DFT architect / lead

GlobalFoundries • Richardson, TX

9d • $153,000 - $265,000

About The Position

The DFT architect / lead engineer serves as a technical authority and strategic lead in designing and deploying industry-leading Design-for-Test (DFT) architectures. This role is responsible for the end-to-end DFT strategy for complex, high-performance SoCs—spanning architectural definition, advanced ATPG/MBIST/LBIST strategies, and silicon lifecycle management. You will drive innovation in test methodology to achieve world-class quality, minimize test cost, and ensure seamless transition from pre-silicon RTL to high-volume manufacturing (HVM).
Your Job
Architectural Leadership: Define and own the global DFT architecture, including Hierarchical Scan, Compressed ATPG, Memory BIST/Repair (BISR), Logic BIST, and IEEE 1687 (IJTAG) networks for multi-die or chiplet-based designs.
Test Strategy Optimization: Develop advanced strategies for defect-oriented testing and optimize pattern volumes to balance aggressive coverage targets with tester memory constraints and test time.
Cross-Functional Integration: Lead the integration of DFT requirements into RTL, Synthesis, and Physical Design (STA/PD) flows. Drive "Design for Manufacturability" (DFM) initiatives to improve yield.
Silicon Bring-up & Debug: Spearhead post-silicon validation and silicon bring-up. Own the root-cause analysis of complex test failures and provide expert-level debugging of ATE/System-level failures.
Methodology & Automation: Architect and maintain scalable, high-performance DFT flows using TCL, Python, or Perl. Evaluate and benchmark emerging EDA tool features to stay ahead of technology nodes (5nm/3nm and beyond).
Mentorship & Influence: Provide technical mentorship to junior and senior engineers. Act as a consultant for RTL/DV/PD/STA teams to proactively address timing or routing issues caused by DFT structures.
Technical Documentation: Author comprehensive DFT specifications and strategy documents that serve as the "Gold Standard" for current and future project iterations.
Device Execution: At times, will need to own device execution, lead a team through spec, integration, verification and into silicon bring-up.
Other Responsibilities
Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements and programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields.
• 7+ years of hands-on DFT experience with a proven track record of successfully taping out multiple complex SoCs.
• Must have silicon debug experience including, 1st silicon bring-up, characterization, customer debug, and ramp to production.
• Expert-level proficiency with industry-standard EDA suites (e.g., Synopsys TestMAX/DFTMAX, Cadence Modus, or Siemens/Mentor Tessent).
• Deep understanding of scan compression architectures, hierarchical DFT, and mixed-signal test integration.
• Advanced proficiency in TCL and Python/Perl for developing custom CAD attributes and automating complex EDA flows.
• Demonstrated ability to solve timing closure issues related to DFT or complex ATPG coverage gaps.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Automotive ASIL-D functional safety requirements, including In-System Test (IST) and periodic logic/memory monitoring.
• Knowledge of 2.5D/3D IC testing, TSV probing, or HBM test strategies.
• Experience with Volume Diagnostics and Yield Learning tools to drive DPPM reduction.
• Active participation in technical conferences or a history of contributing to patented DFT innovations.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the global DFT architecture, including Hierarchical Scan, Compressed ATPG, Memory BIST/Repair (BISR), Logic BIST, and IEEE 1687 (IJTAG) networks for multi-die or chiplet-based designs.
• Develop advanced strategies for defect-oriented testing and optimize pattern volumes to balance aggressive coverage targets with tester memory constraints and test time.
• Lead the integration of DFT requirements into RTL, Synthesis, and Physical Design (STA/PD) flows. Drive "Design for Manufacturability" (DFM) initiatives to improve yield.
• Spearhead post-silicon validation and silicon bring-up. Own the root-cause analysis of complex test failures and provide expert-level debugging of ATE/System-level failures.
• Architect and maintain scalable, high-performance DFT flows using TCL, Python, or Perl. Evaluate and benchmark emerging EDA tool features to stay ahead of technology nodes (5nm/3nm and beyond).
• Provide technical mentorship to junior and senior engineers. Act as a consultant for RTL/DV/PD/STA teams to proactively address timing or routing issues caused by DFT structures.
• Author comprehensive DFT specifications and strategy documents that serve as the "Gold Standard" for current and future project iterations.
• At times, will need to own device execution, lead a team through spec, integration, verification and into silicon bring-up.
• Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements and programs.

Benefits

• The exact Salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience and location.
• If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
• An offer with GlobalFoundries is conditioned upon the successful completion of pre-employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations.
• GlobalFoundries is fully committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and believes that cultural diversity within the company enhances its business potential. GlobalFoundries goal of excellence in business necessitates the attraction and retention of highly qualified people. Artificial barriers and stereotypic biases detract from this objective and may be illegally discriminatory.
• All policies and processes which pertain to employees including recruitment, selection, training, utilization, promotion, compensation, benefits, extracurricular programs, and termination are created and implemented without regard to age, ethnicity, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic or category specified by local, state or federal law

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior