Analog Laboratory and Layout Engineer

Location: Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

Our Team:

At Semtech Corporation, our Wireless Analog/Digital and LoRa System teams in Neuchâtel and Grenoble are recognised globally for pioneering Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) innovation. 

Our expertise spans antenna design, analog and digital IC development, ultra-low-power systems, wireless protocols, and cloud-connected IoT solutions. 

You will join a highly collaborative R&D environment helping to shape the next generation of LoRa and LoRaWAN system architecture — from silicon implementation through to real-world validation.

Job Summary:

The Analog Laboratory and Layout Engineer plays a dual-role at the intersection of silicon characterization and IC layout implementation. 

This position is responsible for developing advanced bench infrastructure, automated measurement solutions, and detailed performance analysis for CMOS IC designs operating from sub-GHz to 2.4 GHz. 

Alongside laboratory characterization, you will contribute directly to IC layout design and verification during the chip development phase, ensuring designs are not only robust in theory, but measurable, testable, and optimized in practice.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement automated characterization tests for IC blocks and functions, including measurement scripting and data analysis (40%).
• Develop, maintain, and optimize lab characterization infrastructure, tools, and instrument control environments (10%).
• Design evaluation and bench PCBs to ensure complete testability and accurate performance measurement of IC devices (10%).
• Lead full characterization campaigns from validation through to detailed technical reporting and insight generation (10%).
• Design and verify IC layout during chip development, particularly in advanced technology nodes (<40nm) (30%).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronics Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in electronics development, IC characterization, or laboratory-based silicon validation.
• Hands-on expertise in at least three of the following:
  • PCB design using Altium.
  • High-precision analog and RF measurements.
  • Proficiency in Python, C, and advanced MS Excel usage.
  • GPIB / USB / LAN instrument driver development.
  • Microprocessors and SPI / I²C / UART interfaces.
  • IC layout design/verification in advanced nodes (<40nm) or strong interest to develop layout expertise.
  • Git or similar version control in collaborative environments.
• Strong problem-solving capability with a proactive, team-oriented mindset.
• Professional proficiency in English (French is a plus).

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in PCB modeling and EM simulation preparation (SiWave or equivalent).
• Experience managing characterization results databases (MongoDB or equivalent).
• Knowledge of electromigration verification tools (mPower, R3D or equivalent).
• Linux Bash scripting and/or Cadence SKILL coding experience.

Career Growth Philosophy:

At Semtech Corporation, we believe innovation starts with people. We are committed to empowering professional development through mentorship, continuous learning resources, and a collaborative, idea-rich engineering environment. 

Our pay-for-performance culture rewards initiative, encourages growth, and recognises meaningful technical and leadership contributions. Engineers in this role are supported to broaden their influence, deepen their expertise, and actively shape both their own career progression and the future of our digital engineering capabilities.

Additional Notes:

The intent of this job description is to describe the major duties and responsibilities performed by individuals in this role. Additional job-related tasks may be assigned as needed. 

All listed duties and responsibilities are considered essential job functions and requirements.