CLAWS III-N RF Integration Engineer

North Carolina State University; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Job summary

A leading educational institution seeks a highly skilled RF Integration Engineer to contribute to developing next-generation RF semiconductor devices. Responsibilities include designing and optimizing GaN RF devices, process integration in nanofabrication facilities, and conducting reliability testing. The ideal candidate should possess a Ph.D. or a Bachelor's degree with significant experience in GaN device development and demonstrate advanced skills in EDA tools. This role promises an exciting opportunity within a dynamic research environment focused on cutting-edge technologies.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field with research focus on GaN device processing.
• Bachelor's degree + 5 years experience in GaN device development is acceptable.
• Advanced skill in developing and using EDA tools for RF device design.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize GaN RF devices including discrete HEMTs and MMICs.
• Work with process engineers to drive technology improvements.
• Conduct device on-wafer and packaged characterization tests.
• Develop and refine device layouts for wafer fabrication with manufacturability in mind.

Skills

EDA tools for RF device design

GaN device development

Communication and interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in a relevant field

Bachelor’s degree + 5 years experience

Tools

TCAD simulation

E-beam lithography

IC-CAP

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Information

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
Department: Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors (CLAWS)

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 Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (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.

Wolfpack Perks and 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.

What we offer:

• 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.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part‑Time or Full‑Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

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

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

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date: 10/01/2025
Anticipated 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): 1.0
Appointment: 12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
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. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order 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.