Arm
Principal Engineer, DFT

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Job Overview
Arm's Central Engineering DFT Architecture and Methodology team defines the future of Design-for-Test across Arm's CPUs, GPUs, System IP, AI accelerators and next-generation SoCs. The team develops DFT architectures, methodologies and implementation flows that enable high-quality, scalable test solutions across soft IP, hard macros, test chips and complex multi-die SoCs.
Working at the forefront of semiconductor innovation, you will collaborate with product teams, system architects, design engineers and EDA vendors to shape DFT technologies several years ahead of production. This is a highly technical architecture role with significant influence across Arm and the broader semiconductor ecosystem.
Responsibilities
As a Principal/Senior Principal DFT Architect/Engineer, you will:
- Define DFT architecture for next-generation Arm IPs and SoCs, including emerging AI and hyperscale computing products.
- Develop and drive scalable DFT methodologies and implementation flows used across multiple Arm engineering organizations.
- Evaluate emerging DFT technologies and lead technical investigations to solve future product challenges.
- Collaborate with architecture, implementation, verification and physical design teams to define robust DFT solutions.
- Work closely with EDA vendors to influence product roadmaps, evaluate new capabilities and drive adoption of new technologies.
- Produce architecture specifications, methodology documentation and deployment guidance.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship across project teams.
- Support strategic engagements with customers, ASIC partners and industry standards bodies where appropriate.
- Contribute to technical publications, patents and industry conferences.
Required Skills and Experience
- Principal or Senior Principal level engineer with extensive experience in Design-for-Test architecture and implementation.
- Strong understanding of modern SoC DFT methodologies including:
- Scan architecture and scan compression
- ATPG and fault simulation
- At-speed testing
- Memory BIST
- Logic BIST
- JTAG / IEEE 1149.1
- IJTAG / IEEE 1687
- DFT verification and debug
- Experience developing reusable DFT methodologies or automation rather than project-specific solutions.
- Experience evaluating and deploying Siemens Tessent, Synopsys and/or Cadence DFT solutions.
- Strong scripting skills (Perl, Tcl and/or Python) together with Linux/Unix expertise.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence technical direction across multiple engineering teams.
- Degree (or equivalent) in Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering or related discipline.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
“Nice To Have” Skills and Experience
- Experience defining DFT architecture for large-scale SoCs.
- Experience with heterogeneous compute systems, AI accelerators or hyperscale computing products.
- Knowledge of IEEE 1500, IEEE 1838 and advanced IJTAG methodologies.
- Experience with Streaming Scan Network (SSN) and chiplet/3DIC architectures.
- Familiarity with silicon bring-up and production test.
- Experience working directly with EDA vendors on new technology development.
- Knowledge of synthesis, STA and physical implementation considerations for DFT.
- Experience with formal verification and simulation methodologies.
- Record of patents, conference publications or contributions to industry standards.
Additional Information
Please note that a relocation package (including visa sponsorship support) is available for this role, for candidates who require it.
Accommodations at Arm
At Arm, we want to build extraordinary teams. If you need an adjustment or an accommodation during the recruitment process, please email accommodations@arm.com. To note, by sending us the requested information, you consent to its use by Arm to arrange for appropriate accommodations. All accommodation or adjustment requests will be treated with confidentiality, and information concerning these requests will only be disclosed as necessary to provide the accommodation. Although this is not an exhaustive list, examples of support include breaks between interviews, having documents read aloud, or office accessibility. Please email us about anything we can do to accommodate you during the recruitment process.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Hybrid Working at Arm
Arm’s approach to hybrid working is designed to create a working environment that supports both high performance and personal wellbeing. We believe in bringing people together face to face to enable us to work at pace, whilst recognizing the value of flexibility. Within that framework, we empower groups/teams to determine their own hybrid working patterns, depending on the work and the team’s needs. Details of what this means for each role will be shared upon application. In some cases, the flexibility we can offer is limited by local legal, regulatory, tax, or other considerations, and where this is the case, we will collaborate with you to find the best solution. Please talk to us to find out more about what this could look like for you.
Equal Opportunities at Arm
Arm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and colleagues. We are a diverse organization of dedicated and innovative individuals, and don’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Salary Range
£126,200 - £170,800 per year
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills