RF Power Amplifier Applications Intern

MACOM•Morgan Hill, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As a member of the RF Power Product Design team, the RF Power Amplifier Design Intern will work alongside experienced engineers who will provide mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional development. The intern will be based at the Morgan Hill Design Center and collaborate with a highly skilled team of RF engineers. The intern will initially support the design and evaluation of MACOM's high-power GaN transistor products for aerospace and defense applications. Through this work, the intern will gain experience in RF device handling, device biasing, RF measurements, data collection, and electromagnetic (EM) simulation. As a follow-on activity, the intern will design an impedance matching network for an RF power amplifier using either Microwave Office (MWO) or Advanced Design System (ADS) software to match the device to a 50-ohm environment. The intern will be responsible for creating the amplifier layout using AutoCAD, supporting fabrication activities, assembling and soldering components, and tuning the circuit in the RF laboratory. Measured amplifier performance will then be compared against simulation results to validate the design. This internship will provide valuable hands-on experience in a critical engineering discipline, enabling the intern to develop technical skills, build professional relationships, and take ownership of a meaningful engineering project.

Requirements

Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering.
Strong interest in RF/microwave engineering and semiconductor devices.
Coursework or project experience in RF, microwave, analog, or communication systems.
Willingness to work hands-on in a laboratory environment testing RF devices and assembling RF amplifiers.
Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
Due to the nature of work performed within this facility, applicants may be required to qualify as a U.S. Person, as defined by applicable U.S. export control laws and regulations.
Understanding of linear circuit theory.
Understanding of transmission line theory.
Familiarity with impedance matching, impedance transformation, and Smith Charts.
Basic understanding of RF concepts such as gain, power, impedance matching, and frequency response.

Nice To Haves

Experience using laboratory equipment such as network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and power meters.
Familiarity with RF laboratory best practices, calibration techniques, and measurement uncertainty.
Familiarity with RF design software, including ADS and MWO.
Experience with 2.5D or 3D electromagnetic (EM) simulation tools.
RF passive and active circuit design experience.

Responsibilities

Support the design and evaluation of MACOM's high-power GaN transistor products for aerospace and defense applications.
Gain experience in RF device handling, device biasing, RF measurements, data collection, and electromagnetic (EM) simulation.
Design an impedance matching network for an RF power amplifier using either Microwave Office (MWO) or Advanced Design System (ADS) software to match the device to a 50-ohm environment.
Create the amplifier layout using AutoCAD.
Support fabrication activities.
Assemble and solder components.
Tune the circuit in the RF laboratory.
Compare measured amplifier performance against simulation results to validate the design.
Be assigned an individual, well-defined project with clear objectives and deliverables.
Gain hands-on experience in RF power amplifier design and testing.
Receive comprehensive training, mentorship, and ongoing technical supervision.
Participate in an intern webinar series.
Attend networking and social events.
Present project results, lessons learned, and technical findings during the intern poster session.
Receive formal written performance feedback.