SerDes Circuit Design Engineer

Apple Inc.; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. seeks talented Analog Mixed-Signal designers to join the SerDes team.

You will work on high-speed AMS circuits for IPs across Apple SOCs, collaborating with architecture, SIPI, packaging, and board teams to define block-level specs and drive transistor-level implementations. You will contribute to data-path optimization, layout supervision, and post-silicon validation, while leveraging tools like SystemVerilog, Matlab, Python and VerilogAMS to model and verify designs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent
• Deep knowledge of analog/mixed-signal design for high-speed SerDes
• Experience with layout supervision and IP delivery
• Familiarity with lab measurement techniques and characterization
• Proficiency in SystemVerilog, Matlab, Python or VerilogAMS
• Understanding of PCIe/USB/DP MPHY SerDes protocols

Responsibilities

• Develop high-performance AMS circuits for SerDes PHY
• Evaluate optimal circuit topologies for Rx/Tx blocks and clocking
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define IP specifications and implement transistor-level designs
• Drive mask design, layout supervision, and verification to meet quality standards
• Assist SOC teams to deliver IP views and drive performance analysis

Skills

Analog mixed-signal design

High-speed SerDes

CMOS FinFET technologies

Transistor-level implementation

Circuit modeling

Lab testing

Digital design basics

Layout supervision

CDR architectures

PPA optimization

Scripting/automation

SerDes protocols knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SystemVerilog

Matlab

Python

VerilogAMS

Job description

We are seeking talented Analog Mixed-Signal designers to join our high-speed SerDes team! Our team specializes in building next generation high-performance wireline transceivers delivering intellectual-property (IP) for Apple’s world-leading system-on-chip (SOC). In this role, you will actively work with cross-functional Analog Mixed-Signal design teams to create and execute on state-of-the-art IPs key to Apple’s products. You will be challenged to make the best-in-class designs to surprise and delight Apple customers. With redefining the user experience in focus, you will get an opportunity to work on designs which makes the best systems. This enables you to learn end-to-end system while exceeding the highest expectations of quality, innovation and efficiency.

Description

You will work on the development of high-performance and high-speed AMS circuits used in SerDes PHY, including evaluation of different circuit topologies for specific product requirements (e.g., Rx, CDR, Tx, bias generator, high-speed clock generation and low-jitter distribution, high-speed analog signal chain, mixed-signal calibration and algorithms) with best in class power, performance, and area (PPA). You will work with cross-functional teams (e.g., architecture, SIPI, packaging, board design, DFT, ESD) to create block-level specifications and execute on transistor-level implementation and behavioral modeling. You will drive mask design to implement layout view of designs. You will closely work with SOC teams to deliver IP views and make sure they meet the quality standards. While developing these complex IPs, on regular basis you will interact with your peers/management to communicate progress and discuss new ideas making it a lively and interactive work environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum requirement of a bachelors degree

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep understanding of analog mixed-signal design with experience in high-speed serial links.
• Understanding and experience of designing analog mixed signal circuit blocks including Bandgap, biasing circuits, LDO regulators, amplifiers, comparators, switched-cap circuits, ADCs, DACs, Oscillators, Filters
• Understanding of analog mixed-signal concepts like mismatch mitigation, linearity, stability, low-power and low-noise techniques
• Good grasp and understanding of digitally assisted analog design concepts (e.g. background calibrations, LMS based adaptive loops)
• Experience with high-speed digital circuits (e.g., serializer, deserializer, counters, dividers, etc.) with solid understanding of digital design concepts
• Knowledge of Tx/Rx equalization techniques and circuits (e.g. CTLE, DFE, de-emphasis) for 64+ Gbps NRZ and PAM applications
• Knowledge of CDR architectures and implementations
• Knowledge of lab equipment and testing
• Experience in Analog Mixed Signal circuit modeling and performance evaluation (e.g. SystemVerilog, Matlab, Python, VerilogAMS)
• Hands‑on experience in advanced CMOS technologies, design with FinFet technology
• Hands‑on experience with AMS IC development from definition to high-volume production including layout supervision, bench evaluation, correlation, and characterization
• Concepts of timing closure and related industry tools (e.g., Nanotime, Primetime)
• Experience in lab testing of high-speed serial I/O, debug and data analysis techniques
• Knowledge of common high-speed SerDes protocols (e.g., PCIe, USB, DP, MPHY)
• Skills in scripting and automation to enhance efficiency are highly desirable

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.