COE Application Engineer

COE Application Engineer - SLT, Burn-In, HPC & AI

Position Overview

Hands-on COE (Center of Expertise) Application Engineer responsible for application development, system integration, customer enablement, and technical support across SLT, Burn-In, HPC, and AI semiconductor test platforms. The role works directly across semiconductor testers, automated handlers, thermal systems, instrumentation, test programs, firmware, software, and production test-cell environments to develop, validate, deploy, and scale complete test solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical subject matter expert for SLT, Burn-In, HPC, and AI semiconductor test applications.
• Lead hands-on system bring-up, application development, device integration, characterization, qualification, and production ramp activities.
• Develop and optimize test flows, recipes, configurations, operating parameters, and application methodologies for complex semiconductor devices.
• Integrate and debug complete test-cell solutions across tester hardware, handlers, thermal systems, instrumentation, firmware, software, networking, and test programs.
• Support customer evaluations, proof-of-concepts, demonstrations, benchmarks, technical workshops, and production deployments.
• Work directly with customers to translate device, factory, reliability, throughput, electrical, thermal, and production requirements into test solutions.
• Characterize and improve test time, throughput, yield, repeatability, utilization, availability, power delivery, and thermal performance.
• Drive structured root-cause analysis for complex system-level issues and coordinate resolution across Applications, Systems, HW, SW, FW, Test Program, and R&D teams.
• Develop reusable COE reference solutions, validation methods, troubleshooting guides, best practices, and application documentation.
• Train regional Applications Engineers, Field Service Engineers, partners, and customer engineering teams.
• Provide field and customer feedback to Product Management and R&D to influence future platform, software, firmware, and system requirements.
• Use automation, scripting, data analytics, and AI-assisted engineering tools to accelerate application development, debug, and characterization.
• All other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of applications engineering, semiconductor test, system integration, product engineering, or related hands-on technical experience.
• Strong experience with one or more of the following: SLT, Burn-In, semiconductor ATE, HPC/AI device test, test program development, handlers, thermal systems, or high-power test systems.
• Strong system-level troubleshooting skills with the ability to debug across hardware, firmware, software, networking, and DUT execution.
• Experience integrating semiconductor test equipment, physical hardware, instrumentation, device interfaces, handlers, or thermal systems.
• Working knowledge of Python, C/C++, C#, scripting, or comparable automation tools.
• Working knowledge of Windows and/or Linux environments, networking, logs, telemetry, and data analysis.
• Understanding semiconductor production metrics including yield, test time, throughput, utilization, and availability.
• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Must be willing to work onsite in Lake Forest, CA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SLT, Burn-In, ATE, HPC, ActivATE/ActivATE360, or Advantest test platforms.
• Experience testing GPU, CPU, AI accelerator, server, chiplet, or other high-performance computer devices.
• Experience with high-power device testing, advanced thermal control, liquid cooling, handlers, and complete test-cell integration.
• Experience taking semiconductor test solutions from engineering evaluation through qualification and high-volume manufacturing.
• Knowledge of GEM/SECS, MES, equipment automation, factory data, production observability, or data analytics.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work in an on-prem and on-site setup (No Hybrid) in Lake Forest, CA.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, sometimes on short notice, to support customer evaluations, system bring-up, production ramps, escalations, and technical workshops.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work directly with customers and global engineering teams.

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. 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. $130k - $170k (depending on experience) 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.