Test Concept Engineer – Automotive Microcontrollers

REMOTE ROLE

This is a specialist engineering role focused on ensuring that automotive-grade microcontrollers (chips used in cars for safety, control, and infotainment systems) are thoroughly tested before they go into production.

Think of it as the bridge between chip design teams and test engineering teams:

• You define how the chip should be tested (test concept).
• You review and optimize test strategies to balance cost, quality, and speed to market.
• You ensure compliance with automotive standards (ISO26262, AEC-Q100, etc.), which are critical for safety and reliability.

In short: this role makes sure the microcontroller chips are robust, reliable, and cost-efficient to test, which directly impacts whether they can be safely used in cars.

Core Responsibilities

• Test Concept Development: Write and maintain test concept documents at IP (individual block) and product level.
• Collaboration: Work with DFT (Design for Testability) experts and design engineers to select the right test structures (like scan chains, BIST, boundary scan).
• Optimization: Balance test cost vs. coverage vs. time-to-market.
• Review & Gap Analysis: Lead reviews of test concepts, identify inefficiencies, and propose improvements.
• Support: Guide product/test engineers during ATE (Automated Test Equipment) implementation.
• Compliance: Ensure test concepts meet automotive quality and safety standards.

Deliverables

• Updated test concept documentation.
• Gap analysis reports (showing where test coverage is missing or excessive).
• Improved strategies that reduce test cost while maintaining quality.
• Ongoing support during chip validation and production ramp-up.

Ideal Background

• Semiconductor test engineering (ATE, DFT, ATPG).
• Automotive microcontroller design/validation.
• Familiarity with ISO26262 functional safety and AEC-Q100 reliability.
• Strong analytical skills (statistical methods, FMEA, problem-solving).