RF Designer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Alabama, +5 more states.

📋 Description

• Take ownership of complete RF subsystems on client projects, spanning from the antenna port through the front-end, frequency conversion, and data converters into DSP and/or FPGA fabric.

• Establish RF architectures and frequency plans, which include IF and LO selection, Nyquist zone and sampling plans, clocking, filtering, and lineup specifications.

• Create transmit chains from baseband through up-conversion, incorporating drivers, filters, power amplifiers up to 10 W, ALC, detector-based output-level control, and output protection.

• Develop receive chains that feature digitally intensive sampling architectures, LNA lineups, down-conversion, variable gain and AGC, interferer rejection, and input protection.

• Model and assess system performance, including noise figure, sensitivity, dynamic range, linearity, EVM, phase noise, and jitter.

• Specify and select RF/microwave filters and components, including custom parts created with third-party vendors.

• Configure digital signal paths utilizing RFSoC hard IP, DUC/DDC, decimation/interpolation filters, sample-rate conversion, and FIR synthesis.

• Lead RF and microwave PCB layout efforts in collaboration with layout and signal integrity teams.

• Implement manufacturability features such as factory calibration hooks, digital correction filters, and ATE register access.

• Verify and characterize performance in the laboratory using spectrum and signal analyzers, VNAs, vector and analog signal generators, and power meters.

• Create technical estimates and develop risk mitigation strategies.

• Collaborate closely with clients to produce well-documented, maintainable designs that can withstand thorough reviews.

• Work in partnership with FPGA/DSP, hardware, embedded software, verification, SI/PI, PCB layout, and mechanical/thermal design teams.

• Support client engagements with at least 20% travel, both domestic and international.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.

• A Master's degree in RF/microwave engineering or communications is a plus.

• Over 8 years of experience in designing RF and wireless hardware.

• Familiarity with FDD and TDD techniques.

• Experience working with FPGA, DSP, PCB Layout, and Signal Integrity designers.

• Proficient in PLL topology and loop filter design, VCO/DRO and LO multiplier specification, TCXO and VCXO selection, as well as phase noise and jitter specification and measurement.

• Strong knowledge of RF and microwave filters and components, including printed, SAW/BAW/FBAR, ceramic resonators, discrete L/C, waveguide, cavity, circulators, isolators, couplers, dividers, and hybrids.

• Experience in specifying custom parts with vendors.

• Expertise in antenna selection, interface specification, and vendor management.

• High-level proficiency in RF modeling and simulation tools such as Keysight ADS, SystemVue, MATLAB/Simulink, or Cadence AWR equivalents.

• Practical experience with microwave test equipment.

• Background in RF schematic capture, PCB layout collaboration, RF/microwave component selection, and troubleshooting HW/RF/FPGA integration from schematics and datasheets.

• Knowledge of communication and wireless standards.

• Excellent communication abilities and fluency in English.

• Capability to succinctly present technical findings and trade-offs to internal teams and clients.

• Strong technical judgment with a focus on quality and rigor.

• Willingness to learn new technologies.

• Availability for occasional travel, primarily within North America.

• Experience in phased array and beamforming design is a beneficial asset.

• Knowledge of DPD, CFR, and envelope tracking is a nice addition.

• Familiarity with link budget analysis is a valuable plus.

• Experience with regulatory certification processes involving FCC, ISED, or ETSI is an advantage.

• Experience with Direct-RF sampling architectures on AMD Zynq RFSoC or Versal devices is a plus.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.

• Matching contributions to 401(k) plans.

• Annual profit-sharing bonus.

• A variety of supplementary benefits.

• Fully remote work opportunity.

• Chance to work on diverse, high-complexity electronic systems and emerging technologies.

• Collaboration with cross-functional teams and clients.

• Accommodations available upon request during the recruitment process.