Senior Reliability Engineer
The Senior Reliability Engineer will lead radio frequency (RF) characterization and reliability test development for advanced tuner switch products used in wireless handset chipsets. This role serves as the reliability expert and key partner to Research & Development, Design, and Quality teams, applying deep semiconductor device physics and reliability knowledge to ensure robust product performance and to shape a new revenue-generating product line.
Responsibilities
- Lead RF characterization activities for tuner switch products used in wireless handset chipsets, ensuring accurate and comprehensive device performance evaluation.
- Develop, implement, and optimize reliability test plans and methodologies for semiconductor devices, with a focus on front-end module (FEM) components.
- Partner closely with R&D, Design, and Quality teams to define reliability requirements, translate them into test strategies, and provide expert guidance throughout the product lifecycle.
- Perform detailed device characterization at the wafer and component level, including setup, execution, and documentation of characterization experiments.
- Conduct failure analysis on devices and components to identify root causes, leveraging knowledge of device physics, ESD, and FEM behavior.
- Apply quality and reliability engineering principles to assess risk, define qualification plans, and support product release decisions.
- Use statistical tools such as JMP to analyze large data sets, interpret results, and generate clear, data-driven recommendations.
- Support and execute JEDEC-based reliability qualification tests, including high-temperature operating life (HTOL) and other relevant stress tests.
- Document test methods, procedures, and results in a clear and structured manner to support internal reviews and customer requirements.
- Provide technical leadership in reliability engineering and mentor less experienced engineers, with the potential to grow into a formal management role within a few years.
- Continuously improve reliability test processes, characterization techniques, and analysis workflows to enhance efficiency and product robustness.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to address quality and reliability issues, drive corrective actions, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Essential Skills
- Direct semiconductor experience in front-end module (FEM) device reliability engineering.
- Strong expertise in semiconductor device physics, particularly as it relates to RF components and tuner switch technologies.
- Demonstrated experience in RF device characterization and reliability test development.
- Hands-on experience with device characterization at the wafer level.
- Proven experience in failure analysis of semiconductor devices, including root cause identification and corrective action support.
- Experience with electrostatic discharge (ESD) considerations in device reliability and test design.
- Quality and reliability engineering experience, including defining and executing qualification plans.
- Hands-on data analysis experience using statistical tools such as JMP, with the ability to interpret complex data sets and communicate findings clearly.
- Experience with HTOL and other JEDEC-based reliability stress tests.
- Educational background in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline: BS with approximately 10 years of experience, MS with approximately 5–10 years of experience, or an advanced degree with 2–3 years of directly related experience.
- Familiarity with JEDEC standards and their application to semiconductor reliability qualification.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Ability to collaborate effectively with R&D, Design, and Quality teams and act as a trusted reliability expert.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a methodical and data-driven approach to reliability and quality challenges.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills for documenting test methods, results, and recommendations.
- Interest in taking on increasing leadership responsibilities with the potential to grow into a management role within 2–5 years.
- Motivation to work on a new R&D product line and contribute to shaping a new revenue stream for the organization.
Work Environment
This role is based onsite Monday through Friday in a laboratory and engineering office environment. You will work hands-on with semiconductor test and characterization equipment, RF measurement setups, and reliability test systems such as HTOL, following JEDEC-aligned procedures. The position involves close collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams and access to strong technical leadership. The environment supports deep technical work, data analysis using tools like JMP, and direct involvement in new product development, offering opportunities for professional growth and future leadership responsibilities.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of San Jose, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $200000.00/yr. 401k RSUs medical dental vision robust PTO
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in San Jose, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 29, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
- Hiring diverse talent
- Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
- Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
- Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.