Validation/Characterization Engineer | Space Power

Texas Instruments•Dallas, TX

About The Position

This role is part of TI's Space Power product line, focusing on developing and qualifying power ICs for demanding environments like deep space and low-earth orbit. The Space Power portfolio is broad, encompassing LDOs, voltage references, voltage sequencers, voltage supervisors, gate drivers, PWM controllers, power stages, and switching converters. The products include radiation-hardened (QMLV and QMLP) and radiation-tolerant (-SEP) devices, with a focus on next-generation GaN-based power stages. The position requires an engineer who thrives on the challenge of ensuring product reliability in mission-critical applications where there is no margin for error. This role offers the opportunity to build a strong technical foundation and develop system-level intuition and domain depth in power ICs, from silicon to space application.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field of study
3 + years of relevant semiconductor industry experience in Product, Test, Characterization or Validation
Proficiency with lab instrumentation: oscilloscopes, SMUs, DMMs, signal generators, and power supplies
Experience developing test automation using Python and/or NI TestStand

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with radiation-hardened or radiation-tolerant IC concepts (QMLV, QMLP, SEP ratings) is a plus
Proficiency with power electronics characterization techniques: Bode plot (AC sweep) for gain margin and phase margin, output noise density, startup and shutdown waveforms, transient response including load step and line step, and PSRR (power supply rejection ratio)
Advanced: experience with CMTI (common mode transient immunity) testing and double pulse testing (DPT) for GaN and wide-bandgap device characterization is a plus
Ability to establish strong relationships with key stakeholders critical to success, both internally and externally
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Ability to work in teams and collaborate effectively with people in different functions
Ability to take the initiative and drive for results
Strong time management skills that enable on-time project delivery
Hands-on PCB design experience using Altium Designer and/or Cadence Allegro X
Understanding of power electronics layout fundamentals: DC-DC converters, GaN FETs, switching topologies, and magnetics
Experience working with high-voltage power circuits in a lab environment
Proficiency with Python/TestStand for automated data collection and test sequence development
Familiarity with VVCM/Starfish or equivalent validation compliance tracking tools
Version control experience using Git
Experience with Spotfire or equivalent tool for parametric data visualization and analysis
Ability to collect and create datasheet-quality plots from characterization data
Working knowledge of statistical methods for limit validation: distribution analysis, Cpk, and specification capability

Responsibilities

Ensure the product meets its specifications as defined in the datasheet and VVCM (validation/verification compliance matrix).
Ensure device functionality is understood and correlated across system-level use-cases and break-the-part test conditions.
Characterize the boundaries of device operation and document behavior at and beyond rated limits.
Design PCB boards and develop automation software to increase coverage and reduce data collection time.
Own validation and characterization activities across radiation-hardened and radiation-tolerant power products.
Work with the product definition and design team before silicon availability to thoroughly understand validation requirements, including device-level, system-level, and compliance specifications.
Define and own a validation plan and schedule with coverage of all use-cases and corner conditions, including PVT sweeps across process, voltage, and temperature extremes.
Develop and maintain a VVCM/Starfish compliance matrix to track validation coverage and drive closure of all datasheet limits.
Design and build validation PCBs using Altium Designer and/or Cadence Allegro X that meet signal and power integrity requirements of space-grade power devices, including GaN-based topologies.
Develop reusable, automated test sequences using Python and NI TestStand to execute the validation plan and collect parametric characterization data at scale.
Support COTS upscreen validation checkout — running electrical and functional screening flows to qualify commercial off-the-shelf power ICs for space applications.
Perform datasheet plot collection and creation; apply statistical analysis (distributions, Cpk, limit capability) to assess spec margins and drive datasheet limit decisions.
Drive reviews with the extended team covering validation boards, test results, and debug findings; collaborate across functions including design, systems, applications, test engineering, and quality.
On anomalous behavior observed, perform debug through design of experiments to narrow down the source — error in stimulus, error in hardware, or isolating the probable on-device circuit block responsible for the behavior.