CLAWS III-N RF Integration Engineer

NC State College of Engineering; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Tuition Assistance

Wellness Programs

Job summary

A major engineering college in Raleigh, NC, is seeking an RF Integration Engineer to develop next-generation RF semiconductor devices. Candidates should have a Ph.D. or a Bachelor's degree with significant experience in GaN device development. This role involves design, fabrication, and testing of semiconductor devices, with collaboration across teams. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and proficiency in semiconductor processes and EDA tools.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in relevant field with GaN device processing research.
• Or Bachelor's degree with 5 years’ experience in GaN device development.
• Advanced skills in EDA tools and experience in semiconductor fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize GaN RF devices.
• Responsible for process development for GaN devices.
• Conduct characterization and reliability testing of devices.
• Collaborate with engineering teams for technical improvements.

Skills

Expertise in semiconductor process integration

Device and amplifier design

Electrical characterization

Device simulation

Advanced skill in EDA tools for RF device design

Excellent communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in a relevant field with research focus on GaN device processing

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with at least 5 years of relevant experience

Tools

TCAD simulation tools

EDA tools

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number: PG194256EP
Internal Recruitment No

Working Title: CLAWS III-N RF Integration Engineer
Anticipated Hiring Range: Commensurate with Education and Experience
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Job Location: Raleigh, NC

About the Department

North Carolina State University is leading the charge as the recipient of a $39.4 million award from the Department of Defense to establish the regional Microelectronics Commons regional innovation hub, Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors (CLAWS). This initiative, part of the larger $238 million investment through the CHIPS and Science Act, aims to revolutionize the field of wide bandgap semiconductors.

Hub leadership, Distinguished Professors John Muth and Fred Kish, are dedicated to the “lab to fab” journey—translating laboratory advancements into fabrication capabilities for wide bandgap semiconductors. The hub brings together a dynamic partnership with N.C. A&T State University and industry leaders, including Wolfspeed, Coherent Corp., General Electric, Bluglass, Adroit Materials, and Kyma Technologies, Inc. This collaborative effort will propel the development of semiconductors crucial for national defense, electric vehicles, power grid technologies, 5G/6G, quantum technologies, and artificial intelligence applications.

Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Essential Job Duties

We are seeking a highly skilled RF Integration Engineer to join our team and contribute to the development of next-generation RF semiconductor devices. The ideal candidate will have expertise in semiconductor process integration, device and amplifier design, electrical characterization, and device simulation.

Key Responsibilities

• RF Device Design and Development (30%)
  • Design and optimize GaN RF devices including discrete HEMTs, passive elements, and MMICs.
  • Establish a flexible PDK defining the CLAWS RF technologies.
  • Utilize TCAD simulation (e.g., Synopsys, Silvaco, etc.) for process and device modeling, electrical characteristics prediction, and performance enhancement.
  • Develop and refine device layouts for wafer fabrication, ensuring manufacturability and reliability.
• Process Integration and Fabrication (30%)
  • Be responsible for process development and integration enabling the fabrication of GaN devices leveraging NCSU’s nanofabrication facilities.
  • Establish hands‑on proficiency in relevant fabrication methods, including lithography, metal and dielectric deposition, etching, wafer dicing, and others as needed.
• Characterization and Reliability Testing (20%)
  • Define and execute device on‑wafer and packaged device characterization plans that include DC, small signal RF, load‑pull tests.
  • Utilize model extraction tools (e.g., IC‑CAP) to generate compact models from electrical test data.
  • Leverage failure analysis and characterization methods to support process development and integration.
  • Analyze reliability metrics to assess long‑term device stability.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration (20%)
  • Work with process engineers and R&D partners to drive technology improvements.
  • Collaborate with circuit designers, applications engineers, and product development teams to translate device‑level improvements into system‑level advantages.

Other Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will:
  • Comply with stated workplace policies.
  • Communicate results, plans, and other updates to a variety of audiences.
  • Adhere to and mentor others in known best practices.
  • Support CLAWS activities such as tours, meetings, and conferences.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in a relevant field with research focus on GaN device processing.
• OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with at least 5 years’ experience in GaN device development. A track record of significant achievement is required.

Other Required Qualifications

• Advanced skill in developing and using EDA tools for RF device design.
• Proficiency developing or integrating processes supporting the fabrication of GaN RF devices.
• Experience and proficiency in one or more of the following fabrication areas: lithography, metal or dielectric film deposition, or etching.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines with moderate supervision.
• Ability to follow safe procedures for working with semiconductor fabrication equipment, chemicals, and compressed gas cylinders.
• Comfort collaborating with students, faculty, and staff of varying experience and backgrounds.
• Eligibility to obtain clearance upon request of the US government.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. In a Relevant Engineering Field With Research Focusing On GaN Device Process Development.
• Additional experience in:
  • E-beam lithography.
  • Device characterization.
  • Impedance transforming fixture design.
  • Failure analysis, lifetime estimation, and defect inspection.
  • MES and SPC systems.
  • Statistical methods (e.g., DOE, GR&R) and tools (e.g., JMP, Minitab).

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

N/A

Driver's License

Valid NC Driver's License required. No Commercial Driver's License required.

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

• Open Date: 10/01/2025
• Close Date: Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants: Please include as attachments a resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.

Position Details

• Position Number: 00111623
• Position Type: EPS/SAAO Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
• Appointment: 12 Month Recurring
• Department ID: 140110 - CLAWS

EEO Statement

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515‑2135 or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degrees must be obtained prior to start date to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Application Materials Required

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for References

Optional Documents: (none listed)