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Junior DFT Engineer

Inspire Semiconductor, Inc.
Austin, TX Full Time
POSTED ON 4/28/2026 CLOSED ON 5/13/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Junior DFT Engineer position at Inspire Semiconductor, Inc.?

About Us

At InspireSemi, we're not just building chips; we're revolutionizing high-performance computing. Our groundbreaking architecture packs thousands of 64-bit CPU cores onto a single chip, all seamlessly connected. We're driven by a mission to make high-performance computing more accessible, energy-efficient, and easier for developers to harness. Ready to make a real impact? Join our passionate team!

Why Join InspireSemi?

  • Be a Pioneer: Get in on the ground floor of a hypergrowth startup! You’ll be part of a small, dynamic team where your contributions are visible from day one.
  • Accelerated Growth: Work directly alongside industry veterans. This is a fast-track environment designed to turn a junior engineer into an expert.
  • Make an Impact: Your work ensures the quality and reliability of disruptive technology.
  • Rewarding Compensation: We offer a competitive salary, bonus potential, and meaningful equity.
  • Flexibility: Benefit from a hybrid work model and flexible time off.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a motivated Junior Design for Test (DFT) Engineer to join our team. This is an ideal role for someone with a solid grasp of digital logic and a passion for hardware reliability. You will support the end-to-end DFT flow, from RTL integration to ATPG pattern generation, while learning to navigate the complexities of massive-scale chip design.

What You’ll Do

  • RTL Integration: Assist in integrating DFT features such as scan compression, memory BIST, IEEE 1149, IEEE 1687, and IEEE 1500 wrappers into the design.
  • Scan & ATPG: Execute scan insertion scripts and run ATPG (Automatic Test Pattern Generation) for various fault models, including stuck-at and transition faults.
  • Simulation & Debug: Run and debug gate-level simulations (GLS) to verify DFT structures and investigate simulation mismatches.
  • Coverage Analysis: Help identify areas of low test coverage and work with senior engineers to implement logic changes or test points to improve results.
  • Verification: Support the validation of test patterns for low-power designs and assist in timing constraint verification for scan modes.
  • Automation: Maintain and improve Tcl, Perl, or Python scripts to streamline the DFT flow and post-processing of design data.

What You Bring

  • Experience: 1–3 years of experience in DFT or Digital Design (relevant internships or university projects count!).
  • Education: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
  • Core Knowledge: A strong understanding of digital logic design, Verilog/SystemVerilog, and basic DFT concepts (Scan, ATPG, BIST).
  • Scripting Skills: Familiarity with Tcl, Python, or Perl for workflow automation.
  • Tool Exposure: Basic experience or academic exposure to industry-standard tools (e.g., Cadence Modus/Genus, Synopsys Tessent/DFTMAX, or Siemens Fastscan).
  • Mindset: A "can-do" attitude, a desire to learn complex hierarchies, and excellent communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.

Bonus Points

  • Knowledge of RISC-V architecture or CPU fundamentals.
  • Experience with Gate Level Simulations (GLS) and timing analysis.
  • Exposure to hardware description languages like VHDL or specialized DFT protocols like IJTAG (IEEE 1687).
  • Knowledge or experience using ATE test systems (Advantest 93K, Teradyne Ultra-Flex, etc).

If you're excited about pushing the boundaries of computing and starting your career at the cutting edge of semiconductor technology, we’d love to hear from you!

PI284146716

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