Staff DSP Algorithm Systems Design Engineer

GreenWave Radios•San Jose, CA

12d

About The Position

GreenWave Radios is seeking a Staff DSP Algorithm Systems Design Engineer to own end-to-end system architecture for its 5G NR and O-RAN product lines. The role translates RF and protocol requirements into silicon-level specifications, working across RF, baseband, and massive MIMO from architecture through lab validation. The engineer will define system architecture and specifications for cellular SoCs and O-RAN-compliant subsystems, validate architecture decisions through system simulation, lead prototype hardware bring-up and characterization, and drive system-level compliance verification. The position works closely with RF, analog, digital, firmware, and test teams, and may represent GreenWave in standards and alliance working groups. It also includes mentoring junior systems engineers and establishing best practices for system modeling, specification, and lab methodology.

Requirements

At least 8 years of hands-on experience in wireless systems development, such as LTE or 5G NR.
PhD in Electrical Engineering.
Proficiency in signal-processing analysis and modeling using MATLAB, Python, or C/C++.
Strong understanding of communication theory and signal-processing algorithm design, including timing recovery, signal estimation and detection, MIMO estimation and detection, automatic gain control, channel estimation, equalization, coding theory, and beamforming.
Familiarity with 5G NR system architecture, including PHY layer, numerology, beamforming, and massive MIMO antenna system design.
Experience with O-RAN architecture, including functional split options, O-RU/O-DU/O-CU definitions, eCPRI/CPRI fronthaul specifications, and O-RAN Alliance WG4/WG7 compliance.
Proven lab experience operating RF test equipment and interpreting data in a prototype bring-up environment.
Hands-on experience with Cadence tools such as Virtuoso, Spectre, or AWR Microwave Office for schematic capture, simulation, or system-level modeling.
Experience authoring system-level specifications and architecture documents that drive IC design decisions.
Strong fundamentals in RF system analysis, including noise figure, linearity (IIP3, P1dB), dynamic range, phase noise, spurious, and link-budget methodology.
Familiarity with 3GPP 5G NR standards testing and compliance methodology, including TR 38.803 and TS 38.104.

Nice To Haves

Experience with MATLAB or Python for system-level simulation, massive MIMO beamforming modeling, or automated test scripting.
Exposure to mixed-signal or RFIC design in advanced CMOS nodes such as 28nm, 22nm, or 16nm FD-SOI or FinFET.
Familiarity with O-RAN open-source platforms or test tools such as OSC, OpenAirInterface, or ORAN-SC for integration and conformance testing.
Familiarity with AI-assisted test data analysis and ML-based signal or power integrity prediction tools.
Experience using Claude Code or similar AI coding assistants for design scripting, simulation automation, or documentation; familiarity with agentic AI tools for engineering workflows is a differentiator.
Experience applying AI to technical documentation workflows, such as LLM-assisted datasheet parsing, specification drafting, or design review summarization.
Comfort adopting AI-augmented workflows to improve design productivity.

Responsibilities

Define and own system-level architecture for cellular SoCs, including link budgets, system partitioning, massive MIMO beamforming chain design, and performance trade-off analysis.
Architect and specify O-RAN-compliant subsystems, including split options, fronthaul interface requirements, and RU/DU functional partitioning in coordination with protocol and firmware teams.
Develop and maintain detailed system specifications covering RF front-end, baseband, clocking, power, and RF/digital interfaces for IC design teams.
Build and run system simulations for RF link, massive MIMO beamforming gain, interference, EVM, sensitivity, and dynamic range to validate architecture decisions before tape-out.
Lead lab bring-up and characterization of prototype hardware and validate RF and system performance using lab equipment.
Define system-level performance test plans and acceptance criteria, and work with test engineers to implement automated measurement flows.
Partner with RF, analog, digital, and firmware teams to resolve cross-domain issues found in simulation or the lab, from root cause through silicon fix.
Drive system-level compliance verification against 3GPP 5G NR and O-RAN Alliance specifications, and represent GreenWave in standards and alliance working group discussions where applicable.
Produce architecture documents, design review materials, and technical trade-off memos for product and executive decisions.
Assist in mentoring junior systems engineers and establish best practices for system modeling, specification, and lab methodology.