Characterization & Validation Technician

Job Description Job Description

Characterization & Validation Technician

Location: Palo Alto, California - On-site
Industry: Advanced Semiconductor Technology
Company: Confidential, Stealth-Mode Venture

The Opportunity

We are conducting a confidential search for a well-funded, stealth-mode semiconductor device company backed by top-tier investors.

The company is developing an advanced technology platform and expanding its hands-on characterization and validation laboratory in Palo Alto. We are seeking a Characterization & Validation Technician to support precision electrical testing, laboratory operations, equipment setup, data collection, and troubleshooting.

This is a highly hands-on role for someone who enjoys working directly with test equipment, probe stations, devices, fixtures, and measurement systems. You will work closely with engineers and scientists in a fast-moving R&D environment.

What You'll Do

• Execute DC, RF, and mixed-signal electrical characterization using established procedures.
• Set up and operate probe stations, wafer test equipment, test fixtures, and laboratory measurement systems.
• Operate instrumentation including SMUs, oscilloscopes, signal generators, digital multimeters, parameter analyzers, lock-in amplifiers, and RF test equipment.
• Perform repeatable electrical measurements on semiconductor devices, wafers, test structures, and components.
• Collect, organize, review, and document measurement data with a strong focus on accuracy, consistency, and repeatability.
• Work carefully with small, delicate devices, samples, probes, wafers, and electrical connections.
• Identify abnormal measurements, equipment issues, connection problems, and test-system errors.
• Support engineers in troubleshooting devices and laboratory setups.
• Perform routine calibration, equipment verification, preventive maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
• Maintain organized test records, procedures, equipment logs, and laboratory documentation.
• Help maintain an efficient, safe, and highly organized characterization laboratory.

Qualifications

Required

• Associate degree, technical certification, military technical training, or equivalent hands-on experience in electronics, electrical engineering technology, semiconductor technology, physics, or a related technical field.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience in semiconductor testing, electrical characterization, electronics testing, laboratory testing, or a similar technical environment.
• Hands-on experience with wafer test stations, probe stations, or similar precision test equipment.
• Experience operating electrical test and measurement equipment such as SMUs, oscilloscopes, signal generators, multimeters, or parameter analyzers.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and attention to measurement accuracy and repeatability.
• Experience following detailed test procedures and accurately documenting results.
• Comfortable working with small, delicate devices, samples, probes, wafers, and electrical connections.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced R&D laboratory environment.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply:

• Semiconductor device characterization
• Wafer-level electrical characterization
• Wafer probing and probe stations
• Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM)
• Electrical test and measurement
• Electronics troubleshooting
• Parameter analyzers and source-measure units
• Lock-in amplifiers
• RF test equipment
• Automated test and measurement systems
• Keysight, Tektronix, National Instruments, Rohde & Schwarz, Anritsu, FormFactor, or comparable test-and-measurement environments
• Familiarity with Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or similar laboratory automation tools
• Semiconductor, semiconductor equipment, advanced electronics, or other high-technology R&D environments

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Join a well-funded, stealth-mode semiconductor device company backed by top-tier investors.
• Work hands-on with advanced semiconductor characterization and laboratory equipment.
• Become part of an early-stage technical team where your work will have visible impact.
• Help build a sophisticated characterization and validation laboratory from the ground up.
• Work alongside experienced engineers and scientists.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and meaningful early-stage equity.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive base salary, meaningful equity, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and the opportunity to join an early-stage semiconductor technology company.

This is a confidential search. Additional information regarding the company, technology, funding, and leadership team will be shared with qualified candidates during the interview process.

Company Description

Stealth-Mode Start-Up backed by Tier 1 investors

Company Description Stealth-Mode Start-Up backed by Tier 1 investors