Senior Principal mmWave RF Engineer: Transceivers & Blocks

Cadence Design Systems; Burlington (NC); On-site; USD 190,000 - 235,000; Full time

Job summary

Cadence Design Systems is seeking a Senior Principal RF Design Engineer to lead high-frequency IC development for 30 GHz+ applications. You will own the full lifecycle from concept through tape-out and lab validation, focusing on PA/LNA blocks, mixers and VCOs.

The role requires deep RF knowledge, experience with RF PLLs, phase noise control, and EM/silicon trade-offs. Expect collaboration with customers and a fast-paced team.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of industrial RF IC design experience from concept to tape-out.
• Extensive lab validation using spectrum analyzers, VNAs, and probes.
• Expertise in PAs, LNAs, mixers, and VCOs.
• Strong knowledge of RF PLL design including PFDs and charge pumps.
• Proficiency with RF-SOI processes and trade-offs.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end mmWave IC design projects from concept to tape-out.
• Develop and validate RF transceiver architectures and signal chains.
• Perform parasitic extraction, EM simulation, and layout verification.
• Characterize designs in lab using RF test equipment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and customers.

Skills

Millimeter-Wave IC design

RF design

Transceiver architectures

Phase noise & spurii

Lab characterization

Customer engagement

PA design

LNA design

Mixer design

VCO design

PLL design

RF SOI process knowledge

Education

M.S./Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Cadence Virtuoso

VRF flows

EMX

Clarity

Layout MXL

QRC

Pegasus

VSS

Job description

Cadence Design Systems is seeking a Senior Principal RF Design Engineer to lead high-frequency IC development for 30 GHz+ applications. You will own the full lifecycle from concept through tape-out and lab validation, focusing on PA/LNA blocks, mixers and VCOs.

The role requires deep RF knowledge, experience with RF PLLs, phase noise control, and EM/silicon trade-offs. Expect collaboration with customers and a fast-paced team.