Semtech
Staff Characterisation Engineer
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Staff Characterisation Engineer
Staff Characterisation Engineer – Entry-Level Role
Location: Semtech Bristol Design Centre, Bristol, UK Hybrid Model: Office-based – 4 days per week (Mon–Thurs)
About the Role & Team
The Characterisation Engineering team at Semtech ensures the quality and performance of high-speed semiconductor designs as they move from development to mass production. We bridge design, validation, and product engineering by:
- Developing and refining automated lab-based test strategies for analog and optical semiconductor devices.
- Building and optimising test environments to enhance measurement precision and yield reproducibility.
- Translating complex measurement data into actionable engineering insights that inform product development.
This is a collaborative, hands-on culture, where engineers work closely with internal teams in Bristol and globally. We prioritise learning, mentorship, and career growth, making it an ideal environment for recent graduates intent on deepening their expertise in semiconductor R&D.
Job Summary
We’re recruiting a recent Electrical or Electronic Engineering graduate for a Staff Characterisation Engineer position in Bristol. This role serves as a structured entry point into the semiconductor industry, offering:
- Direct hands-on experience with high-speed optical and mixed-signal devices.
- Practical mentorship from senior engineers in a real R&D setting.
- Novel exposure to lab-based testing, automation, and data analysis—gaining skills applicable to broader engineering and product development.
If you’re eager to build a strong foundation in hardware engineering and contribute to cutting-edge semiconductor technology, this is your opportunity.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the characterisation and testing of high-speed optical and mixed-signal ICs under varying voltage and environmental conditions.
- Design and refine test setups, leveraging PCBs, lab instruments, and measurement systems.
- Automate measurement workflows (primarily using Python) to improve efficiency and repeatability.
- Analyse engineering data to extract performance insights, supporting product characterisation activities.
- Collaborate closely with engineers in design, validation, and applications teams to advance ongoing projects.
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What You’ll Learn & Develop
| Skill Area | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Lab Equipment Usage | Expertise in professional semiconductor test tools and methodologies. |
| Measurement & Data Analysis | Refined skills in conducting precise measurements and deriving meaningful trends. |
| Optical/Mixed-Signal Characterisation | Foundational knowledge of how these devices are tested and analysed. |
| Automation & Scripting | Proficiency in Python-based automation, improving workflow efficiency. |
| Semiconductor Product Lifecycle | Insights on end-to-end product development, from prototyping to launch. |
| Engineering Collaboration | Confidence working across teams in a fast-paced, academic environment. |
Minimum Requirements
- A recent or upcoming degree (2:1 or higher) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering (or related discipline).
- Strong passion for electronics and willingness to engage in hands-on engineering work.
- Basic understanding of fundamental principles (voltage, current, impedance, signal timing).
- Open to learning Python; pre-existing scripts/coding experience is beneficial but not essential.
- Excellent communication and collaborative mindset.
- Inquisitive, detail-oriented personality with enthusiasm for practical problem-solving.
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Nice to Haves (not essential):
- Exposure to university electronics labs, projects, or internships.
- Basic familiarity with Python scripting or PCB/embedded systems foundational concepts.
- Awareness of semiconductor signal integrity or electromagnetism challenges.
Why This Role Mentors a Strong Career Start
- Immediate hands-on experience—no internships required to earn your stripes.
- Structured mentorship & shadowing from senior engineers throughout the onboarding process.
- Exposure to leading-edge optical and RF systems, enabling agility in high-growth technical fields.
- Journey onto broader responsibilities within a global semiconductor leader.
- Clear pathways for advancing into specialised roles post-training.
Career Growth Philosophy at Semtech
At Semtech, we invest in early-career engineers by combining:
- Quality mentorship,
- Controlled exposure to real-world challenges,
- Tangible work products building on theoretical knowledge.
This role ensures graduates transition into industry confidently, armed with hands-on skills and a network of supportive peers in an industry leader’s ecosystem.
Supporting Note: The role’s duties are focused on core deliverables, but unforeseen or emergent project needs may evolve with reasonable adjustments if required to accommodate accommodations.
About Semtech: Semtech designs high-performance semiconductors, IoT systems, and Cloud connectivity solutions that foster smarter, interconnected infrastructure for industries and consumer devices. Innovation and sustainability guide our work, as we partner with developers at all levels—from architects to end-users—to deliver next-generation technologies.
Explore more at Semtech.com
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