Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) Engineer

Air Force Research Laboratory; Dayton (OH); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Force Research Laboratory in Dayton, OH seeks an ASIC Engineer to advance RF sensor capabilities by developing next-generation ASICs for microelectronic components and advanced packaging. You will lead domain-specific programs, coordinate with multiple teams, and contribute to Air Force acquisition programs.

Responsibilities include design, verification, test planning, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure successful integration and transition to Air and Space platforms.

Qualifications

• Top Secret with SCI/SAP clearance eligibility.
• 1+ year of specialized experience at DR-01 or equivalent in RF, digital, and mixed signal design.
• APDP Level/Tier 2 Non-Critical certification in Engineering and Technical Management (N) with 60 months to meet requirements.

Responsibilities

• Designing and developing specialized digital and mixed-signal circuits for military applications.
• Analyze and optimize designs balancing performance, power, size and cost.
• Develop and execute test plans including simulations and verification.
• Oversee data collection to support R&D initiatives.
• Provide technical oversight for Air Force-sponsored efforts.
• Collaborate with architects, verification, physical design, and software teams.

Skills

RF design

Digital design

Mixed-signal design

SystemVerilog

VHDL

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Open Architecture standards

Team collaboration

Verbal communication

Education

Master's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Cadence

Synopsys

Siemens EDA

UVM

Job description

Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) Engineer

Dayton, OH This position is ideal for an Electrical Engineer or Computer Engineer passionate about advancing Radio Frequency (RF) sensors capabilities using Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) microelectronic components. DR-02: $75,484 - $118,528

This job announcement will accept candidate submissions until 11:45 PM EST, 20 September 2026.

The incumbent will serve as a key member of our research team, planning and conducting R&D in advanced sensor subsystems. You will develop next-generation ASIC programs for microelectronic components and advanced electronics packaging. In this role, you will help advance next-generation multifunction RF sensors and Electronic Warfare subsystems supporting critical Air Force air and space capabilities. Your work will directly contribute to state-of-the-art sensor development for both in-house projects and major Air Force acquisition programs.

Position duties include but are not limited to:

• Designing and developing specialized integrated digital and mixed-signal circuits targeting advanced silicon fabrication processes for military applications.
• Analyzing and optimizing designs to balance performance, power consumption, size and cost to meet project goals.
• Developing and executing test plans to verify the functionality and correctness of designs. This can involve simulations, formal verification, and other methodologies.
• Overseeing data collection efforts to support research and development initiatives.
• Providing critical technical oversight for Air Force-sponsored contractual efforts.
• Participating in the bring-up and validation of the manufactured silicon to identify and debug any issues.
• Working closely with various teams, including architects, verification engineers, physical design teams, and software engineers, to ensure the successful integration and functionality of domain-specific ASICs.
• Serving as a subject-matter expert, presenting detailed scientific findings to peers, senior leaders, and external organizations.
• Developing proposals and interface with OSW stakeholders and DAF program offices to accelerate technology readiness and transitions.
• Leading Domain-Specific ASIC programs focused on next-generation development of microelectronics for sensor technology that transitions to Air and Space platforms
• Representing the Air Force Research Laboratory as a technical authority in your field.
• Evaluating engineering analyses from academic and industry partners, providing expert scientific judgment.
• Authoring/co-authoring technical papers reporting on the results of investigations.
  

Required Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret with access to SCI/SAP Clearance
• To qualify for the DR-02, applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade, DR-01 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience includes RF, digital, and mixed signal design experience.
• This position is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring Level/Tier 2 (Practitioner) Non-Critical certification in Engineering and Technical Management (N); experience is 4 years; the selectee will have 60 months to meet APDP requirements, or a waiver must be obtained.

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited academic institution
• Digital Logic Design: A strong understanding of digital design principles, including combinational and sequential logic.
• Mixed Signal Design: A strong understanding of mixed signal design methods and verification.
• Familiarity with programming languages, e.g., VHDL, System Verilog, MATLAB, C/C++, Python.
• Familiarity with ASIC and Mixed Signal Design tools/ design flows such as Cadence, Synopsys, Siemens.
• Proficient in verification best practices and familiar with the Universal Verification Methodology (UVM) tools.
• Familiarity with Communications and Electronic Warfare subsystems and Phased Array Sensors and Open Architecture standards.
• Familiarity with the entire ASIC design flow, from RTL design to tape-out, is necessary.
• Familiarity with chiplets and ASIC packaging using high density and heterogeneous packaging techniques.
• Experience with the design, integration, test, and evaluation of sensor subsystem software and hardware.
• Proficient in digital signal processing and familiarity with digital engineering, digital processor designs and architectures, and artificial intelligence/machine learning approaches and hardware.
• Knowledge of radio frequency components: antennas, amplifiers, filters, mixers, and analog-to-digital converters.
• Experience related to research and development of advanced sensor subsystems and concepts.
• RF, digital, and mixed signal experimental and test and evaluation experience.
• Must have superior analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal, oral, and written communication skills for technical and senior leader audiences.
• Self-motivated, able to work with minimal supervision, and still meet deadlines.
• Open to collaboration and able to work productively as part of a team.

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Series

0854

0855

Additional Information

This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent will be subject to random testing.

Ability to perform TDY travel approximately 15% time.