The posting
Job Description
About the Job: Texas Instruments is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Product Development Engineering (PDE) Product Test Technician to join our LFAB team. This role serves as a critical "Quality Gatekeeper" within our wafer fabrication process. You will be responsible for the visual and statistical inspection of wafer maps to identify defect patterns (signatures), ensuring that only high-quality material proceeds to final testing and our customers.
This is not just repetitive execution of manual tasks; it is a technical role that requires high-level pattern recognition, logical troubleshooting, and a mindset geared toward automation. As you grow in this role, you will transition from executing established protocols to consulting with engineers on process improvements and utilizing AI-driven automation to streamline manufacturing workflows.
Key Responsibilities:
- Visual Pattern Recognition & Quality Control: Perform high-level inspection of wafer maps (PNG die-level images) to identify defect "signatures." Compare observed patterns against a technical Wafer Map Library to determine if failures are representative of known device issues.
- Technical Disposition (Inking): Execute "Inking" protocols to exclude suspect dies (Post Probe Outliers) from moving to the next manufacturing stage, preventing "underkill" (shipping bad parts) and "overkill" (unnecessary scrap).
- Data-Driven Quality Support: Monitor Statistical Bin Limits (SBL) and Common Probe Outlier (CPO) thresholds. Identify gaps in automated detection and escalate findings to PDE Engineers for further analysis.
- Cross-Functional Communication: Act as a technical liaison between PDE and back-end Probe Sites. Provide logistical priority updates and technical troubleshooting support (e.g., identifying hardware-related probe touchdown issues via dashboard analysis).
- Process Documentation: Maintain the Wafer Map Library (Confluence) and prepare technical documentation for Qualification Lots, including baseline yield reviews and hold status reports.
- Continuous Improvement : Identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Investigate "misses" in the process and utilize Data Analysis skills to Pareto and characterize the issues and develop procedures to close gaps. Identify opportunities to automate repetitive tasks.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- High School diploma/GED
- 18 years of age or older
- One of the following: 2 years of semiconductor experience as Technician OR 8 years of non-semiconductor/military Technician experience
- Ability to work 12 hour compressed work schedule
- Flexible to work day or night shift that will include one weekend shift and holidays
Preferred Technical Skills:
- Advanced Excel Proficiency: Ability to import external data, use Pivot Tables, build complex charts, and utilize data validation.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with an exceptional eye for detail.
- Ability to thrive in an "interrupt-driven" environment, managing urgent engineering requests alongside routine tasks.
- Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Spotfire, Tableau).
- Experience with database querying (e.g., SQL).
- Exposure to automation/scripting logic (e.g., Python, Perl) or an interest in using AI to develop automation tools.
- Familiarity with parametric test data and the relationship between wafer-level testing and final product yield.
- Basic Linux Skills: Familiarity with command-line navigation (SSH, VNC, directory navigation, and command execution).
Texas Instruments will not sponsor job applicants for visas or work authorization for this position.
About Us
Why TI?
- Engineer your future. We empower our employees to truly own their career and development. Come collaborate with some of the smartest people in the world to shape the future of electronics.
- We're different by design. Diverse backgrounds and perspectives are what push innovation forward and what make TI stronger. We value each and every voice, and look forward to hearing yours. Meet the people of TI
- Benefits that benefit you. We offer competitive pay and benefits designed to help you and your family live your best life. Your well-being is important to us. Please find our country-specific benefits here
About Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments Incorporated (Nasdaq: TXN) is a global semiconductor company that designs, manufactures and sells analog and embedded processing chips for markets such as industrial, automotive, data center, personal electronics and communications equipment. At our core, we have a passion to create a better world by making electronics more affordable through semiconductors. This passion is alive today as each generation of innovation builds upon the last to make our technology more reliable, more affordable and lower power, making it possible for semiconductors to go into electronics everywhere. Learn more at TI.com.
Texas Instruments is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse, inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, genetic information, national origin, gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
If you are interested in this position, please apply to this requisition.
TI does not make recruiting or hiring decisions based on citizenship, immigration status or national origin. However, if TI determines that information access or export control restrictions based upon applicable laws and regulations would prohibit you from working in this position without first obtaining an export license, TI expressly reserves the right not to seek such a license for you and either offer you a different position that does not require an export license or decline to move forward with your employment.
