Principal Test Engineer

Job description

Renesas is seeking a highly experienced Principal Test Engineer to drive advanced test development for new products within the Performance Computing Power (PCP) business unit in Catania, Italy. This role is a key technical position combining deep hands-on expertise with strategic influence across product development and production. As a senior individual contributor, the selected candidate will define and lead test methodologies, guide complex technical decisions, and act as a reference point for the broader engineering team.

You will work on cutting-edge power management solutions, including multiphase controllers, smart power stages, and 48v system power regulators.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end test strategy definition for new product development, ensuring scalability, quality, and cost efficiency
• Define and drive adoption of best-in-class test methodologies, test plan development, DFT approaches, and ATE hardware design
• Act as technical leader and mentor for test engineers, supporting capability growth across the team Ensure robust production release , including high coverage, test time optimization, and manufacturability
• Lead root cause analysis and yield improvement initiatives , applying advanced statistical and data-driven techniques
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Design, Product Engineering, Operations, and Quality teams worldwide
• Provide technical leadership in customer interactions, escalations, and quality investigations
• Influence test roadmap and long-term strategy , aligning with business and product requirements
• Support cost reduction initiatives through test optimization and efficiency improvements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical/computer engineering (master’s preferred) Typically
• 12+ years of experience in test engineering for analog/mixed-signal or power management ICs Extensive expertise in ATE test development (Advantest 93K, Teradyne/Eagle, SPEA, COHU)
• Strong knowledge of DFT techniques, test coverage analysis, and production flows
• Proven experience in complex product bring-up, debug, and production ramp Advanced skills in data analysis, statistical methods, and yield optimization
• Strong programming skills C/C++, python or similar is a plus Deep understanding of ATE instrumentation, signal integrity, and hardware design constraints Experience in debugging analog and mixed-signal systems , including serial interfaces

Key Competencies

• Strong technical leadership without formal people management responsibility
• Ability to work independently and drive complex problems to resolution Strategic mindset with attention to technical details
• Excellent communication skills in global, cross-functional environments Capability to mentor engineers and elevate overall team performance