Advantest

Lead Application Engineer

Advantest  •  $130k - $200k/yr  •  San Jose, CA (Onsite)  •  5 hours ago
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Job Description

We are seeking a highly experienced Lead Application Engineer to join Advantest’s Research & Ventures (R&V) team, developing and delivering advanced semiconductor test solutions on the Advantest V93000 Test Platform, with a strong focus on wafer-level (die-level) testing, thermal management, and high-performance digital devices.

As part of the R&V team, you will have the opportunity to work on new and cutting-edge technologies and play a critical role in incubating, enabling, and bringing new products and capabilities to our customers. You will be a key technical contributor, working closely with R&D, cross-functional teams and customers to transform early concepts and advanced technologies into robust, scalable test solutions.

You will independently design, implement, debug, and optimize test programs for silicon devices at the wafer level, while managing the thermal and electrical challenges.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter with strong SmarTest8 expertise, hands-on experience with die-level probers, and a passion for innovation—capable of leading technical discussions, influencing research, and delivering end-to-end solutions that shape the future of semiconductor testing.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design, development, execution, and debugging of test programs on the Advantest V93000 platform
  • Develop test programs, test methods, and reusable libraries using C++ and Java in SmarTest8
  • Own wafer-level (die-level) test program development, including silicon bring-up, characterization, and support using die-level probers
  • Manage and optimize thermal aspects of device testing, including temperature control strategies, thermal limitations, and correlation of electrical behavior across temperatures
  • Work with high-power devices and develop test programs that actively manage power dissipation and thermal constraints during testing, ensuring safe operation, test integrity, and repeatable results across operating conditions
  • Execute, debug, and resolve test program issues on both, offline and online systems
  • Provide end-to-end ownership of test solutions, spanning ATE hardware, probers, load boards, probe cards, and test software
  • Debug and resolve complex issues across hardware, software, silicon, and thermal domains
  • Act as the primary technical interface for cross-functional teams, leading technical discussions, design reviews, and root-cause analysis sessions
  • Support requirements analysis, benchmark testing, demonstrations, and training
  • Collaborate closely with R&D, COE, and global engineering teams to develop next-generation wafer-level and system-level test solutions
  • Partner with leading customers on next‑generation high‑power devices to co‑define advanced test requirements, exploring power delivery, thermal management, and wafer‑level test methodologies on the V93000 platform
  • Lead customer‑facing engagements—including technical discussions, deep‑dives, and pilot programs—to prototype and validate high‑power, thermally‑constrained test solutions, transforming early concepts into scalable test programs, methods, and reusable frameworks.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
  • 5–7 years of hands-on experience developing and debugging test programs, test methods, and libraries on V93000 using SmarTest8
  • Proficiency in Java for test program and test method development
  • Hands-on experience with wafer-level (die-level) testing, including working directly with silicon and dies using die-level probers
  • Proven experience managing thermal aspects of test devices, including temperature-dependent behavior and test execution across thermal conditions
  • Hands-on experience working with V93000 hardware, load boards, probe cards, and prober integration
  • Proven ability to debug and resolve issues end-to-end, spanning software, hardware, silicon, and thermal domains
  • Ability to lead technical discussions and influence technical decisions
  • Ability to work both independently and within a team in a fast-paced, changing environment
  • Self-motivated, proactive, and execution-focused

Preferred Skills

  • Experience developing test programs for digital and high-performance compute (HPC) devices
  • Deep understanding of V93000 system architecture, wafer-level test flows, and best practices
  • Strong understanding of high power devices and their thermal behavior at wafer level

About Advantest


Advantest America Inc. is part of Advantest Corporation, the world's largest provider of automated test equipment (ATE) for the semiconductor industry. The company designs and manufactures cutting-edge testing solutions that help semiconductor manufacturers ensure the quality and performance of their products. Advantest is known for innovation, reliability, and a strong commitment to supporting its customers and employees.

Our Purpose & Values:
Mission: Improve lives through advanced technologies and customer-focused innovation.
Vision: Be the most trusted and valued test solution provider in the semiconductor value chain.

Core Values:
I- Innovation is our Lifeblood
N- Number One is Our Aspiration
T- Trust is our Foundation
E- Empowerment is Our Motivation
G- Global is our Reach
R- Respect is our Heart
I - Inclusion and Diversity is Our Commitment
T- Teamwork is our Approach
Y- Yes is Our Attitude

Why Join Us

At Advantest, innovation starts with people. We're looking for curious, capable, and collaborative individuals ready to shape the future of semiconductor technology. You'll join a global team where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your work makes a real impact.

We foster an integrity-centered culture, where honesty, inclusion, and respect are the foundation of everything we do.

Benefits Overview


* Global Bonus Program: Performance-based bonuses paid twice yearly.
* 401(k) Plan: Pre-tax retirement savings with company match.
* Medical, Dental & Vision: Multiple plan options including HMO, PPO, and HSA.
* Income Protection: Life, disability, and accident insurance at no cost.
* Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare and dependent care options.
* Employee Assistance Program: Free support for personal and work-related issues.
* Flexible Time Off: Accrual starts at hire, increases with service.
* Paid Holidays: 13 company holidays annually.

Salary Range


Bay Area Target Salary Range: $129,650 - $200,400 DOE

State of California Development

State of California Development (EDD):
- § 60-300.5(a)(2)(3)(4) Equal opportunity clause. Details the job posting requirements.
- § 60-300.5(a)(6) Equal opportunity clause. All employment openings includes all positions except executive and senior management, those positions that will be filled from within the contractor's organization, and positions lasting three days or less. This term includes full-time employment, temporary employment of more than three days' duration, and part-time employment.
CCPA Notice for California Residents:
Notice for California Residents: We collect personal information (PI) from you in connection with your application for employment with Advantest America, Inc., including some or all of the following categories of PI: identifiers and personal records (e.g., name, phone number, email address, employment history); commercial information (e.g., if we reimburse you for travel or other expenses during the application process); sensory information (e.g., recorded virtual interviews); professional or employment information (e.g., information provided in your resume and application, such as employment history); non-public education records (e.g., educational institution transcripts and records); and inferences drawn from the above categories of PI. We collect your PI for our purposes, including performing operations related to your potential employment. To view the Advantest Privacy Policy, visit https://www.advantest.com/privacy-policy.html. For additional details or if you have questions, contact us at AAI_privacy.officer@advantest.com.

EEO Statement


EEO Statement
Advantest is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. It is the policy of Advantest to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or special disabled veteran, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

The Advantest Way - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
At Advantest, diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of who we are. We are continuing to build a culture where everyone feels a sense of belonging through our DE&I programs & initiatives. We strive to have a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace to enable us to attract and retain candidates that feel a sense of purpose and empowerment. Our commitment to DE&I is unwavering and we are steadfast in our mission to continuously foster an environment of respect, trust and transparency. We value diversity and inclusion and believe employees of all backgrounds contribute to our ongoing success. At Advantest, we celebrate and support the needs of our employees regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender (including gender expression and gender identity), sex and sexual orientation. DE&I at Advantest is more than words to us, they are the Advantest Way.

Advantest

About Advantest

Advantest (TSE: 6857) is the leading manufacturer of automatic test and measurement equipment used in the design and production of semiconductors for applications including 5G communications, the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, high performance computing (HPC) including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, and more. Its leading-edge systems and products are integrated into the most advanced semiconductor production lines in the world. The company also conducts R&D to address emerging testing challenges and applications; develops advanced test-interface solutions for wafer sort and final test; produces scanning electron microscopes essential to photomask manufacturing; and offers system-level test solutions and other test-related accessories. Founded in Tokyo in 1954, Advantest is a global company with facilities around the world and an international commitment to sustainable practices and social responsibility.

More information is available at www.advantest.com.

Industry
Hardware & Semiconductors
Company Size
1,001-5,000 employees
Headquarters
Tokyo, JP
Year Founded
1954
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