Description:
We are looking for a skilled and motivated RF Design Engineer to lead our RF hardware team. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience designing active RF circuits, including LNAs, power amplifiers, and complete RF front-end modules and is capable of guiding a team of engineers through the full design lifecycle, from concept to production.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the design and development of active RF circuits including LNAs, PAs, mixers, VCOs, and complete RF front-end modules across VHF, UHF, and microwave frequency bands, covering gain staging, noise figure budgeting, linearity (P1dB, IP3), and impedance matching.
- Design RF filter networks (bandpass, low-pass, harmonic suppression) and T/R switching circuits for transmit and receive chains; perform link budget analysis and system-level noise and dynamic range calculations to define and validate RF hardware requirements.
- Utilize RF/EM simulation tools (Keysight ADS, Ansys HFSS, CST Microwave Studio) for S-parameter analysis, EM modeling, co-simulation, load-pull analysis, stability simulations, and harmonic balance analysis for nonlinear circuit behavior; develop simulation-to-hardware correlation workflows to ensure consistent model-to-measurement agreement across design iterations.
- Work closely with PCB layout engineers to faithfully translate RF design intent to board level, with attention to transmission line design, grounding, shielding, layer stackup selection, and parasitic mitigation.
- Lead prototype bring-up and full RF characterization using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, and noise figure analyzers; measure and validate S-parameters, gain flatness, NF, OIP3, P1dB, spurious emissions, and EVM against design targets.
- Troubleshoot and debug RF circuit issues at the board and system level, driving root cause analysis and corrective action; support pre-compliance and compliance testing against applicable standards (MIL-STD-461, FCC, ETSI).
- Collaborate with firmware and DSP teams to define ADC/DAC interface requirements, AGC loops, and calibration procedures; coordinate with systems engineers to define and validate RF subsystem specifications within the broader platform architecture.
- Participate in component selection, vendor evaluation, and BOM reviews for RF ICs, passives, and PCB substrate materials.
- Lead, mentor, and technically guide a team of RF design engineers, providing direction on design methodology, simulation practices, lab procedures, and debugging strategies.
- Conduct design reviews and deliver structured technical feedback to junior engineers to ensure design quality and rigor; establish and enforce team-level best practices for schematic capture, simulation workflows, lab measurement procedures, and documentation standards.
- Coordinate task allocation, track project deliverables, and report status to engineering management while fostering a collaborative, technically demanding, and growth-oriented team culture.
Required Qualification:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or a closely related field. Master's degree is a plus.
- 6–8 years of hands-on RF design experience, with at least 2+ years in a team lead or senior technical role.
- Demonstrated experience designing and characterizing active RF circuits — specifically LNAs, PAs, and RF front-end modules.
- Strong command of RF fundamentals: S-parameters, noise figure, gain compression, intermodulation, impedance matching, transmission line theory.
- Proficiency in at least one RF simulation platform: Keysight ADS, Ansys HFSS, CST, or equivalent.
- Practical experience with RF lab equipment: VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, noise figure analyzers.
- Solid understanding of PCB design considerations for RF: microstrip/stripline design, via fencing, layer stackup selection, RF isolation.
- Strong problem-solving ability with a methodical approach to circuit debugging and root cause analysis.