlate wafer sort, package test, reliability, and device characterization data to determine root causes of electrical performance variations. * Collaborate with process integration, device ...

Onsemi

$77K - $105K/yr

Senior R&D Device Test and Characterization Engineer Scottsdale, AZ, United States The ... Perform wafer-level electrical characterization and reliability testing using various SMUs (such as ...

Cie Dfw

$83K - $112K/yr

Develop, qualify, maintain, and optimize Wafer Acceptance Test (WAT) and device characterization programs using HP4062 and related semiconductor test platforms. * Analyze wafer-level parametric data ...

IBM

NY · On-site

... semiconductor device test) to ensure high-quality solutions. * Collaborate on Chip Design ... Familiarity with yield engineering analytics, electrical test, wafer-scale characterization. * Test ...

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Wafer Device Characterization information

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How much do wafer device characterization jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for wafer device characterization in the United States is $24.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is wafer device characterization?

Wafer device characterization is the process of measuring and analyzing the electrical, physical, and sometimes optical properties of semiconductor devices directly on the wafer before they are packaged. This step is crucial in the semiconductor manufacturing process as it helps ensure device performance meets specifications and identifies any defects or variations early. Engineers use specialized equipment to test parameters like current, voltage, and resistance across multiple points on the wafer. The data collected helps optimize manufacturing processes and improve device yield and reliability.

How does a wafer device characterization engineer typically collaborate with process and design teams during product development?

A Wafer Device Characterization engineer works closely with both process engineers and design teams to ensure that semiconductor devices meet performance and reliability standards. This collaboration often involves sharing test results, providing feedback on device behavior, and recommending process adjustments or design modifications. Regular meetings and cross-functional reviews are common, and the role may require preparing detailed reports or presentations to help guide decision-making. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both device physics and fabrication processes are key to success in these collaborative efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in wafer device characterization, and why are they important?

To thrive in Wafer Device Characterization, you need a strong background in semiconductor physics, electrical engineering, and hands-on experience with device testing, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with semiconductor characterization tools (such as probe stations, parameter analyzers, and oscilloscopes), as well as data analysis software like MATLAB or Python, is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills for accurately interpreting data and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure precise device evaluation, support process improvement, and help maintain high product quality in semiconductor manufacturing.

What is the difference between Wafer Device Characterization vs Wafer Process Engineer?

AspectWafer Device CharacterizationWafer Process Engineer
Primary FocusAnalyzing electrical and physical properties of semiconductor wafers and devicesDeveloping, implementing, and optimizing semiconductor manufacturing processes
Required SkillsElectrical testing, failure analysis, data analysis, microscopyProcess development, equipment operation, process control, statistical analysis
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, testing facilities, cleanroomsManufacturing plants, cleanrooms, process development labs
Common CertificationsSemiconductor testing certifications, electrical engineering backgroundProcess engineering certifications, manufacturing quality standards

While both roles operate within the semiconductor industry, Wafer Device Characterization focuses on testing and analyzing wafers and devices to ensure quality and performance. In contrast, Wafer Process Engineers develop and optimize manufacturing processes. Both roles require technical expertise and often collaborate to improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency.

What other helpful pages are available for Wafer Device Characterization?

Other pages related to Wafer Device Characterization:

Infographic showing various Wafer Device Characterization job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,210 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Device Characterization Engineer

Hopewell, NY • On-site

onsemi
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about onsemiexternal

$75K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Onsemi rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 21 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 $75,300 to $120,400 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
Same Posting Description for Internal and External Candidates
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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