Principal Product Quality Engineer

Location: Bristol, UK

Our Team:
Semtech’s FiberEdge Quality Engineering team is at the forefront of delivering world-class optical transceivers, active optical cables (AOCs), and connectivity solutions powering datacom, AI infrastructure, and cloud computing markets. Our engineers thrive on solving complex technical challenges, collaborating across design, test, applications, and manufacturing teams, and driving improvements that directly impact product reliability and customer satisfaction. You’ll join a team where mentorship, technical excellence, and knowledge sharing create a culture of growth, innovation, and tangible impact.

Job Summary:
As a Principal Product Quality Engineer, you will lead the charge in ensuring the highest quality standards across the FiberEdge portfolio. You’ll take ownership of complex customer escalations, drive RMA resolutions, and implement proactive quality improvements across products and processes. This role offers the opportunity to shape product reliability, influence design and manufacturing practices, and make a measurable impact on Semtech’s success in high-speed optical technologies.

Responsibilities:

• Lead resolution of FiberEdge customer returns and RMAs, including technical communication, containment, 8D reporting, and production support, collaborating with cross-functional teams (50%).
• Drive NCMR/Quality Excursion resolutions in partnership with Supply Quality Engineering and subcontractors, ensuring corrective actions are effective and sustainable (20%).
• Initiate and manage continuous improvement projects using Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, and other lean methodologies, aligned with ISO9001 standards (15%).
• Influence new product introductions by embedding quality-focused processes, participating in product assessments, FMEA workshops, and cross-functional quality initiatives (15%).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in semiconductor or optical transceiver manufacturing.
• Deep understanding of transistor technologies (SiGe HBT, BiCMOS, Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS) in high-speed optical circuits.
• Expertise in analog circuit fundamentals, high-speed amplifiers, bias circuits, current sources, and signal integrity.
• Strong knowledge of ISO9001 Quality Management Systems, NCMR, CAPA, SPC, FMEA, Control Plans, 8D problem-solving, and statistical analysis.
• Proven experience working directly with customers and suppliers, including wafer manufacturing, assembly, test, and optical module processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with NRZ and PAM-4 signaling, SerDes architectures, and equalization techniques (FFE, DFE, CTLE).
• Skilled in data analysis using JMP, Minitab, or Python.
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt preferred).
• Certified ISO9001 auditor a plus.
• Knowledge of optical transceiver reliability physics, laser degradation, optical alignment, and thermal management.
• Experience with AI infrastructure and datacenter interconnect requirements.
• Familiarity with semiconductor failure analysis (optical microscopy, SEM, curve tracing, thermal imaging).
• Willingness to travel 20–30% to customer sites, optical assembly subcontractors, and foundry partners.

Career Growth Philosophy:
At Semtech, we believe that innovation starts with people. You’ll have access to mentorship, continuous learning, and a collaborative, idea-rich engineering environment designed to expand your influence and deepen your expertise.

Our pay-for-performance culture rewards initiative, encourages professional growth, and recognizes meaningful technical and leadership contributions. In this role, you can shape both your career and the future of Semtech’s cutting-edge optical engineering capabilities.

Additional Notes:
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 beyond those listed. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.