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Wafer Device Characterization Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Qorvo, Inc.

Sr Test Engineer

Richardson, TX · On-site

The ideal candidate will specialize in wafer probing and DC electrical measurements focused on FET devices, supporting device characterization and production test development. This role collaborates ...

Qorvo, Inc.

Sr Test Engineer

Richardson, TX

The ideal candidate will specialize in wafer probing and DC electrical measurements focused on FET devices, supporting device characterization and production test development. This role collaborates ...

Qorvo, Inc.

Sr Test Engineer

Richardson, TX · On-site

The ideal candidate will specialize in wafer probing and DC electrical measurements focused on FET devices, supporting device characterization and production test development. This role collaborates ...

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Wafer Device Characterization information

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$14

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$38

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.

Principal PIC Characterization Engineer

Los Gatos, CA • On-site

Arycs Technologies, Inc.
See more jobs at Arycs Technologies, Inc.external

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description


About Arycs Technologies
Arycs delivers power-efficient, coherent-class optical connectivity based on silicon photonics, coherent DSP, and advanced optical architectures. Our solutions provide industry-leading bandwidth per watt, deterministic performance, and flexible network evolution for AI, cloud, telecom, and edge infrastructure. Designed for real world deployment, Arycs Technologies enables networks to scale with growing AI demand without disruptive redesign or hardware replacement.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Silicon Photonics PIC Characterization Engineer to lead the characterization and verification of advanced photonic integrated circuits (PICs). This role will be responsible for developing characterization infrastructure including die level testing and in-situ product testing using VNA and high speed DACs and ADCs for sourcing test signals and capturing results.  The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in coherent PIC characterization combined with the expertise to specify and source probing and measurement solutions and will be proficient in python, MATLAB or other automation and analysis tools needed to fully characterize and analyze the performance of our advanced PICs.
Key Responsibilities
  • Silicon Photonics Verification and Characterization
    • Develop, execute, and debug wafer-scale and die-level characterization methodologies for silicon photonic integrated circuits.
    • Perform high-speed optical and electrical measurements including:
      • BER (Bit Error Rate) testing
      • Eye-diagram characterization
      • S-parameter measurements
      • Optical insertion loss and extinction ratio measurements
    • Modulator, photodiode, and coherent receiver characterization
    • Correlate wafer-level test data with packaged-device, subsystem, and system-level performance.
    • Analyze characterization results and drive root-cause investigations for performance, yield, and reliability issues.
 
  • Wafer-Level Probe Operations and NPI
    • Own the operation, maintenance, calibration, and continuous improvement of wafer-scale photonic probe stations.
    • Serve as the technical lead and primary interface with probe station vendors and external foundry partners.
    • Develop and maintain best practices for wafer-level optical and electrical probing.
    • Establish and manage data collection, storage, and analysis infrastructure for high-volume wafer characterization data.
    • Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities through characterization, yield learning, and manufacturing correlation efforts.
    • Drive correlation between wafer-level test, subsystem characterization, and final product validation.
  • System Photonics Validation
    • Define and execute comprehensive validation plans for coherent optical transceivers and silicon photonic subsystems.
    • Lead bring-up, characterization, and reliability assessment of new products.
    • Design and implement scalable validation platforms supporting engineering development, qualification, and manufacturing readiness.
  • Automation and Data Analytics
    • Develop and maintain automated test frameworks for characterization and validation environments.
    • Create automation scripts for instrument control, test execution, and data processing.
    • Develop dashboards, data pipelines, and analytics tools to accelerate yield analysis and product learning cycles.
    • Drive continuous improvements in test efficiency, data quality, and characterization throughput.

Required Qualifications
    • BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or related field.
    • 5+ years of industry experience in silicon photonics, optical communications, semiconductor testing, or related fields.
    • Direct hands-on experience with commercial wafer-scale probe stations 
    • Strong experience with silicon photonic device characterization and validation.
    • Experience with high-speed optical communication systems operating at 56 Gbps/lane and above.
    • Hands-on experience performing:
    • BER testing
    • Eye-diagram analysis
    • S-parameter characterization
    • High-speed optical and electrical measurements
    • Strong scripting and automation skills using Python (preferred)
    • Experience with statistical analysis tools (JMP, Python, MATLAB, etc.).
 
  • Preferred Qualifications
    • Experience with coherent optical transceivers and coherent DSP-based systems.
    • Experience supporting NPI, yield ramp, and volume manufacturing transitions.
    • Experience working with reliability testing, failure analysis, and qualification programs
 
  • Soft Skills
    • Excellent cross-functional communication and stakeholder management skills.
    • Strong analytical mindset with a hands-on approach to problem solving.
    • Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, multi-site, and external-partner-driven environment.
 
  • Benefits & Perks
  • Competitive compensation and incentive plan
  • 401(k) plan with 3% company matching contributions
  • Robust medical, dental, and vision benefits that promote your health and wellness
  • Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy to support work-life balance
  • Flexible work environment
  • Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a growing organization
  • High visibility across the company with exposure to executive leadership
  • Collaborative, innovative, and execution-focused culture

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