DFT Engineer
Niobium Microsystems
DFT Engineer (Senior / Staff)
At Niobium Microsystems, we develop high performance microelectronic products to enable the secure collection, processing, and distribution of critical data. We are a trusted partner for DoD and commercial customers whose solutions require lower power, higher efficiency, and proven security.
Founded as a 2021 spinout from a world-class security and computing systems R&D company, our team combines decades of experience in advanced semiconductor design with experience in advanced cryptography. Niobium is headquartered in Dayton, Ohio with additional locations in Portland, Oregon; and Columbus, Ohio. We will not be limited by geography for the right candidate.
POSITION DESCRIPTION /
Niobium Microsystems is seeking a Senior / Staff DFT Engineer with 8+ years of relevant industry experience. This role will serve as a technical lead responsible for defining and executing Design-for-Test (DFT) strategy across complex SoC designs.
As a DFT Engineer, you will own the full test insertion flow from early architecture through post-silicon validation. You will collaborate closely with RTL, physical design, and test engineering teams to ensure high fault coverage, manufacturability, and first-pass silicon success.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES /
Primary Responsibilities:
- Overview
- Own and drive end-to-end DFT strategy for complex SoCs, from architecture through silicon bring-up
- Serve as DFT lead for major subsystems or full-chip execution
- DFT Architecture & Planning
- Define and implement DFT architecture including scan, compression, and MBIS
- Establish DFT insertion strategies at RTL and/or netlist stages
- Implementation & Integration
- Drive scan chain stitching, compression insertion, and clock/reset domain handling
- Integrate DFT features across subsystems including SRAM, register files, and mixed-signal blocks
- Collaborate with physical design to meet timing, routing, and signoff requirements
- Verification & Coverage Closure
- Execute ATPG and fault simulation to achieve high fault coverage targets
- Develop and validate test patterns for scan, BIST, and low-power modes
- Track and drive DFT sign off criteria including coverage, waivers, and escape analysis
- ATE & Post-Silicon Bring-Up
- Partner with test engineering to translate patterns to ATE platforms
- Support silicon bring-up, debug failing patterns, and perform yield analysis
- Conduct shmoo analysis and root-cause failures
- Leadership & Methodology
- Drive DFT methodology improvements, automation, and flow optimization
- Develop scripts and infrastructure for scalable DFT flows
- Represent DFT in cross-functional reviews and program milestones
DESIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE /
- Required Experience
- B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
- 8+ years of hands-on DFT experience in ASIC or SoC design
- Strong expertise in scan architecture, ATPG, compression techniques, and MBIST
- Experience driving DFT from RTL through GDSII, including physical design collaboration
- Hands-on experience with ATE bring-up and post-silicon debug
- Proficiency in scripting (Tcl, Python) for automation and flow development
- Technical Experience
- DFT tools such as Siemens Tessent, Synopsys TestMAX, or equivalent
- Familiarity with RTL design and simulation tools (Verilog/SystemVerilog, VCS, Xcelium)
- Experience with large-scale SoC integration and multi-clock/multi-power domains
- Strong understanding of DFT timing, physical constraints, and signoff requirements
- Experience working with ATE platforms such as Advantest or Teradyne is a plus
BENEFITS /
- Competitive salaries
- Employer paid health care
- Employer contribution to health savings account
- Flexible time off
- Flexible work location with remote options
- Location Preferences: Portland, OR;Columbus, OH; Dayton, OH; Fayetteville, AR; or San Francisco, CA
- 401K employer match
CONTACT /
careers@niobiummicrosystems.com
444 E 2nd Street, Suite 250, Dayton, OH 45402
niobiummicrosystems.com
