Senior Staff Engineer, Validation

Semtech is seeking a Senior Staff Validation Engineer with extensive hands-on experience in RF lab testing, high-speed digital semiconductor validation, and optical component characterisation. This role involves contributing throughout the New Product Introduction (NPI) cycle, defining design requirements, developing validation strategies, and ensuring products meet high performance standards. The engineer will work in a fast-paced lab environment, collaborating with world-class designers on industry-leading communications technology, and shaping the future of data connectivity.

Must Have

• Participate in new product design meetings and drive test features.
• Develop validation solutions for new products (software/hardware/documentation).
• Actively participate in product development teams throughout the NPI cycle.
• Collaborate with designers, product, test, and applications engineers.
• Perform new product bench evaluation and characterisation.
• Identify bench-top test equipment for new product validation.
• Create validation and characterisation reports.
• Drive validation and characterisation review meetings.
• Generate test equipment automation software using Python.
• Hold a BSc/MSc in EE/ECE or HNC/HND with equivalent work experience.
• Ability to work under pressure in a highly paced, dynamic R&D environment.
• Positive and friendly attitude.
• Excellent team-player who positively interacts and shares knowledge.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Capable of self-study/training/learning.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Innovative, creative, and attention to detail.

Good to Have

• Proven experience in testing high-speed optical components, ICs, or modules.
• Proven experience making high-speed measurements in a lab environment (25Gbit/s and above).
• Proficiency in Python or similar automation software.
• Experience in data communication hardware design/debugging or RF hardware design/debug.
• Knowledge of hardware design and debugging techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge of high-speed signal integrity, schematic entry, and PCB Layout using Cadence Allegro.
• Experience with Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and data analysis tools.

Perks & Benefits

• Access to resources, mentorship, and a collaborative environment.
• Pay-for-performance culture that rewards initiative and fosters growth.

Senior Staff Engineer, Validation

Location: Stansted, UK

Our Team:

At Semtech, we offer the best of both worlds—the global scale of a Nasdaq-listed company and the agility of a tight-knit, collaborative team. With our headquarters in Camarillo, California, and a presence in 31 offices across 14 countries, we’re proud to foster a culture where innovation is encouraged, and every voice matters.

Our Stansted-based validation team is made up of seasoned engineers who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of what's possible in communications technology. Here, you’ll collaborate with world-class designers on products that are not only industry leading—but are actively shaping the infrastructure of the global internet and the future of data connectivity.

Job Summary:

We’re looking for a driven and detail-oriented Senior Staff Validation Engineer with deep hands-on experience in RF lab testing, high-speed digital semiconductor validation, and optical component characterisation.

If you thrive in a fast-paced lab environment and enjoy tackling real-world engineering challenges at the forefront of global connectivity, this is your chance to make a real impact. You’ll be joining a forward-thinking team that’s shaping the future of data communication technology.

In this role, you’ll be a key contributor throughout the New Product Introduction (NPI) cycle—helping to define design requirements, develop validation strategies, and ensure that every product meets the highest performance standards.

At Semtech, our core values—curiosity, collaboration, and integrity—are more than just words; they’re embedded in everything we do. We're excited to find someone who shares that mindset and is ready to bring their expertise and energy to a team that values innovation and technical excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in new product design meetings and drive test features required for the successful evaluation of new products.
• Validation solution development for new products (software/hardware/documentation).
• Actively participate in the product development teams throughout the NPI cycle.
• Collaborate with designers, product, test and applications engineers.
• New product bench evaluation and characterisation.
• Identification of bench-top test equipment for the validation of new products.
• Creation of validation and characterisation reports.
• Drive validation and characterisation review meetings.
• Generation of test equipment automation software using Python.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BSc/MSc in EE/ECE or HNC / HND with equivalent work experience.
• Able to work under pressure in a highly paced, dynamic R&D environment.
• Positive and friendly attitude.
• Excellent team-player who positively interacts and shares knowledge.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Capable of self-study/training/learning.
• Proven analytical and problem solving skills.
• Innovate and creative and attention to detail.

Desired Qualifications:

• Proven experience in testing of high speed optical components, IC’s or modules.
• Proven experience of making high speed measurements in a lab environment on products operating at data rates of 25Gbit/s and above.
• Python or similar automation software.
• Data communication hardware design/debugging or RF hardware design/debug experience.
• Hardware design and debugging techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge of high speed signal integrity, schematic entry / PCB Layout using Cadence Allegro.
• Experience in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and data analysis tools.

Career Growth Philosophy:

At Semtech, we believe that innovation starts with empowered individuals. That’s why we’re committed to your professional development—offering access to resources, mentorship, and a collaborative environment where ideas thrive.

We champion a pay-for-performance culture that rewards initiative, fosters growth, and celebrates your impact on the business. Join us, and let’s shape the future of connectivity together.

The intent of this job description is to describe the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically included in this description.

All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.