At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative product development from concept to production in a dynamic engineering team.
- Company: Join Semtech, a leader in cutting-edge optical and analog IC technologies.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, great benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a global team with a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Take full ownership of exciting projects and make a real impact in tech.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in semiconductor engineering with strong analytical and collaboration skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Location: Burlington, Ottawa, ON or Bristol, UK (Hybrid – 4 days in office Mon- Thurs)
Our Team
Semtech's New Product Introduction (NPI) Product Engineering Team is the central engineering function behind every new product we bring to market. Our team of focused and talented engineers takes full ownership of new product development — driving each program from conception through end-of-life with a commitment to flawless execution. Working closely with all internal cross-functional teams, our engineers define and drive DfT testability requirements, test coverage, production characterization (across process, voltage, and temperature variations), ATE-to-bench correlation, cost and yield optimization, test time reduction, project logistics, and seamless transfer to full-volume manufacturing. We take pride in delivering high-quality products that exceed customer expectations and drive business success.
Job Summary
We are looking for a Principal NPI Product Engineer to take ownership of new product development programs — from early-stage silicon development through full production transfer. Working closely with cross-functional teams across design, validation, test, characterization, quality, and operations, you will be a key technical contributor and program driver for our high-performance optical and analog/mixed-signal IC portfolio in cutting-edge CMOS and BiCMOS technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- NPI Program Ownership & Cross-Functional Collaboration (25%)
- Drive NPI programs from product concept through final release, ensuring product conformance to specifications and seamless transfer to full-volume manufacturing.
- Lead and coordinate with cross-functional teams including Design, Marketing, Validation, Test Engineering, Characterization, Quality & Reliability, Applications Engineering, and Operations.
- Own backend NPI development tracking through product transfer; lead milestone reviews of program logistics, timelines, and deliverables.
- Prepare and own NPI product release deliverables and OSAT-related manufacturing documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Design for Testability & Manufacturability (35%)
- Define and drive Design for Testability (DfT) and Design for Manufacturability (DfM) requirements for NPI products.
- Lead development, implementation, verification, and optimization of ATE test programs in collaboration with test engineering.
- Drive product characterization, correlation, and release activities to ensure adherence to product specifications and quality standards.
- Own finalization of datasheet specifications and ATE production test limits through data-driven, statistically validated limit-setting processes.
- Characterization, Data Analysis & Yield Optimization (30%)
- Develop and own product characterization plans for wafer-level and bench tests across product specifications and operating conditions.
- Lead data analysis of ATE and bench characterization results across PVT variations, including ATE-to-bench correlation studies and process capability analysis.
- Drive yield modeling activities and lead DOE planning and execution to support yield analysis, test time reduction, and test optimization.
- Lead product validation and reliability qualification activities in collaboration with Test, Characterization, Validation, and Reliability Engineering teams.
- Identify yield loss Pareto opportunities and drive targeted solutions to closure.
- Manufacturing Quality, Failure Analysis & Continuous Improvement (10%)
- Monitor yields and quality metrics across processing steps; proactively identify and act on trends and anomalies.
- Review and own test coverage, test limits, and guard-band decisions.
- Lead failure analysis and root cause investigations for field returns and RMA cases; drive CAPA development and closure.
- Partner with foundry process and packaging engineering teams to resolve issues during wafer fabrication, packaging, die sort, and final package test.
- Identify and implement product lifecycle cost reduction and continuous improvement opportunities.
Qualifications
- Required: BS in Electrical Engineering or a related field (MS strongly preferred).
- 10+ years of experience in semiconductor product engineering, test engineering, or design engineering.
- Proven ownership of silicon bring-up, characterization, and production transfer programs.
- Hands-on experience with ATE test development, ATE-to-bench correlation, and production test limit setting.
- Strong foundation in DfT and DfM principles.
- Proficiency with statistical analysis tools such as JMP or Excel; scripting/automation in Python, TCL, or equivalent.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills.
Preferred
- Background in analog/mixed-signal or optical IC characterization (TIA, CDR, LimitAmp, high-speed SerDes).
- Familiarity with high-speed ATE platforms such as Advantest or Teradyne.
- Experience with JEDEC reliability qualification methodologies (HTOL, HAST, ESD, latch-up).
- Exposure to ATPG, MBIST, or boundary scan DFT flows.
- Experience engaging directly with foundry and OSAT partners.
Why Join Semtech
- Work on cutting-edge CMOS and BiCMOS ICs powering next-generation 400G / 800G / 1.6T optical networking infrastructure.
- Full program ownership from Day 1 — you drive products, not just support them.
- Global, collaborative team with sites in Burlington ON, Bristol UK, Aguascalientes MX, San Diego CA, and an Asia Hub.
- Technically rigorous culture with strong cross-functional exposure and direct access to design, reliability, and fab teams.
- Competitive compensation, benefits, and professional development opportunities.
The intent of this job description is to describe the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically included in this description. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Location: CAN - Burlington, ON; GBR - Bristol
Type: Full time
Principal NPI Product Engineer in Bristol employer: Semtech
At Semtech, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of Stansted Mountfitchet. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages professional development. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and provides a rewarding career path in a fast-paced commercial setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal NPI Product Engineer in Bristol
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal NPI Product Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal NPI Product Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Semtech a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Semtech specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Semtech
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Semtech, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Semtech want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
