Research Scientist RF/Mixed-Signal Packaging and Module Design

IBM; Ionia (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

IBM Research in Yorktown Heights, NY seeks a Research Scientist to advance RF/microwave packaging and CMOS-based modules for quantum applications.

You will design packages for RFICs and high-density interconnects, run EM simulations, collaborate with IC/system teams, and contribute to demonstrable lab work and experimental characterization.

Qualifications

• Strong background in RF/microwave engineering.
• Familiarity with state-of-the-art packaging technologies.
• Experience with HFSS, ADS, Cadence Allegro, or similar tools.
• RF/Mixed-Signal Package Design: strong foundation in package design, EM simulation, SI/PI.
• Module implementation: RF/analog/mixed-signal packaging with experimental characterization (2 years).

Responsibilities

• Design RF/microwave packaging solutions for RFICs and high-density interconnects.
• Perform EM simulation, SI/PI analysis, and package-IC co-simulation.
• Collaborate with IC and system designers from concept to bring-up and test.
• Conduct hands-on lab work and experimental characterization.

Skills

RF/microwave engineering

Packaging technologies

EM simulation

SI/PI

Package design

Education

Master’s Degree

Doctorate Degree

Tools

HFSS

ADS

Cadence Allegro

Job description

Introduction

At IBM Research, we are the innovation engine of IBM. Exploring what’s next in computing and shaping the technologies the world will rely on tomorrow. From advancing AI and hybrid cloud to pioneering practical quantum computing, we anticipate challenges and unlock new opportunities for clients, partners, and society. Working in Research means joining a team that accelerates discovery at the intersection of high-performance computing, AI, quantum, and cloud. You’ll collaborate with leading scientists, engineers, and visionaries to push boundaries and turn ideas into reality. With a culture built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, IBM Research offers the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to breakthroughs that transform industries and change the world.

Your role and responsibilities

IBM Quantum is hiring a Research Scientist to contribute to the development of advanced, high-performance RF and mixed-signal single-chip and multi-chip modules (MCMs) for exploratory applications. We focus on differentiated solutions for a range of communication and computation challenges, including the creation of CMOS-based electronics for quantum computing applications. Successful applicants will have demonstrated experience in the development of complex packaging solutions for RF and mixed-signal functions. In this role, you may be tasked with designing packages that support RFICs, high-speed digital interfaces, and high-density interconnects. Various substrate technologies can be used for these designs including organic laminates and Si-based interposers. The design process will include EM simulation, package-IC co-simulation, and signal integrity and power integrity analysis (SI/PI). You will work in close collaboration with IC and system designers and be involved in all aspects of design projects from concept and module architecture exploration/definition to bring up and test; demonstrated hands‑on lab skills are therefore important. In addition, background in communication theory and systems and/or quantum computing would be advantageous.

Required education

• Master’s Degree

Preferred education

• Doctorate Degree

Required technical and professional expertise

• Strong background in RF/microwave engineering.
• Familiarity with state-of-the-art packaging technologies.
• Experience with HFSS, ADS, Cadence Allegro, or similar tools.
• RF/Mixed-Signal Package Design: A strong foundation and experience in package physical design, EM simulation, and SI/PI. (2 years).
• Module implementation: Demonstrated expertise through successful implementation of RF, analog, and/or mixed-signal packaging solutions including experimental characterization (2 years).

Preferred technical and professional experience

• Experience with packaging solution design involving high-density digital interconnects
• RF and/or digital IC design experience is a plus
• Programming Skills: Candidates with strong programming skills in commonly used languages
• Communication and collaboration skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are highly valued for effective collaboration within the team. A track record of successful participation in multi-disciplinary research and development projects is a plus.
• Research skills: Proven record of research accomplishment (e.g. publications)

ABOUT BUSINESS UNIT

IBM Research is the organic growth engine of IBM and an innovation engine for our customers and partners. As part of this mission, IBM Research anticipates and examines ‘What’s Next in Computing’ to ultimately create and integrate the technologies the world relies upon to solve big challenges and unlock new opportunities. We create and pioneer new markets for IBM, our partners and customers as exemplified in our ongoing quest to reach practical and large-scale quantum computing. Across IBM Research, we realize the power and potential to accelerate discovery with our partners and clients by combining the power of high performance computing, AI, and Quantum, all integrated through the hybrid cloud.

YOUR LIFE @ IBM

In a world where technology never stands still, we understand that, dedication to our clients success, innovation that matters, and trust and personal responsibility in all our relationships, lives in what we do as IBMers as we strive to be the catalyst that makes the world work better.

Being an IBMer means you’ll be able to learn and develop yourself and your career, you’ll be encouraged to be courageous and experiment everyday, all whilst having continuous trust and support in an environment where everyone can thrive whatever their personal or professional background.

Our IBMers are growth minded, always staying curious, open to feedback and learning new information and skills to constantly transform themselves and our company. They are trusted to provide ongoing feedback to help other IBMers grow, as well as collaborate with colleagues keeping in mind a team‑focused approach to include different perspectives to drive exceptional outcomes for our customers. The courage our IBMers have to make critical decisions everyday is essential to IBM becoming the catalyst for progress, always embracing challenges with resources they have to hand, a can‑do attitude, and always striving for an outcome‑focused approach within everything that they do.

Are you ready to be an IBMer?

ABOUT IBM

IBM’s greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.

Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we’re also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 500 companies relying on the IBM Cloud to run their business.

At IBM, we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and blockchain. Now it’s time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.

IBM is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS

IBM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program. Eligible employees may have access to:

• Healthcare benefits including medical & prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and mental health & well-being
• Financial programs such as 401(k), cash balance pension plan, the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan, financial counseling, life insurance, short & long-term disability coverage, and opportunities for performance‑based salary incentive programs
• Generous paid time off including 12 holidays, minimum 56 hours sick time, 120 hours vacation, 12 weeks parental bonding leave in accordance with IBM Policy, and other Paid Care Leave programs. IBM also offers paid family leave benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law
• Training and educational resources on our personalized, AI‑driven learning platform where IBMers can grow skills and obtain industry‑recognised certifications to achieve their career goals
• Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups, giving & volunteer opportunities, and discounts on retail products, services & experiences

We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.

The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full‑time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job‑related skills, experience, and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part‑time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours. Benefits may be pro‑rated for those who start working during the calendar year.

Locations

Yorktown Heights, New York, United States