RF Validation Engineer I

Silicon Labs•Austin, TX

About The Position

Silicon Labs is seeking an RF Validation Engineer to validate RF and PHY-MAC designs for low-power, high-performance wireless SoCs used in IoT products. The role is part of a specialized IP-SoC development team working across wireless technologies including Bluetooth Low Energy, 802.15.4 Zigbee-Thread, 802.11 Wi-Fi, Wi-SUN, and proprietary short-range wireless. The engineer will contribute throughout the product development lifecycle, from initial concept through pre-silicon testing, silicon bring-up, and optimization before product shipment. The role works closely with cross-functional teams to assess RFIC performance, perform laboratory measurements, and provide data analysis and technical guidance for RF software implementations and scalable validation infrastructure.

Requirements

BSEE or MSEE and 1 year of industry experience in mixed-signal SoCs, with exposure to RF signal chains.
Experience using Python or another high-level modeling language or tool to design and evaluate communication systems and algorithms.
Strong grasp of analog signal fundamentals, basic circuit components, and specifications.
Experience with RF signal chains, including LNAs, mixers, PAs, A/D, and D/A.
Experience with digital modulation formats such as MSK/FSK, OQPSK, and OOK/ASK.
Proficiency taking measurements with standard RF laboratory instruments, including signal generators, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, DMMs, and SMUs.
Knowledge of common wireless communications standards and protocols such as Bluetooth Low Energy, 802.15.4, and 802.11 Wi-Fi.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to produce high output in a self-driven manner.

Nice To Haves

Basic DSP knowledge, including up/down sampling and FIR filtering.
Experience with revision control and configuration management systems.

Responsibilities

Contribute to initial development of Zigbee, BLE, Wi-SUN, ZWave, MBus, and proprietary PHY configurations for Silicon Labs RF SoCs.
Perform pre-silicon testing using a combination of block- or chip-level test benches and FPGA emulation.
Bring up and validate new Silicon Labs IP on silicon, providing support and feedback to cross-functional teams.
Perform laboratory measurements, including RX sensitivity, frequency/baudrate/deviation tolerance, blocking, and TX output power.
Support IC Design, Applications, FW, PTE, SQA, Systems, and Modules teams with insights on RFIC performance, supported by data analysis, presentations, and training.
Guide the SW team on proper RF software implementations for a scalable test infrastructure platform and efficient workflows.