At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality assurance for cutting-edge optical technologies and drive impactful improvements.
- Company: Join Semtech, a leader in high-speed optical solutions with a culture of innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of optical engineering while making a real difference in product reliability.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in semiconductor or optical transceiver manufacturing with strong technical expertise.
- Other info: Dynamic career growth opportunities and a focus on continuous learning.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our Team Semtech’s FiberEdge Quality Engineering team is at the forefront of delivering world-class optical transceivers, active optical cables (AOCs), and connectivity solutions powering datacom, AI infrastructure, and cloud computing markets.
Location: Bristol, UK
Our engineers thrive on solving complex technical challenges, collaborating across design, test, applications, and manufacturing teams, and driving improvements that directly impact product reliability and customer satisfaction. You’ll join a team where mentorship, technical excellence, and knowledge sharing create a culture of growth, innovation, and tangible impact.
Job Summary
As a Senior Product Quality Engineer, you will lead the charge in ensuring the highest quality standards across the FiberEdge portfolio. You’ll take ownership of complex customer escalations, drive RMA resolutions, and implement proactive quality improvements across products and processes. This role offers the opportunity to shape product reliability, influence design and manufacturing practices, and make a measurable impact on Semtech’s success in high-speed optical technologies.
Responsibilities
- Lead resolution of FiberEdge customer returns and RMAs, including technical communication, containment, 8D reporting, and production support, collaborating with cross-functional teams (50%).
- Drive NCMR/Quality Excursion resolutions in partnership with Supply Quality Engineering and subcontractors, ensuring corrective actions are effective and sustainable (20%).
- Initiate and manage continuous improvement projects using Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, and other lean methodologies, aligned with ISO9001 standards (15%).
- Influence new product introductions by embedding quality-focused processes, participating in product assessments, FMEA workshops, and cross-functional quality initiatives (15%).
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering.
- 10+ years of experience in semiconductor or optical transceiver manufacturing.
- Deep understanding of transistor technologies (SiGe HBT, BiCMOS, Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS) in high-speed optical circuits.
- Expertise in analog circuit fundamentals, high-speed amplifiers, bias circuits, current sources, and signal integrity.
- Strong knowledge of ISO9001 Quality Management Systems, NCMR, CAPA, SPC, FMEA, Control Plans, 8D problem-solving, and statistical analysis.
- Proven experience working directly with customers and suppliers, including wafer manufacturing, assembly, test, and optical module processes.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with NRZ and PAM-4 signaling, SerDes architectures, and equalization techniques (FFE, DFE, CTLE).
- Skilled in data analysis using JMP, Minitab, or Python.
- Exposure to Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt preferred).
- Certified ISO9001 auditor a plus.
- Knowledge of optical transceiver reliability physics, laser degradation, optical alignment, and thermal management.
- Experience with AI infrastructure and datacenter interconnect requirements.
- Familiarity with semiconductor failure analysis (optical microscopy, SEM, curve tracing, thermal imaging).
- Willingness to travel 20–30% to customer sites, optical assembly subcontractors, and foundry partners.
Career Growth Philosophy
At Semtech, we believe that innovation starts with people. You’ll have access to mentorship, continuous learning, and a collaborative, idea-rich engineering environment designed to expand your influence and deepen your expertise. Our pay-for-performance culture rewards initiative, encourages professional growth, and recognizes meaningful technical and leadership contributions. In this role, you can shape both your career and the future of Semtech’s cutting‑edge optical engineering capabilities.
Additional Notes
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 beyond those listed. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Principal Product Quality Engineer in Bristol employer: Semtech
Contact Detail:
Semtech Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Product Quality Engineer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Semtech or in the optical engineering field on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the latest trends in optical technologies and quality engineering. Show us you’re not just a candidate, but a passionate expert ready to tackle challenges head-on.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you note. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in our minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Product Quality Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Product Quality Engineer role. Highlight your experience in semiconductor or optical transceiver manufacturing, and don’t forget to showcase your expertise in quality management systems like ISO9001.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about quality engineering and how your skills align with our team’s mission at Semtech. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the job.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We love seeing technical prowess! Make sure to include any relevant experience with high-speed optical technologies, Six Sigma methodologies, and data analysis tools like JMP or Minitab. This will help us see how you can contribute to our projects.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our awesome team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Semtech
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of semiconductor and optical transceiver manufacturing. Be ready to discuss specific technologies like SiGe HBT and BiCMOS, as well as your experience with high-speed amplifiers and signal integrity.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex customer escalations or quality issues in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your ability to drive effective resolutions.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Familiarise yourself with lean methodologies like Six Sigma and Kaizen. Be ready to discuss any continuous improvement projects you've led or participated in, and how they align with ISO9001 standards.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since this role involves collaboration across various teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare to explain technical concepts in a way that’s understandable to non-technical stakeholders, showcasing your excellent communication skills.