Head of Product Development/ Director Engineering

Lead the future of Silicon! Hiring a Head of Engineering (10+ yrs) for next‑gen EDA & semiconductor test tools. MSc/PhD, C++, & EDA/DFT experts: join our startup & have an immediate impact!

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 chip quality and reliability while optimizing test costs. The platform enables faster and more accurate diagnosis and yield learning, reduces in‑field failures in critical applications, and strengthens Europe’s position in the global semiconductor industry with scalable, industry‑ready solutions.

Funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) Transition program, POPCORN bridges 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 that can be seamlessly integrated into standard EDA flows.

Beyond software development, a key outcome is establishing the startup’s core team – a high‑caliber, entrepreneurial group that collaborates with business‑oriented professionals to create an investment‑ready commercial venture.

Head of Product Development / Director Engineering

Role and Responsibilities

• Lead the design, architecture, and development of prototype and product versions of our semiconductor test tools.
• Translate research algorithms into production‑grade, maintainable software.
• Build and manage a small high‑performing engineering team (including hiring or coordinating external developers when needed).
• Ensure the tools are compatible with, or easily integrable into, existing EDA flows.
• Collaborate closely with the R&D team to prioritise features, validate the MVP, and ensure technical feasibility.
• Define and maintain the technical roadmap, oversee code quality, and manage release processes.
• Contribute to overall technology strategy and help shape the company’s long‑term product direction.

Qualifications

Background

MSc/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science (or equivalent experience).

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in semiconductor testing, Design for Test (DFT), Automated Test Equipment (ATE), or related EDA technologies.
• Solid understanding of chip design and test flows and their integration challenges.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in C++.
• Familiarity with EDA tool APIs and data formats (e.g., Synopsys, Cadence, Siemens EDA).
• Experience in fault modeling, test and diagnosis algorithms, yield learning, software architecture, and tool integration.
• Proven track record in turning R&D outcomes into usable, scalable products.

Soft Skills

• Startup mindset: hands‑on, pragmatic, and comfortable in a fast‑moving, evolving environment.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making ability.
• Capable of balancing innovation and productisation, maintaining focus on delivery while handling complexity.

Availability

• Immediate.

Conditions of Employment

• Duration of contract: 2 years (temporary).
• Job of 38‑40 hours per week.
• Salary based on Scale 12 of the CAO for Dutch Universities with a salary between €5,705 and €7,297 gross per month for a full‑time contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3%.
• 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.