Senior Principal AE-RF Design Engineer

Cadence; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Cadence seeks an experienced Millimeter-Wave IC Designer to drive high-frequency transceiver development from concept to tape-out and lab validation. You will tackle parasitic extraction, thermal management, and electromagnetic modeling while leading customer engagements in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires 10+ years in RF IC design, with deep expertise in PAs, LNAs, mixers, VCOs, RF PLLs, and RF signal chains. Proficiency with Cadence Virtuoso, EMX, Clarity, and Pegasus is essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of industrial experience taking mmWave designs from conception to tape-out
• Deep expertise in high-frequency RF design and modeling across PAs, LNAs, mixers, and VCOs
• Experience with RF PLLs, phase noise, spurs, and RF block integration

Responsibilities

• Lead full product lifecycle for mmWave ICs in 30 GHz+ range
• Architect and validate RF transceiver blocks and signal chains
• Drive parasitic extraction, thermal management, and high-frequency electromagnetic modeling
• Engage with customers and cross-functional teams to resolve design challenges at a rapid pace
• Utilize advanced EDA tools for simulation, layout, and verification

Skills

PA design

LNA design

Mixer design

VCO design

RF transceiver architectures

Direct-conversion topologies

Phased-array systems

ACPR, EVM, BER

PLL design (Sigma-Delta FRAC-N)

PFD, charge pumps, dividers

Noise figure optimization

Education

M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Cadence Virtuoso

VRF

EMX

Clarity

MXL

QRC

Pegasus

System Simulation: VSS

Job description

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

Experienced Millimeter-Wave (mmWave) IC Designer Specialize In Engineering High-frequency (30 GHz+) Transceivers And Components For 5G/6G Communications, Aerospace Radar, And Automotive Sensors. Will Drive The Full Product Lifecycle, Tackling Challenges Like Parasitic Extraction, Thermal Management, And High-frequency Electromagnetic Modeling. High Level Of Customer Engagement At a Fast Pace On State Of The Art Design. Requires a Deep, Specialized Skill Set

• Building Blocks: Deep expertise in designing custom blocks such as Power Amplifiers (PAs), Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs), mixers, and Voltage-Controlled Oscillators (VCOs).
• RF Subsystem: Deep expertise in designing Tx and Rx signal chains for noise, figure, linearity dynamic range and power efficiency. Deep experience in RF PLL design including Sigma delta, FRAC-N PLL. Phase noise and spurius signal, settling time. Experience with PLL buildng blocks such as PFD, charge pumps, dividers, multipliers.
• Architecture: Proficiency in RF transceiver architectures, direct-conversion topologies, and phased-array systems. Signal chain analysis and system figures of merit such as ACPR, EVM and BER.
• Process Technologies: Hands-on experience on advanced nodes using RF SOI process and deep knowledge of the required trade offs.
• Software Tools: Mastery of standard EDA software environments, including:
  • System Simulation: VSS -
  • Schematic & Simulation: Cadence Virtuoso and VRF flows
  • Electromagnetic (EM) Simulation: EMX, and Clarity
  • Layout & Verification: Layout MXL, QRC and Pegasus

• Education: Usually an M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (or a closely related discipline).
• Experience: 10+ years of industrial experience taking designs from conception through tape-out to final lab validation.
• Validation: Extensive lab characterization experience utilizing high-frequency equipment like spectrum analyzers, VNAs, and probe stations.

We're doing work that matters. Help us solve what others can’t.