Case study: Hiring a Product Development Engineer for a Multinational Semiconductor Company

Introduction

A multinational semiconductor company needed a Product Development Engineer to lead NPI, characterisation, qualification and test transfer to high-volume manufacturing. Networks and advertising had not worked. We were engaged to run an executive search and provide a robust shortlist with clear evidence.

The challenge

• Secure a technically strong Product Development Engineer with end-to-end NPI-to-HVM experience.
• Lead productisation across design, test, quality and operations; partner with foundry and OSAT suppliers.
• Build and scale characterisation, qualification (JEDEC/AEC-Q100 as relevant) and limit setting; release to production on schedule.
• Navigate ATE development (e.g., Teradyne/Advantest), bench-to-ATE correlation, DfX and rapid issue resolution.
• Optimise yield, test time and COGS; implement SPC and data-driven decision-making.
• Strengthen operating cadence: phase gates, MRB, ECN/ECOs and cross-functional QBRs.
• Deliver a high-quality shortlist quickly.

Our approach

• Calibrated the role, outcomes and success profile with the VP Engineering and Director of Product/Test Engineering.
• Ran a targeted headhunt across fabless and integrated device manufacturers, power and mixed-signal specialists, sensors and adjacent electronics; included leaders from tier-one and PE-backed growth businesses.
• Mapped and engaged passive candidates: Product Development Engineers, Product/Manufacturing Engineers and Test Development Engineers with proven ramps to HVM.
• Each candidate received an evidence-led summary and consistent scorecard; technical exercises in data analysis (JMP/Python) and problem-solving. Confidentiality protected throughout.

The result

• Delivered an excellent shortlist within four weeks; offer accepted in six.
• The appointed Product Development Engineer had a track record releasing mixed-signal and power devices to HVM, strong ATE development experience and effective supplier management with foundry and OSAT partners.
• Early outcomes included on-schedule PRQ and first-pass qualification, a yield uplift, significant test-time reduction, improved Cpk/PPM, lower unit cost and a more predictable ramp; SPC and change control strengthened.

Why it worked

• Headhunting reached high-performing passive engineers from tier-one and specialist semiconductor businesses.
• A clear brief and structured, evidence-led assessment created confidence.
• Tight timelines and VP Engineering sponsorship kept momentum from shortlist to offer.

Contact us
If you are a semiconductor or electronics organisation hiring a Product Development Engineer or productisation talent, we can help you secure proven delivery.

Call: 0207 160 6996
Email: info@executiveheadhunters.co.uk
Visit: executiveheadhunters.co.uk
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