RF Power Amplifier Engineer (M/W/D)

ZeroPhase; München; Vor Ort; EUR 80.000 - 120.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

ZeroPhase is seeking a hands-on RF power amplifier designer to bridge SDR concepts with practical hardware. You will prototype, simulate, and validate high-efficiency PAs, pushing for maximum linearity and optimal PAE in software-defined architectures.

You will collaborate with DSP engineers on DPD, perform extensive RF measurements, and automate PA characterization using Python to cover temperature, frequency, and voltage variations. A strong background in GaN/LDMOS is preferred.

Qualifikationen

• 3+ years of industry experience focused on RF power amplifier design.
• Expertise in non-linear circuit simulation using ADS or AWR Microwave Office.
• Deep understanding of PA architectures for SDR, including GaN or LDMOS technologies.
• Experience with matching network design for wideband SDR applications.
• Hands-on with high-power test equipment: VNA, spectrum analysers, and power meters.
• Knowledge of how QAM/OFDM waveforms affect PA thermal and linearity.

Aufgaben

• Design and integrate high-efficiency RF PAs for SDR architectures.
• Perform non-linear simulations (load-pull, harmonic balance) to optimize gain and PAE.
• Collaborate on implementing Digital Pre-Distortion (DPD) to improve linearity.
• Lead schematic capture, PCB layout, and prototyping with emphasis on thermal management.
• Characterize modulated SDR waveforms with EVM and PAPR measurements.
• Develop automation scripts in Python to streamline PA characterization.

Jobbeschreibung

You will bridge the gap between digital signal processing and physical transmission, ensuring our software-defined waveforms are amplified with maximum fidelity and optimal power consumption.

What you'll do

• PA design & integration: Design and develop high-efficiency RF power amplifiers (PAs) specifically optimised for software-defined architectures (e.g. Doherty, Class E/F, or outphasing).
• Modelling & simulation: Perform non-linear circuit simulations (load-pull, harmonic balance) using ADS or AWR to optimise for gain, PAE (power added efficiency), and ACLR.
• Linearisation: Collaborate with DSP engineers to implement and validate Digital Pre-Distortion (DPD) algorithms to maximise PA linearity.
• Hardware realisation: Drive the end-to-end process from schematic capture and PCB layout (emphasising thermal management and grounding) to hands-on prototyping.
• Characterisation: Perform complex measurements of modulated signals (EVM, peak-to-average power ratio) across various SDR-driven waveforms.
• Automation: Write Python scripts to automate PA characterisation across temperature, frequency, and voltage corners.

What we're looking for

• 3+ years of industry experience specifically focused on RF power amplifier design.
• Expertise in non-linear circuit simulation using ADS (Advanced Design System) or AWR Microwave Office.
• Deep understanding of PA architectures suited for SDR, including Gallium Nitride (GaN) or LDMOS technologies.
• Experience with matching network design for wideband applications to support frequency-agile SDRs.
• Hands-on experience with high-power test equipment: Vector Network Analysers (VNA), spectrum analysers, and power meters.
• Knowledge of how software-defined waveforms (QAM, OFDM) affect PA thermal and linearity requirements.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in electrical engineering, with a focus on RF/microwaves.

Bonus: not required

• Experience with thermal modelling for high-power RF components.
• Familiarity with envelope tracking (ET) techniques to improve efficiency.
• Proficiency in Altium Designer with a focus on RF layout best practices (impedance control, thermal vias).
• Experience designing in the Ku, Ka, or V-band frequency ranges.
• Knowledge of DPD (Digital Pre-Distortion) feedback loops and their impact on hardware design.