Research Scientist – High-Frequency Signal Integrity (SI)

Mycronic USA; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development and training

International exposure

Job summary

RoBAT Ltd., a subsidiary of Mycronic, is based at our Macclesfield, Cheshire facility and leads next-generation PCB test technology. We seek a Research Scientist to bridge theory and production, focusing on high-frequency signal integrity and challenging projects with a collaborative team.

You will work with VNAs, TDRs and simulations to optimise designs, publish findings, and contribute to IP through patent applications.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of academic or industrial research focused on signal integrity (SI).
• Strong grasp of transmission line theory, S-parameters and EMC.
• Experience with high-frequency lab equipment up to 50 GHz and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Interpret customer needs into technical feasibility and lead the understanding of this to the technical team.
• Design and execute testing protocols using Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs) and Time-Domain Reflectometers (TDRs).
• Develop advanced simulation workflows to analyse insertion loss, return loss, crosstalk, and jitter.
• Optimize physical architectures including microstrips, strip lines, vias, and HDI.
• Publish research findings and draft patent applications for novel techniques.

Skills

Signal integrity

High-frequency testing

Education

PhD or MSc in EE/Physics

Tools

VNAs

TDRs

Job description

Research Scientist - High-Frequency Signal Integrity (SI)

Do you want to be part of an organization on the cutting edge of technology?

We're looking for talented people to join our motivated and friendly team. We have an open, collaborative, and flexible environment. You'll work alongside leading industry experts and take on challenging projects that bring tomorrow's electronics to life. If you want to make a difference, are an effective communicator, love a good challenge, and easily embrace change, your next career adventure awaits!

RoBAT Ltd. is a subsidiary of Mycronic, a global technology leader with a market valuation of approximately £3 billion. Based at our headquarters in Macclesfield, Cheshire, we have a talented, multi-disciplined, dynamic team designing and manufacturing high-value robotic machines for testing PCBs (printed circuit boards). By joining RoBAT Ltd. you are part of any organization that is a growing and innovative company where your contributions will truly make a difference. You will have the ability to work in a hands-on role that offers a variety of challenges with a friendly and supportive team with a shared commitment to quality and excellence.

Shape the Future of PCB Test Technology

This is an opportunity to join a new technology venture within an established engineering organisation.

We are developing the next generation of PCB test equipment designed to transform the way circuit boards are validated in manufacturing. By combining innovative technologies and advanced automation, we aim to deliver a step change in test capability, efficiency, and quality while creating a future significant new business opportunity.

The role

Technical adviser to the business manager, requires an overarching view of whole system but with a more specific focus on Signal Integrity.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Research Scientist to join a small, dedicated team and lead our next-generation high-frequency signal integrity initiatives. You will bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical implementation, with the ability to take lab level SI requirements (VNA SParameter limits) and apply them to real world production level environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Interpret customer needs into technical feasibility and lead the understanding of this to the technical team
• Design and execute testing protocols using Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs) and Time-Domain Reflectometers (TDRs).
• Develop advanced simulation workflows to analyse insertion loss, return loss, crosstalk, and jitter.
• Optimize physical architectures including microstrips, strip lines, vias, and high-density interconnects (HDI).
• Publish research findings and draft patent applications for novel techniques.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• D. or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 3 years of academic or industrial research focused on signal integrity (SI).
• Simulation an d Hardware Measurement: Proven experience with high-frequency lab equipment up to 50 GHz and beyond.
• Core Knowledge: Strong grasp of transmission line theory, S-parameters, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

Preferred Skills

• Experience with 112G/224G PAM4 signalling architectures.
• Knowledge of advanced PCB materials, substrate loss characteristics, and manufacturing limitations.
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for automated data analysis and simulation scripting.

Desirable

Experience in one or more of:

• PCB manufacturing or electronic assembly
• Electrical testing of PCBs
• Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR)
• Signal integrity
• High-speed digital electronics
• Robotics and motion control
• Machine vision
• Precision metrology
• Automated test equipment (ATE)

Why Join Us?

• Define a category-leading product.
• Work with a highly experienced multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Influence technology strategy from day one.
• Join a start-up culture backed by an established engineering company.
• Competitive salary.
• Performance bonus.
• Pension scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Professional development and training.
• International exposure with customers and co-workers located around the globe.

Location

Onsite at our facility in Macclesfield, with regular attendance at our remote engineering facilities and customer sites as required.

A Culture of Collaboration & Personal Growth

At Mycronic, we love what we do, but most importantly who we do it with. Because to us the relationships we have with our customers and each other are the keys to success.

Take part in the excitement of working with innovative people and global businesses who are elevating today's standards in modern electronics. Share in the responsibility of bringing great ideas to life within an inclusive culture that not only promotes personal growth and embraces diversity but depends upon it.

Here you are expected to have a voice and will be encouraged to get involved. It's this very mindset that empowers our people to make a positive difference for a broad range of businesses, society and the planet - every day.

Mycronic is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by national laws.

For a company founded on passion, collaboration and outside-the-box thinking, there is no greater asset than a diverse workforce. It is the cornerstone of our global, internal culture, and we actively promote an inclusive and healthy work environment by embracing diversity and showing compassion for our colleagues. Not only does it fuel our innovation capabilities, but it also deepens our understanding of our customers as well as the different cultures in which we operate. We believe quite simply that diversity is our competitive edge.

Learn more about working at Mycronic

https://www.mycronic.com/en/career/working-at-mycronic/