Automation, Best Practices, Cadence, Circuit Simulation, Cross-Functional, Customer Support/Service, Documentation, Electrical Engineering, Electricity, Failure Analysis, High Voltage (HV), Integrated Circuit (IC) Design, Model Validation, Multiplatform/Cross-Platform, Physics, Predictive Modeling, Process Improvement, Product Development, Product Engineering, Product Support, Product Testing, Product/Service Launch, Quality Control, Risk Analysis, SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis), Semiconductors, Simulation, Source Code/Configuration Management (SCM), System Operations, Team Player, Technical Support, Thermal Analysis
Description
The Device Modeling Engineer is responsible for the development, validation, and release of accurate device models and cells for silicon (Si) and wide-bandgap (WBG) power devices, supporting Power Integrations' product development and technology roadmap.
This role is critical in bridging device physics, characterization, and circuit-level simulation to enable first-time-right silicon, robust product definition, and predictive design across multiple power platforms.
The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in semiconductor device physics, hands-on characterization, and model extraction, with a strong ability to collaborate across device, IC design, product engineering, and applications teams.
Key Responsibilities
Device Modeling & Model Development
- Develop, maintain, and release device models and model libraries for Si and WBG (GaN) technologies across multiple voltage and power ranges
- Create compact models suitable for circuit simulation (SPICE-level) and system-level design
- Ensure models accurately capture static, dynamic, thermal, and transient behavior across operating conditions
- Support development of next-generation GaN and high-voltage technologies through predictive modeling
Characterization & Parameter Extraction
- Define and execute device characterization plans for model extraction
- Perform electrical and thermal measurements, including switching behavior, loss mechanisms, and parasitic effects
- Extract model parameters using measurement data and ensure correlation across:
o Process corners
o Temperature and voltage extremes
o System operating conditions
- Drive improvements in measurement methodologies and test setups
Simulation & Validation
- Perform device-level and circuit-level simulations to validate model accuracy
- Correlate simulation vs. measured data and identify discrepancies
- Work closely with IC design teams to ensure models are:
o Accurate for design
o Efficient for simulation
o Robust across use cases
- Support validation for new product introductions (NPI) and technology releases
Technology & Product Support
- Provide modeling support for new device architectures and process technologies
- Evaluate electrical and thermal characteristics of GaN and high-voltage power devices
- Support failure analysis, reliability studies, and qualification activities from a modeling perspective
- Contribute to design reviews and risk assessments for new products
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate closely with:
o Device engineering
o IC design and layout teams
o Product and test engineering
o Applications engineering
- Ensure models meet internal design needs and external customer requirements
- Support key customer engagements requiring model validation or customization
Model Infrastructure & Continuous Improvement
- Maintain and enhance modeling flows, libraries, and documentation
- Improve automation for parameter extraction, validation, and release processes
- Drive best practices for model quality, version control, and deployment
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (semiconductor devices preferred)
- Typical experience:
o Ph.D. + 3+ years, OR
o M.S. + 6+ years, OR
o B.S. + 8+ years
- Proven track record in device modeling for Si and/or WBG technologies
Technical Skills
o Semiconductor device physics (Si and GaN strongly preferred)
o Device operation, parasitics, and switching behavior
o Model extraction and development
o High-voltage device characterization and test systems
o CADENCE or equivalent simulation tools (Spectre/SPICE)
o Compact modeling methodologies
o Electro-thermal modeling
o Behavioral modeling for system simulation