PhD Positions in Automatic AMS Test Generation for Advanced Automotive ICs

Shape the future of automotive electronics!

Join TU Delft and NXP Semiconductors as a PhD researcher developing next-generation testing solutions for analog and mixed-signal automotive chips.

PhD Positions in Automatic AMS Test Generation for Advanced Automotive ICs

Job Description

The Computer Engineering (CE) section of the Quantum & Computer Engineering (QCE) department at TU Delft is seeking two talented and motivated PhD candidates. You will develop industrial-grade test solutions for advanced automotive radar ICs, in close collaboration with NXP Semiconductors, one of the world’s top semiconductor innovators. This is a unique chance to work on real-world challenges that bridge academia and industry, while helping shape the next generation of reliable automotive electronics.

Research Focus

Testing automotive ICs is not what it used to be. Unlike digital microcontrollers with well-established methods, radar and AMS ICs require new, smarter test strategies; i.e., ones that ensure zero-PPM quality and 15+ years of operational reliability, all under tight development schedules.

Your mission: develop automated AMS test generation and diagnosis methodologies that meet these challenges head-on.

You will dive into areas such as:

• AMS fault modeling.
• AMS test stimuli and detection generation.
• Automatic AMS test pattern generation and verification tools.
• AMS test diagnostics and fail-log analysis.

Your Role as a PhD Candidate

You will:

• Analyze and enhance current automotive IC test flows.
• Develop new or improved fault models using NXP’s in-house tools.
• Identify unique process failure modes in radar and AMS designs.
• Create high-quality, cost-effective test solutions for industrial use.
• Evaluate solutions for accuracy, simulation efficiency, and reusability.
• Leverage AI techniques, EDA tools, and NXP test frameworks to automate AMS test generation.
• Build workflows for failure diagnosis based on generated AMS patterns.

You will work closely with both TU Delft researchers and NXP engineers, combining academic freedom with industrial relevance.

Job Requirements

Your Profile:

• MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong academic performance (top 25% of your class).
• Understanding of analog or digital circuit design.
• Basic knowledge of defects, faults, and electronic test methods.
• A passion for innovation, teaching, and collaborative research.
• A proactive mindset and eagerness to explore new ideas.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft 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. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

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. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. 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. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Conditions of Employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract, plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Dr. Said Hamdioui, S.Hamdioui@tudelft.nl.

If you would like more information about the selection procedure, please contact recruitment-ewi@tudelft.nl.