Radio Frequency Engineer IV

Frontgrade Technologies•Carlsbad, CA

About The Position

The RF Design Engineer IV independently applies extensive knowledge of RF engineering principles to the design and development of RF components and complex integrated circuits (ICs). This role focuses on RF System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and leads the design of RF hybrid microelectronics in accordance with MIL-PRF-38534 requirements. The position leads complex analog, digital, and mixed-signal design efforts, including electrical and mechanical analysis, process development, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Related Field of Study
Minimum eight (8) years of experience in a specialized functional discipline OR (12) years of experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelors Degree OR (6) years of experience may be considered w/ a Masters Degree OR (3) years of experience may be considered w/ a PhD
Working knowledge of MIL-PRF-38534/5 requirements
Strong knowledge of RF principles, including electromagnetic theory, transmission lines, antenna design, and signal processing
Experience designing high-power RF transceivers (20W–200W) across frequencies ranging from 20 MHz to 20 GHz
Experience with high-efficiency RF power amplification and RF linearization techniques
Expertise in analog and RF circuit design techniques, including applicable EDA/design tools
Experience with integrated circuit design methodologies, including layout, verification, and system-level simulation of RF/SoC performance
Ability to obtain and/or maintain a Security Clearance

Responsibilities

Lead engineering design and development efforts for RF devices and complex integrated circuits with support from multidisciplinary engineering teams
Define RF system architectures for System-on-Chip (SoC) applications, including power amplifiers (PAs), low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), mixers, filters, voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), and other RF building blocks
Design and optimize RF circuits using electronic design automation (EDA) tools and simulation techniques to meet performance, power, linearity, sensitivity, and other technical requirements
Execute complex integrated circuit and RF hybrid microelectronics design assignments utilizing ceramic, plastic, organic, and heterogeneous materials
Collaborate with analog, digital, mechanical, manufacturing, and other engineering disciplines to integrate RF circuitry with baseband processing, memory, power management, data interfaces, and system peripherals
Perform RF system analysis and testing, troubleshoot test and product issues, and develop solutions to achieve required performance and manufacturability
Lead the development of new hardware prototypes to validate design performance and manufacturability
Research and evaluate substrates, materials, interconnects, lids, and other technologies; collaborate with suppliers to develop solutions based on product requirements
Develop calibration methods, algorithms, and procedures to address manufacturing variations and support consistent RF performance
Participate in hardware architecture decisions affecting RF performance, including amplification, efficiency, linearization technologies, data interfaces, and system peripherals
Lead the development of internal design packages and prepare technical reports and presentations for internal and external customers, including Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and Critical Design Review (CDR) packages
Lead proposal development in response to customer RFIs and RFQs, including technical summaries, cost assessments, and schedule estimates; assist with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposals and support business development activities, including customer visits and trade shows
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to less experienced engineers, designers, and drafters in the tools, techniques, and skills required to successfully complete assignments
Comply with company policies, procedures, and applicable engineering standards