Analog Design Engineer - SERDES

Apple; Dublin; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple is seeking an experienced IC Designer to work on high‑performance AMS circuits for SerDes PHY. You will evaluate topologies, model transistor-level implementations, and collaborate with architecture, packaging, DFT, and SOC teams to deliver IPs that meet stringent quality standards.

The role requires deep expertise in analog mixed‑signal blocks, lab testing, and scripting, with hands‑on experience in CMOS/FinFET processes.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of analog mixed-signal design with high-speed serial links.
• Knowledge of Bandgap, biasing circuits, LDOs, amplifiers, comparators, ADCs/DACs.
• Familiarity with LMS-based adaptive loops and digitally assisted analog design.
• Experience with high-speed digital circuits (serializer/deserializer, counters, dividers).
• Experience with AMS IC development from definition to production including layout supervision.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-performance AMS circuits for SerDes PHY and evaluate circuit topologies to meet product requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create block-level specs and perform transistor-level implementation and behavioral modelling.
• Drive mask design to realize layout views and ensure IPs meet quality standards.
• Coordinate with SOC teams to deliver IP views and participate in progress discussions.

Skills

Analog mixed-signal

High-speed serial links

Digital design concepts

Lab equipment testing

Scripting & automation

Education

PhD/Master's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SystemVerilog

VerilogAMS

Matlab

Python

Job description

Summary

At Apple, we work every single day to craft products that enrich people’s lives. Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet? Do you like changing the game? We have an opportunity for a forward-thinking and unusually hardworking IC Designer. As a member of our dynamic group, you will have the rare and rewarding opportunity to craft upcoming products that will delight and encourage millions of Apple’s customers every single day.

Description

In this role, you will work on the development of high-performance and high-speed AMS circuits used in SerDes PHY, including evaluation of different circuit topologies for specific product requirements (e.g., Rx, CDR, Tx, bias generator, high‑speed clock generation and low‑jitter distribution, phase interpolator, DLL, VCO) with best in class power, performance, and area (PPA). You will work with cross‑functional teams (e.g., architecture, SIPI, packaging, board design, DFT, ESD) to create block‑level specifications and execute on transistor‑level implementation and behavioral modelling. You will drive mask design to implement layout view of designs. You will closely work with SOC teams to deliver IP views and make sure they meet the quality standards. While developing these sophisticated IPs, on regular basis you will interact with your peers/management to communicate progress and discuss new ideas making it a lively and interactive work environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• The ideal candidate should have deep understanding of analog mixed‑signal design with experience in high‑speed serial links.
• Solid understanding and experience of designing analog mixed‑signal circuit blocks including Bandgap, biasing circuits, LDO regulators, amplifiers, comparators, switched‑cap circuits, ADCs, DACs, Oscillators, Filters
• Solid understanding of analog mixed‑signal concepts like mismatch mitigation, linearity, stability, low‑power and low‑noise techniques
• Good grasp and understanding of digitally assisted analog design concepts (e.g. background calibrations, LMS‑based adaptive loops)
• Experience with high‑speed digital circuits (e.g., serializer, deserializer, counters, dividers, etc.) with solid understanding of digital design concepts
• Knowledge of Tx/Rx equalization techniques and circuits (e.g. CTLE, DFE, de‑emphasis) for 20+ Gbps NRZ and PAM applications
• Knowledge of CDR architectures and implementations
• Knowledge of lab equipments and testing
• Experience in Analog Mixed Signal circuit modelling and performance evaluation (e.g. SystemVerilog, Matlab, Python, VerilogAMS)
• Hands‑on experience in advanced CMOS technologies, design with FinFet technology
• Hands‑on experience with AMS IC development from definition to high‑volume production including layout supervision, bench evaluation, correlation, and characterization
• Experience in the following areas is a plus
• Concepts of timing closure and related industry tools (e.g., Nanotime, Primetime)
• Experience in lab testing of high‑speed serial I/O, debug and data analysis techniques
• Knowledge of common high‑speed SerDes protocols (e.g., PCIe, USB, DP, MPHY)
• Skills in scripting and automation to enhance efficiency are highly desirable

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD/master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or relevant experience
• Apple is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We also take affirmative action to offer employment and advancement opportunities to all applicants, including minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation or that of other applicants.