At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and execute characterisation activities for high-speed semiconductor products in a dynamic lab environment.
- Company: Join Semtech, a leader in high-speed semiconductor solutions for next-gen communications.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Be part of a global team focused on innovation and technical excellence.
- Why this job: Make an impact on cutting-edge technologies that shape global communications infrastructure.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in semiconductor development with strong Python automation skills.
Location: Bristol, UK (Hybrid)
Our Team: Semtech’s Signal Integrity Products group develops industry-leading high-speed semiconductor solutions that enable next-generation communications infrastructure across data centres, cloud computing, optical networking, and high-performance connectivity applications. Our advanced portfolio of optical and electrical products supports increasingly demanding bandwidth requirements, helping customers deliver faster, more reliable data transmission technologies worldwide. As innovation in high-speed connectivity continues to accelerate, our engineering teams are focused on developing increasingly sophisticated products that push the boundaries of signal integrity performance. To support this continued growth, we are expanding our Characterisation Engineering team in Bristol and seeking an experienced Senior Characterisation Engineer to play a critical role in new product development and validation activities.
Job Summary: As a Senior Staff Characterisation Engineer, you will be responsible for leading, planning, and executing bench PVT characterisation activities for advanced high-speed signal integrity products across both optical and electrical semiconductor technologies. Working as part of an international development team spanning the UK, Canada, the United States, and Mexico, you will develop automated test solutions, execute comprehensive characterisation plans, analyse complex datasets, and collaborate closely with cross‑functional engineering teams to ensure successful product development and release. This position requires a highly motivated engineer who thrives in a laboratory environment, demonstrates strong technical ownership, and is comfortable working independently while contributing to a collaborative global engineering organisation.
Responsibilities:
- Lead planning and execution of characterisation activities for assigned New Product Introduction (NPI) products, including development of characterisation plans, scheduling, equipment selection, hardware preparation, and fixture design. (30%)
- Develop and bring up robust, repeatable automated test environments while executing test plans and performing real‑time analysis of characterisation results to ensure accurate and timely project delivery. (25%)
- Generate complex datasets, produce detailed technical reports, review findings with cross‑functional engineering teams, and proactively manage follow‑up actions to maintain product quality and performance standards. (20%)
- Contribute to ongoing automation and process development activities, including Python‑based test automation, automated test method development, signal integrity improvements, and implementation of AI tools to improve engineering efficiency. (15%)
- Support technical development within the wider engineering team by mentoring junior engineers, sharing technical expertise, and continuously expanding knowledge of emerging technologies, test equipment, standards, and advanced packaging technologies. (10%)
Minimum Qualifications:
- BEng or MEng in Electronic Engineering or closely related discipline
- 5–10 years of relevant industry experience in semiconductor, signal integrity, or high‑speed electronics development environments
- Strong experience and understanding of signal integrity testing for high‑speed analogue silicon products
- Hands‑on experience developing automation solutions using Python or similar programming languages
- Strong understanding of PCB design fundamentals for high‑frequency and high‑speed data rate applications
- Experience working within laboratory environments using advanced electronic test equipment
- Proven ability to generate, manage, and analyse large and complex engineering datasets
- Excellent debugging, troubleshooting, and analytical problem‑solving skills
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience characterising high‑speed optical or electrical semiconductor products
- Strong understanding of high‑frequency measurement techniques and signal integrity analysis methodologies
- Experience working with automated test equipment development and hardware integration
- Comfortable collaborating within global, cross‑functional engineering teams across multiple international locations
- Strong technical communication skills with the ability to clearly present data and engineering findings
- High attention to detail with excellent organisational and execution skills under tight project schedules
- Experience identifying process improvement opportunities and driving automation efficiency initiatives
- Interest in applying AI‑based tools to improve engineering workflows and productivity
Why Join Us?
- Work on cutting‑edge high-speed semiconductor technologies that power next‑generation global communications infrastructure
- Collaborate with highly skilled engineering teams across an international and multidisciplinary organisation
- Take ownership of critical product characterisation activities that directly influence product quality and successful product launch
- Join an engineering culture focused on innovation, technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Career Growth Philosophy: At Semtech, we believe our greatest innovations come from empowering exceptional engineering talent. We are committed to supporting professional development through mentorship, continuous technical learning, and providing opportunities to work on highly complex, industry‑leading technologies. Our pay‑for‑performance culture recognises technical excellence, initiative, and leadership contribution. Engineers within this role are encouraged to continuously develop new skills, expand their technical expertise, and play a key role in shaping both their own career development and the future of Semtech’s advanced semiconductor technologies.
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 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.
Senior Characterization Engineer in Bristol employer: Sierra Wireless
At Semtech, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, especially for those starting their careers in engineering. Located in the vibrant city of Bristol, our open and inclusive culture fosters innovation and collaboration, providing recent graduates with hands-on experience from day one. With a strong focus on mentorship and professional development, we empower our employees to grow their skills in a dynamic environment while contributing to cutting-edge semiconductor solutions that shape the future of global connectivity.
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We think this is how you could land Senior Characterization Engineer in Bristol
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Characterization Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Characterization 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.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Sierra Wireless
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Sierra Wireless, 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!
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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 Sierra Wireless 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.
