SoC Testability Architect: Lead the Silicon Excellence Roadmap (DFT Lead)
Texas Instruments • Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
**Role & seniority: ** DFT Lead (Semiconductor Design-for-Test) — at least 5 years relevant experience; leads/mentors DFT engineers
**Stack/tools: ** Cadence Modus, Cadence Genus; ATPG, scan insertion, test pattern generation; scan compression, boundary scan, memory BIST, JTAG; IEEE 1149.1; scripting Perl/Python (desired)
**Top 3 responsibilities: **
-
Develop/execute DFT strategies & methodologies to improve test coverage, reduce test cost, optimize yield
-
Define/review DFT specifications (scan, compression, boundary scan, memory BIST, ATPG patterns) and ensure compliance to standards
-
Lead DFT implementation/sign-off: coverage & ATPG fault coverage analysis, timing checks, first-pass silicon bring-up and post-silicon debug
-
Must-have skills:
-
Strong DFT expertise for digital and mixed-signal semiconductor designs
-
Proficiency in DFT EDA tooling (Modus/Genus) and end-to-end flows (ATPG → pattern gen → scan/BIST integration)
-
Solid understanding of scan insertion, ATPG, and JTAG/boundary scan concepts
-
Ability to work with design/verification/manufacturing and resolve DFT-related issues
-
-
Nice-to-haves:
-
Perl/Python scripting for automation/data analysis
-
Ongoing awareness of industry trends and emerging DFT techniques
-
-
Location & work type: Not specified in the provided text.
Full Description
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced DFT Lead to join our dynamic team. As a DFT Lead, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful implementation of Design-for-Test (DFT) strategies and methodologies across product development lifecycle. With at least 5 years of relevant experience, you will lead and guide a team of DFT engineers to deliver high-quality, testable, and efficient designs. Your expertise in DFT techniques, tools, and industry standards will be critical in achieving our goal of producing robust and reliable semiconductor products.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute DFT methodologies, strategies, and guidelines to maximize test coverage, reduce test cost, and optimize production yield. Define and review DFT specifications, including scan, test compression, boundary scan, memory BIST, and ATPG patterns, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Evaluate and select appropriate DFT methodologies, considering design complexity, test coverage requirements, and time-to-market constraints. Work closely with the design team to influence design decisions and ensure DFT requirements are met without compromising performance, power, or area. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, verification, and manufacturing, to define DFT requirements and drive DFT implementation throughout the product lifecycle. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance DFT methodologies, tools, and processes, aiming for increased efficiency, quality, and reliability of DFT implementation. Perform DFT sign-off activities, including DFT coverage analysis, ATPG fault coverage analysis, DFT-related timing analysis, first-pass silicon bring-up and post-silicon debug. Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging DFT techniques, and advancements in semiconductor testing, and apply relevant knowledge to improve DFT practices within the organization.
Requirements
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. Minimum of 5 years of experience in DFT, with focus on digital and mixed signal designs in the semiconductor industry. Strong proficiency in DFT tools like Cadence Modus, Genus etc. Experience with ATPG, scan insertion, and test pattern generation for high-complexity designs. Hands-on experience with DFT-related EDA tools and methodologies, including scan compression, boundary scan, memory BIST, and JTAG. Familiarity with silicon bring-up and post-silicon debug. Strong knowledge of DFT techniques, methodologies, and industry standards, such as IEEE 1149.1. Experience in scripting languages, such as Perl or Python, for automation and data analysis is desirable. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and address DFT-related issues and challenges.