At a Glance
- Tasks: Support testing and characterisation of high-speed optical and mixed-signal ICs in a lab environment.
- Company: Join Semtech, a global leader in semiconductor technology with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and a clear pathway for career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with strong emphasis on learning and development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with real projects and cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: Recent graduate in Electrical or Electronic Engineering with a passion for applied engineering.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 € per year.
Location: Semtech Bristol Design Centre - Bradley Stokes, Bristol, United Kingdom
Hybrid Model: Office - 4 Days Per Week (Mon - Thurs)
Our Team
The Characterisation Engineering team at Semtech plays a key role in ensuring the quality and performance of advanced silicon designs taken to mass production. We work at the intersection of design, validation, and product engineering, developing and executing high-precision lab-based test strategies for high-speed analogue and optical semiconductor devices. Engineers in this team are responsible for building and improving automated test environments, analysing complex datasets, and translating measurement results into meaningful engineering insight that directly influences product development. This is a highly collaborative and hands-on environment, working closely with colleagues across Bristol and global engineering sites. The team places strong emphasis on learning, technical development, and mentorship, making it an excellent environment for engineers looking to deepen their expertise and grow within semiconductor R&D.
Job Summary
We are looking for a recent graduate in Electrical or Electronic Engineering to join us as a Staff Characterisation Engineer in Bristol. This role is designed to be an entry point into the semiconductor industry, giving you structured learning, mentorship, and hands-on experience working directly with high-speed optical and mixed-signal devices. You will support lab-based testing, learn how to automate measurement processes, and develop skills in analysing engineering data — all while working alongside experienced engineers who will guide your development. This is an ideal opportunity if you are at the start of your career and want to build strong practical engineering skills in a real R&D environment.
Responsibilities
- Support the testing and characterisation of high-speed optical and mixed-signal ICs using advanced laboratory equipment under different voltage and environmental conditions.
- Learn how to design and improve test setups using PCBs, lab instruments, and measurement systems.
- Develop and apply automation scripts (primarily using Python) to improve test efficiency and repeatability.
- Analyse engineering data to understand device performance and support product characterisation activities.
- Work closely with experienced engineers across design, validation, and applications teams to support ongoing development projects.
What You’ll Learn and Develop
- Practical experience using professional semiconductor lab equipment.
- Hands-on skills in measurement techniques and data analysis.
- Introduction to optical and mixed-signal device characterisation.
- Experience with Python-based automation and engineering workflows.
- Understanding of how semiconductor products are developed, tested and released.
- Confidence working in a structured, fast-paced engineering environment.
Minimum Requirements
- A recent (or soon-to-be) graduate with a 2:1 or above in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (or a closely related discipline).
- Strong interest in electronics and applied engineering.
- Basic understanding of electronic principles (voltage, current, power, timing).
- Willingness to learn programming (Python experience is beneficial but not essential).
- Good communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
- Curiosity, attention to detail and enthusiasm for hands-on engineering work.
Nice to Have (Not Essential)
- Exposure to electronics labs, university projects, or internships.
- Basic familiarity with Python or scripting.
- Awareness of PCBs, semiconductor devices or signal integrity concepts.
Why This Role is a Great Start to Your Career
- Real hands-on engineering experience from your first day.
- Structured learning supported by experienced mentors.
- Exposure to cutting-edge optical and mixed-signal technologies.
- Opportunity to build strong technical foundations in a global semiconductor company.
- Clear development pathway into more advanced engineering roles.
Career Growth Philosophy
At Semtech, we invest in early-career engineers by combining hands-on experience, mentorship and continuous learning. We believe the best engineers are developed through practical exposure, curiosity and collaboration. This role is designed to help you transition from university into industry with confidence, building both technical depth and professional experience.
Additional Notes
The intent of this job description is to describe the major duties and responsibilities of the role. Incumbents may be required to perform additional job-related tasks as needed. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and may be adjusted to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Staff Characterisation Engineer in Bristol employer: Sierra Wireless
At Semtech, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for those starting their careers in engineering. Our Bristol Design Centre fosters a collaborative and hands-on work culture, where recent graduates can thrive through structured learning, mentorship, and real-world experience in semiconductor R&D. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies, we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of engineers in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Staff Characterisation Engineer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Semtech or in the semiconductor industry on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insights into the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your knowledge of high-speed optical and mixed-signal devices. We want to show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your hands-on skills! If you’ve done any projects or internships related to electronics, be ready to discuss them. We love seeing practical experience that aligns with what we do at Semtech.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Staff Characterisation Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Staff Characterisation Engineer role. Highlight any relevant projects or coursework in Electrical or Electronic Engineering that showcase your interest in electronics and applied engineering.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're excited about this opportunity at Semtech. Share your passion for hands-on engineering work and how you see yourself growing in the semiconductor industry. A personal touch goes a long way!
Showcase Your Curiosity:In your application, let us know about your eagerness to learn and explore new technologies. Mention any experiences where you've taken the initiative to deepen your understanding of electronics or programming, even if it's just through university projects.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sierra Wireless
✨Know Your Basics
Brush up on your electrical and electronic engineering fundamentals. Be ready to discuss concepts like voltage, current, and power, as well as any relevant projects or coursework that showcase your understanding.
✨Show Your Curiosity
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for hands-on engineering work. Prepare questions about the lab equipment and testing processes they use, and express your eagerness to learn about optical and mixed-signal devices.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves collaboration with experienced engineers, be prepared to share examples of how you've worked in teams. Discuss any group projects or experiences where you contributed to a common goal.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Python
Even if you’re not an expert, having a basic understanding of Python will set you apart. Mention any experience you have with scripting or automation, and express your willingness to learn more during the role.
