Direct Responsible Individual (DRI) Optical Characterization Engineer

OUR STORY

At STMicroelectronics, we believe in the power of technology to drive innovation and make a positive impact on people, businesses, and society. As a global semiconductor company, our advanced technologies and chips form the hidden foundation of the world we live in today.

When you join ST, you will be part of a global business with more than 115 nationalities, present in 40 countries, and comprising over 50,000 diverse and dedicated creators and makers of technology around the world.

Developing technologies takes more than talent: it takes amazing people who understand collaboration and respect. People with passion and the desire to disrupt the status quo, drive innovation, and unlock their own potential.

Embark on a journey with us, where you can innovate for a future that we want to make smarter and greener, in a responsible and sustainable way. Our technology starts with you.

THE TEAM

STMicroelectronics Imaging develops CMOS imaging and light sensing solutions for a wide range of markets. Unique CMOS image sensors and light detection sensors are developed separately or in conjunction with companion ASICs, resulting in complete imaging and sensing solutions recognized as world leading in performance.

The Optical Characterization (OC) team is a multi-site, international team within the Technology for Optical Sensors Group. The team works closely with Design, Technology Research and Development, Engineering, Product Development and Marketing teams in the definition, development and evaluation of image sensor, photonics and light sensing technologies.

The group expertise lies in the areas of sensor technology, optical system specification, characterization methodology and electro-optical performance assessment. A vital part of this function is to provide robust characterization data, analysis and technical insight to support technology development, product definition and key business decisions.

YOUR ROLE

The Direct Responsible Individual Characterization Engineer (DRI) is the technical leader and primary point of contact for characterization activities associated with a technology or product development program.

As a Directly Responsible Individual (DRI), you will own the planning, coordination, execution oversight and reporting of characterization activities, ensuring delivery of high-quality, credible data to meet project objectives and business milestones. You will interface across multidisciplinary teams, aligning characterization strategy with project needs and ensuring timely communication of risks, issues and results.

You will lead the definition of characterization objectives, measurement plans and success criteria, coordinating resources across teams and sites where required. Working closely with design, process integration, technology development, product engineering, validation, and applications teams, you will translate technical questions into actionable characterization programs and generate clear recommendations based on experimental evidence.

In addition to project leadership responsibilities, you will contribute technical expertise in optical and electro-optical characterization, data analysis and interpretation, supporting the continuous improvement of characterization methodologies, laboratory capabilities and measurement infrastructure.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as the Direct Responsible Individual (DRI) for characterization activities within assigned projects or programs.
• Serve as the primary technical interface between Optical Characterization and project stakeholders.
• Define characterization strategies, measurement plans and deliverables aligned with project objectives.
• Coordinate characterization activities across multiple disciplines, teams and sites.
• Ensure characterization work is delivered to agreed schedules, quality standards and project milestones.
• Identify, communicate and manage technical risks, dependencies and mitigation actions.
• Drive prioritization of characterization activities in line with project needs.
• Review, interpret and challenge characterization results to ensure technical credibility and consistency.
• Present findings, recommendations and status updates to technical and management audiences.
• Support decision-making through clear analysis of device, technology and system performance.
• Develop and improve characterization techniques, methodologies and best practices.
• Contribute to the specification, development and maintenance of optical and electro-optical measurement capabilities.
• Mentor engineers and provide technical guidance on characterization approaches and data interpretation.
• Ensure appropriate documentation, traceability and reporting of characterization activities and results.

YOUR SKILLS & EXPERIENCES

• Honours degree or higher in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Photonics or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor devices, image sensors, photonic devices or related technologies.
• Experience in optical and/or electro-optical characterization and measurement techniques.
• Proven ability to plan and manage complex technical work packages or projects.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills with attention to measurement quality and scientific rigor.
• Demonstrable experience in experimental design, validation and interpretation of results.
• Experience with programming and data analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB or equivalent.
• Knowledge of automated measurement systems, instrumentation and laboratory environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and work effectively in multidisciplinary, international teams.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Experience acting as a technical lead, project lead or DRI within a research, development or product environment.
• Knowledge of CMOS image sensors, SPADs, photonics sensors or related optical technologies.
• Experience with optical system design, free-space optics and imaging systems.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis, Design of Experiments (DoE) and measurement uncertainty analysis.
• Software development and automation experience.
• Understanding of product development and technology qualification processes.
• Experience coordinating activities across geographically distributed teams.
• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant technical field.

KEY BEHAVIOURS

• Ownership and accountability for project outcomes.
• Strong customer and stakeholder focus.
• Effective planning and execution.
• Collaborative and team-oriented approach.
• Technical curiosity and continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and concisely.
• Sound judgment and evidence-based decision making.

ST is proud to be one of the 17 companies certified as a 2025 Global Top Employer and the first and only semiconductor company to achieve this distinction. ST was recognized in this ranking thanks to its continuous improvement approach and stands out particularly in the areas of ethics & integrity, purpose & values, organization & change, business strategy, and performance.

At ST, we endeavor to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we do not tolerate discrimination. We aim to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that reflects the societies around us. We strive for equity in career development, career opportunities, and equal remuneration. We encourage candidates who may not meet every single requirement to apply, as we appreciate diverse perspectives and provide opportunities for growth and learning. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is woven into our company culture.

To discover more, visit st.com/careers.