R&D Associate - Microelectronics & Mixed-Signal Integrated Circuit Designer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Applicants are requested for an early career R&D Staff position to execute research and development related to microelectronics and microelectronics systems design in support of U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), and industry missions. The candidate is expected to contribute to the growth and development of research programs focused on areas such as: 1) analog, digital, and mixed-signal integrated circuit (IC) design, 2) Radio frequency (RF) and high-speed digital integrated circuits, and 3) microelectronics systems design and integration (including embedded sensors, processors, power management, etc.). The candidate may also have opportunities to contribute research and development associated to wide bandgap semiconductors and circuits, radiation-hardened electronics and systems, and printed or additively manufactured electronics. These research areas align well with DOE, DOD, and industry priorities spanning energy and national security. Candidates should have experience in several of the following areas: mixed-signal circuit design and analysis, RF and/or high-speed digital circuits, IC design workflows and verification, embedded system design and integration, and prototype build/test/validation. The position is in the Sensors and Electronics Group of ORNL’s Electrification and Energy Infrastructure Division, and research will be conducted at the ORNL main campus. The candidate is expected to collaborate with staff across multiple divisions at ORNL. The ability to contribute as a technical communicator in conferences and project review meetings, as well as interfacing with sponsors, other national laboratories, industry, and universities, is also valued.

Requirements

A BS, MS, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
Four years of experience (BS), or two years of experience (MS) in microelectronics and microelectronics systems design (degree level and experience to be evaluated in combination).

Nice To Haves

Experience in mixed-signal IC design, including RF and/or digital circuit blocks and subsystem integration.
Experience with microelectronics design tools and workflows; familiarity with the Cadence suite is highly desired.
Familiarity with RF/microwave simulation tools such as ADS (Keysight) or equivalent is desired.
Experience with hardware prototyping, test, debug, and documentation (IC-level and/or board-level).
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary R&D environment and communicate technical results clearly.
Demonstrated capabilities in technical writing and preparing engineering design documentation.
Publication of research results in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
Strong collaboration skills and ability to work with hardware/software teams and end users.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

Design and develop mixed-signal integrated circuits and microelectronics subsystems supporting DOE, DOD, and industry mission needs, including analog, digital, RF and/or mixed signal integration.
Perform circuit- and block-level simulation and analysis (e.g., noise, linearity, dynamic range, stability, timing/jitter, signal integrity, and power integrity).
Use industry-standard EDA tools for schematic capture, simulation, and layout/verification (Cadence design environment desired), including support for layout-aware analysis (e.g., parasitics) and signoff checks (DRC/LVS as applicable).
Support RF/microwave design and co-simulation using ADS (Keysight) or equivalent tools, as appropriate to project requirements.
Contribute to microelectronics system design and integration, including embedded sensors, embedded processors, and power management; may include board-level design, bring-up, and debug.
Participate in FPGA-based design and prototyping when needed to enable rapid demonstration and evaluation of mixed-signal or heterogeneous systems.
Prototype and evaluate solutions using both custom microelectronics and COTS components; maintain flexibility to contribute across different circuit types as program needs and funding priorities evolve.
Work with multidisciplinary teams across ORNL to translate requirements into robust hardware solutions.
Prepare and present research and development results in conferences, peer-reviewed journals, and project reviews, as appropriate to the role and project expectations.
Contribute to technical proposals, white papers, and statements of work for new collaborations and funding opportunities.
Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.