Staff/Senior Staff Engineer, DFT (Design Enablement)

As a Staff/Senior Staff Engineer, DFT at Renesas, your primary responsibilities will involve developing DFT insertion methodologies for large-scale SOCs, managing tools and flows, collaborating closely with RTL, Physical design, and verification teams, and actively engaging EDA vendors to ensure the best practices in testability features. You will also focus on post-silicon debugging, ensuring robust workflows that enhance our high-performance compute designs.

To apply for the Staff/Senior Staff Engineer, DFT position at Renesas, candidates must have a degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering and at least 5-13 years of relevant experience. Additional qualifications include familiarity with digital EDA toolkits such as Tessent and FC, strong scripting capabilities in PERL, TCL, or Python, and excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Renesas is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, reflected in our initiatives and leadership team. We believe in a people-first culture where every individual brings unique perspectives. Employees have access to Employee Resource Groups, flexible working options, and a stress-free environment, ensuring that all employees, including those in the Staff/Senior Staff Engineer, DFT role, have the opportunity to thrive.

To succeed as a Staff/Senior Staff Engineer, DFT at Renesas, essential skills include a strong understanding of DFT methodologies, proficiency with digital EDA tools, adept scripting abilities for flow automation, and a collaborative mindset for effective teamwork. Effective communication is also crucial to convey technical concepts clearly and work across departments.

At Renesas, Staff/Senior Staff Engineers, DFT can expect a variety of career growth opportunities across multiple product groups and functions. With our commitment to continuous learning and development, you’ll have chances to explore new technologies, take on new challenges, and advance into technical or managerial roles that align with your career goals.

When answering this question, provide specific examples of DFT methodologies you’ve developed or utilized. Highlight particular projects involving high-performance compute SOCs, detailing your role, the challenges faced, and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and technical knowledge.

Discuss your methods for fostering communication and collaboration with RTL and physical design teams. Provide examples of how you’ve successfully navigated cross-functional teams, possibly referencing specific projects where teamwork enhanced the overall design process.

Mention specific EDA tools such as Tessent, Genus, or VCS that you have used, explaining their role in DFT processes. Discuss how these tools contribute to functionality like scan insertion, ATPG, or post-silicon debug and why they are critical in high-performance computing environments.

In your response, choose a pertinent example where you encountered a significant challenge, whether it be technical or team-related. Explain the steps you took to address the issue, including analytical thinking and any collaboration required, and the ultimate outcome.

Share how you regularly engage with industry resources such as forums, conferences, webinars, and workshops to stay updated. Mention any specific communities or publications relevant to DFT methodologies that you follow, and express your commitment to continuous professional development.

Discuss your proficiency with scripting languages like PERL, TCL, or Python. Provide examples of how you've utilized these skills for automation or tool flow development in your DFT work to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in your role.

Describe your process for ensuring quality in DFT work. This could include the use of coverage metrics, peer reviews, systematic testing, and post-implementation analysis, to demonstrate your commitment to quality and attention to detail.

Discuss conflict resolution strategies you employ, like active listening and constructive feedback. Provide an example of a past disagreement, explaining how you facilitated a solution that benefited the project and strengthened team dynamics.

When answering, elucidate what ATPG (Automatic Test Pattern Generation) is and why it’s crucial in DFT processes. Discuss how ATPG helps in fault detection and coverage metrics, linking it to your past experiences in practical applications.

Share your passion for DFT within the context of the semiconductor industry. Discuss what excites you about Renesas specifically, referencing the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technology that has a real-world impact.