PLL Architect and Design Engineer

Chelsea Search Group • San Diego, CA

1d

About The Position

This role involves architecting, designing, and simulating analog/mixed-signal PLL building blocks at the transistor level. The engineer will be responsible for PLL bring-up in the lab, conducting performance characterization, and performing comprehensive system-level simulations and validation for PLL integration into advanced transceiver technologies. The position requires supervising and verifying layouts to ensure floorplanning, matching, and parasitic minimization, as well as understanding trade-offs between different PLL topologies to meet specifications.

Requirements

• Master’s degree and/or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related fields with 5+ years of relevant experience in PLL design, and production level tape-out experience.
• Deep understanding of phase noise analysis, VCO design, LDOs and supporting circuitry associated with PLLs
• Extensive experience with advanced node technologies (16nm/12nm, 7nm, 5nm, 3nm, 2nm processes)
• Proficient in cadence virtuoso, electromagnetic simulator (e.g., EMX/HFSS), and MATLAB for system-level modelling
• Strong communication and documentation skills

Responsibilities

• Address challenges in advanced node technologies, such as self-heating, electromigration, voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) linearization and device-level noise optimization
• Architect, design and simulate analog/mixed-signal PLL building blocks (VCOs, charge pumps, dividers, PFDs, Loop Filters) at transistor level using tools like Cadence Virtuoso and Spectre
• Be responsible for PLL bring up in the lab, conducting performance characterization using state-of-the-art lab equipment
• Conduct comprehensive system-level simulations and validation for PLL integration into advanced transceiver technologies
• Supervise and verify layouts produced by layout engineers to ensure floorplanning, matching, and parasitic minimization using advanced node technologies
• Understand trade-offs between different PLL topologies (e.g., integer-N, fractional-N, all-digital/ADPLL) to meet specifications for power, area, jitter, and frequency range

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees