• Test Design Hardware Developer

    IBM (Austin, TX)


    Introduction

     

    Test Design is a forward-thinking semiconductor team dedicated to delivering testable, high-performance silicon in innovative ways. We’re looking for a DFT Engineer who values teamwork and brings hands-on experience with Synopsys tools. If you enjoy solving complex challenges and contributing to a mission-driven engineering culture, you will be a great fit for our team.

    Your role and responsibilities

    As a Test Design Engineer, you will be responsible for architecting and implementing DFT strategies for complex SoC designs using Synopsys toolsets. You will collaborate closely with RTL designers, verification engineers, and physical design teams to ensure high test coverage and manufacturability. Your key responsibilities will include:

     

    * Developing and integrating DFT architectures including scan insertion, boundary scan, MBIST, and JTAG.

    * Utilizing Synopsys tools such as DFT Compiler, TetraMax and TestMax for design testability analysis and test point insertion

    * Generating test patterns, simulating fault coverage and validating correct circuit behavior and coverage.

    * Supporting silicon bring-up and failure analysis with test vectors and diagnostics.

    * Driving DFT methodology improvements and automation for efficiency and scalability.

    * Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure DFT requirements are met throughout the design cycle.

    Required technical and professional expertise

    * 5+ years of hands-on experience in DFT implementation for complex ASIC/SoC designs in advanced process nodes (e.g., 7nm, 5nm, or below).

    * Proven expertise with Synopsys DFT tools including DFT Compiler, TetraMAX, TestMAX, and Formality.

    * Deep understanding of scan architecture, ATPG, boundary scan, MBIST, IJTAG, and hierarchical DFT methodologies.

    * Demonstrated experience in developing and deploying DFT strategies across multiple tape-outs.

    * Strong scripting skills in Python, TCL, and Bash for automation and tool integration.

    * Solid grasp of IEEE1500, IEEE1687 , fault models (stuck-at, transition, path delay, bridging ) and test coverage metrics.

    * Experience working in Unix/Linux-based environments with large-scale computing and version control systems (e.g., Git).

    Preferred technical and professional experience

    * 10+ years of experience in DFT with a track record of successful silicon bring-up and production test support.

    * Experience with low-power DFT techniques, scan compression, and hierarchical DFT

    * Experience with DFT-aware physical design flows, including timing closure and floorplanning for test logic.

    * Proficiency in Makefile-based build systems and CI/CD pipelines for regression and test automation.

    * Experience mentoring junior engineers and leading cross-functional DFT initiatives.

     

    IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.