Principal Test Engineer

Job Description As a Principal Test Engineer , part of your responsibilities will be driving the evaluation, development, and deployment of advanced semiconductor test technologies across Nexperia’s global manufacturing network. Acting as a subject matter expert, you will identify emerging technologies, benchmark industry best practices, and lead strategic initiatives that improve test capability, quality, efficiency, and long-term manufacturing competitiveness. Part of your role will be providing strategic leadership for external manufacturing test operation releases, driving end‑to‑end readiness (for both wafer test and final test processes), defining test strategies, ensuring robust test data‑connectivity to Nexperia systems and infrastructure, evaluating RFQ proposals from the subcons with the business groups (BG), and serving as the technical authority and technical SME for subcon engagements and also ensuring the successful installation and qualification of consigned equipment. This is a highly visible role that combines technical leadership, project management, and industry engagement. You will work closely with global engineering teams, manufacturing sites, suppliers, and technology partners to introduce innovative test solutions and ensure alignment with Nexperia’s technology roadmap. What You Will Be Working On

• Researching, scouting, and evaluating new semiconductor test technologies, equipment, methodologies, and capabilities.
• Leading technical R&D projects focused on enhancing test performance, quality, reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Benchmarking industry best practices and identifying breakthrough solutions that can strengthen Nexperia’s test capabilities.
• Supporting the introduction and qualification of new test equipment, systems, and technologies across Nexperia manufacturing sites.
• Driving technical innovation through collaboration with internal engineering teams, external suppliers, and industry partners.
• Develop test customer-specific requirements (CRS) with BGs for subcon RFQs, evaluate technical proposals from the subcons, and perform technical comparative analysis.
• Manage test solution scanning activities and maintain updates in test subcon database. Key Responsibilities
• Lead and manage Test Technology R&D projects, including technology scouting, benchmarking, feasibility studies, evaluations, and implementation activities.
• Conduct market assessments of test equipment, automation solutions, software tools, test methodologies, and emerging industry technologies.
• Act as a technical subject matter expert, providing guidance and proactive solutions to manufacturing sites, subcontractors, and engineering teams worldwide.
• Coordinate and manage cross-functional projects involving Business Groups, Product Engineering, Package R&D, Manufacturing, and Technology & Operations organizations.
• Organize and lead global subject matter expert forums to drive best-practice sharing, equipment strategy discussions, technical issue resolution, and Equipment Life Cycle Management initiatives.
• Collaborate with suppliers and technology partners to evaluate, qualify, and introduce new equipment, capabilities, and innovative test solutions.
• Develop and deliver technical training programs to strengthen organizational competency and foster knowledge sharing across global teams.
• Monitor project progress, communicate key updates to stakeholders, and ensure the successful execution of assigned initiatives.
• Participate in industry conferences, technical symposiums, supplier user groups, and technology forums to identify trends and drive innovation within Nexperia.
• Take charge to ensure smooth process releases in the subcons, for both wafer test and final test areas.
• Plan and support on configuring system setups (including map system) for wafer testing and in-strip final testing flows working with the subcons.
• Define and work on external manufacturing test strategies, including required and/or suitable equipment, software solutions, and procedural controls and workflows.
• Act as a subcon test technical SME, liaising with BG TPEs and project leaders on subcon’s BG projects.
• Configure test data connectivity for new subcons or new production lines in line with Nexperia standard and specifications.
• Oversee the approval, installation, and qualification of consigned equipment. What Makes This Role Exciting This role provides a unique opportunity to influence Nexperia's global test technology strategy and shape the adoption of next-generation semiconductor test solutions. You will have the freedom to explore innovative technologies, engage with leading industry players, and drive initiatives that deliver measurable impact across multiple manufacturing sites worldwide. The position offers a strong combination of technical depth, strategic influence, global collaboration, and continuous learning. You will gain exposure to a variety of factories (from multiple external manufacturing sites) and develop a strong understanding of the industry’s current best practices and standards. This is you We are looking for a highly experienced and technically driven engineering professional with deep expertise in semiconductor test technologies and a proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives in a global environment. The ideal candidate combines strong technical depth with strategic thinking, enabling them to identify, evaluate, and introduce innovative test solutions that enhance quality, reduce risk, and support manufacturing excellence across Nexperia. You are a collaborative leader who can confidently engage with technical experts, influence stakeholders, drive complex projects, and share knowledge across sites and organizations. You are passionate about continuous improvement and thrive in environments where innovation, problem-solving, and operational excellence are valued. Education & Experience Must Have
• Bachelor’s degree in Electronics, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related Engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the semiconductor industry within Test Engineering or related test support functions such as Test Equipment Engineering, Wafer Probe, Test Process Engineering, Test AOI, or Product Engineering.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor product test methodologies, test equipment, and manufacturing test processes. Nice to Have
• Strong foundation in electronics and semiconductor device fundamentals.
• Exposure to global manufacturing environments and multi-site project deployments.
• Experience in introducing new test technologies, capabilities, or platforms into production. Technical Skills Must Have
• Deep knowledge of semiconductor test methodologies, test processes, and production test environments.
• Hands-on experience with Automated Test Equipment (ATE) and semiconductor test handlers.
• Strong technical project leadership experience, including driving cross-functional initiatives from concept to implementation.
• Proven ability to evaluate, qualify, and implement new test technologies and solutions. Nice to Have
• Experience with data analytics and statistical tools such as GR&R, Spotfire, SAS-JMP, Minitab, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of test equipment architecture, hardware development, or advanced test process optimization.
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0, test automation, or manufacturing digitalization initiatives. Soft Skills Must Have
• Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to drive alignment across global and cross-functional teams.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical thinking capabilities, with a structured approach to decision-making.
• Effective communication and presentation skills in English, with the confidence to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Self-driven, proactive, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision. Nice to Have
• Passion for coaching, mentoring, and kno