Principal DFT Engineer

SpaceX

Confirmed live yesterday Trusted

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Irvine, CA
Salary
$210,000–$340,000 / yr
Posted
43 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live yesterday

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $203k
This role $275k
$142k most similar roles pay here $361k

This role pays more than 93% of similar roles. Most pay $176,687–$228,375 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $275k versus about $203k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About SpaceX

SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.

SpaceX currently has 680 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$165,000 across 442 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Principal DFT Engineer

Principal DFT Engineer (Silicon Engineering) joins cross-disciplinary teams to develop next-generation ASICs for space and ground infrastructure. The role involves leading the implementation and optimization of DFT architectures, including scan insertion, compression logic, memory BIST, and logic BIST using Siemens Tessent tools. Responsibilities include owning ATPG tools and methodologies for stuck-at, transition, and path delay fault models while providing post-silicon testing support. The engineer will evaluate design readiness through RTL and physical design DRC tools, integrate DFT fabrics into subsystems, and run gate level simulations. Technical requirements include proficiency in Verilog, SystemVerilog, and programming languages like Perl, Python, Tcl, or C++. Key skills involve solving complex problems regarding clock domain crossings, power optimization via UPF, and managing advanced silicon process nodes to ensure high-speed, low-power performance for the Starlink network.

What you'll do

  • Lead implementation and optimization of DFT architectures including scan insertion, compression, and BIST logic.
  • Manage ATPG tools and methodologies to generate patterns for stuck-at, transition, and path delay fault models.
  • Evaluate design readiness for scan insertion using RTL and physical design DRC tools.
  • Integrate and verify DFT fabrics and IP within various subsystems.
  • Run and debug non-timing and SDF annotated gate level simulations.
  • Develop test scripts and automate processes using Perl, Python, Tcl, or C++.
  • Provide post-silicon testing and validation support for advanced ASICs.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science.
  • 10+ years of experience working with ASICs.
  • 10+ years of experience in scan insertion and DFT setup, integration, and validation.
  • Experience leading SoC DFT execution from concept through tapeout and product deployment.
  • Proficiency in RTL to understand and debug connectivity issues as they pertain to DFT.
  • Ability to solve complex problems including clock domain crossings and power optimization.
  • Experience with UPF, formal verification, and DRC rule checking.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible for required export control authorizations.

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