R&D Characterization Engineer

Build the measurement capability and take ownership for the measurements results.
This role owns the development of CoolSem's thermal, electrical and RF characterization infrastructure, starting with a safe and reproducible DC breakdown set-up.

About CoolSem

CoolSem Technologies develops advanced wafer-level thermal solutions for semiconductor devices and modules, targeting demanding applications in RF, photonics, power electronics and ultimately, high-performance computing.

CoolSem is building an international and multidisciplinary team. We believe that different technical backgrounds, experiences and perspectives lead to better engineering decisions and stronger teams. We are looking for people who contribute their own ideas rather than simply fit an existing mould. We therefore welcome candidates with different backgrounds, career paths and perspectives.

If you are interested in the role but do not meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Relevant experience, curiosity, initiative and the ability to learn are at least as important as ticking every box.

The role

As R&D Characterization Engineer, you will develop, set up and operate electrical and RF characterization capabilities for semiconductor wafers, devices, test structures and modules. You will select equipment, design and build measurement set-ups, develop measurement software, execute experiments, analyze data and communicate results to the wider R&D team. You will report to the COO.

Your first major assignment will be to establish a DC breakdown measurement setup. Budget and laboratory space are available; we expect you to translate the measurement requirements into a reliable, safe and reproducible test set-up. Over time, as organization and laboratory capabilities expand, the role may grow towards a broader scope in terms of test and measurement equipment and responsibilities.

Key responsibilities

· Build and take ownership of CoolSem’s thermal, electrical and RF characterization capabilities.

· Define, select and integrate measurement equipment, hardware, fixtures, probing solutions and measurement software.

· Perform and automate electrical and RF measurements on semiconductor devices, wafers and modules, ensuring reliable and traceable results.

· Analyze, document and clearly communicate measurement results and engineering conclusions within the R&D team and to outside partners.

· Coordinate specialized measurements and technical activities with external laboratories, research institutes, suppliers and partners.

Profile

You have a Bsc or MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Semiconductor Technology or a comparable discipline, with approximately five years or more of relevant industrial or applied R&D experience. You combine a solid understanding of measurement physics with the practical skills needed to obtain trustworthy data.

· Hands-on experience with electrical characterization, semiconductor parameter analyzers, source-measure units, high-voltage or breakdown testing and wafer/device probing.

· Practical knowledge of RF measurements and instrumentation such as network analyzers, oscilloscopes, automated test systems and device/module fixtures.

· Experience developing or adapting measurement software, preferably using Python, LabVIEW or a comparable environment, including instrument control, automation and data processing.

· Knowledge of cleanroom procedures (ESD), health and safety best practices and high-voltage operations for measurement laboratories is strongly preferred.

How you work

CoolSem is a small, fast-moving technology company. We need someone who is comfortable operating without fully predefined procedures and infrastructure and who takes initiative when a capability does not yet exist. You enjoy working in a small, open and collaborative team, while bringing your own perspective and constructively challenging existing ideas.

You feel equally comfortable discussing measurement physics, ordering equipment, debugging a test fixture and presenting the resulting data to the R&D team. You communicate clearly and pragmatically, including measurement limitations, uncertainties and unexpected results rather than simply producing graphs. You are also comfortable working with external partners and suppliers and can represent CoolSem professionally in technical discussions.

What we offer

· A key technical role in a fast-growing semiconductor start-up, with substantial freedom to shape CoolSem's test and measurement capabilities.

· Competitive compensation appropriate to experience and responsibilities.

· Opportunity to participate in CoolSem's employee option programme.

· Flexible working arrangements, recognising that the hands-on laboratory nature of the role requires regular presence at our Eindhoven facilities.

· Scope to shape and grow your role as the organization and laboratory capabilities expand, with future opportunities for both technical and leadership development.

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Please note that applicants must already have valid authorization to work in the Netherlands (e.g. EU/Swiss citizenship or an existing Dutch work permit).

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Note to recruiters on unsolicited assistance

We do not accept unsolicited assistance from any recruitment company or headhunter for any of our job openings. All resumes or profiles submitted by search agencies to HR or any employee at CoolSem Technologies, in any form, without a valid, signed search agreement in place and approved by HR, will be considered the sole property of CoolSem Technologies. No fees will be paid if a candidate referred through such unsolicited means is hired by CoolSem Technologies.

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