Three Motivated Senior Software Engineers with Understanding of Computer Hardware

Join an ambitious deep-tech venture backed by the European Innovation Council to build a breakthrough Device-Aware Testing platform shaping the future of semiconductor test.

Job description

The POPCORN project aims to revolutionize semiconductor testing by developing a cutting-edge Device-Aware Testing (DAT) platform for emerging memories such as STT-MRAMs and RRAMs. By integrating physical defect modeling directly into the test flow, POPCORN enhances outgoing chip quality and reliability while optimizing overall test costs. The platform enables faster and more accurate diagnosis and yield learning, reduces in-field failures in various critical applications, and strengthens Europe’s position in the global semiconductor industry through scalable, industry-ready solutions.

Funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) Transition program, POPCORN is designed to bridge the “valley of death” between laboratory-validated research and a market-ready industrial solution. Over the course of the project, we will advance from a TRL 4 proof-of-concept to a fully functional Minimum Viable Product (MVP): a high-performance, automated Computer-Aided Test (CAT) suite which can be seamlessly integrated into standard EDA flows. Beyond software development, a key project outcome is the establishment of the startup’s core team: a high-caliber, entrepreneurial group where domain collaborate with business-oriented professionals to create an investment-ready commercial venture.

Current open positions

We are expanding the POPCORN team and are seeking three motivated senior Software Engineers (5+ years of experience) who are experienced in working with hardware engineers and have a strong understanding of computer hardware or VLSI design.

The selected candidates will contribute to the development of:

1. A Physical-to-Electrical Abstraction and Modeling Engine
2. A Circuit-Level Abstraction and Defect Injection Engine
3. Test Solutions engine and System Integration

Role and responsibilities

• Develop compact, parameterized models of manufacturing defects to accurately characterize their impact on the functional behavior of devices in emerging memory technologies such as STT-MRAM and RRAM.
• Design and implement a robust software engine that consolidates these models into a library of parameterized compact models for defective devices.
• Derive fault models from physical defect behavior to enable accurate representation of failures across circuit and system abstraction levels.
• Develop and implement a software engine that automates fault model generation, evaluation, and management.
• Design and implement advanced test generation methodologies (e.g., test algorithms, Design-for-Test (DfT), Memory Built-In Self-Test (MBIST)) targeting technology-aware fault models to maximize defect coverage and test efficiency.
• Develop a software engine that automates test generation workflows.
• Integrate the three software engines into a unified DAT toolchain, ensuring compliance with industrial EDA standards.

Job requirements

• MSc or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field relevant to the role.
• Minimum 5 years of experience developing production-quality software in C++ (mandatory).
• Strong understanding of computer hardware fundamentals (mandatory).
• Experience with EDA tools design is considered a strong advantage.
• Knowledge in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:

• Semiconductor device physics
• Semiconductor manufacturing processes
• Defect and fault modeling
• Memory testing
• SPICE-level characterization
• Gate-level modeling
• Industrial test flows
• Design-for-Test (DfT) methodologies

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society.

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years Temporary
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

Please note:

• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest.