Staff Engineer, Modeling and ESD

Qorvo, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Qorvo, Inc. is seeking an early-career Staff Engineer to advance semiconductor modeling, ESD protection, and device characterization capabilities.

You will work with design, technology, and EDA teams to deliver robust device models and ESD solutions for GaAs technologies and foundry processes. The role combines hands-on testing, model development, and design enablement, with collaboration across RF, analog, and mixed-signal teams in Greensboro or Hillsboro.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or a related field with strong semiconductor devices/ RF lab background.
• 0–2 years of industry experience or equivalent graduate research in semiconductor/RF/microelectronics.
• Strong written and verbal communication for cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to balance day-to-day support with project deliverables and schedules.
• Experience with Keysight ADS, Cadence AWR Microwave Office, Cadence Virtuoso or similar environments.
• Programming/scripting in Python for automation and data analysis.
• Understanding of semiconductor device physics, characterization principles, and RF device behavior.

Responsibilities

• Design and layout semiconductor device and passive test structures for DC and RF characterization using ADS.
• Perform on-wafer electrical characterization (DC, CV, S-parameters, noise, large-signal, temperature dependent).
• Extract and maintain compact device models using AHBT, HICUM, EEHEMT and Verilog-A as needed.
• Validate model accuracy across PVT conditions and document performance.
• Support design engineers in using device models and guide on technology capabilities.
• Develop and maintain EM/ETH simulation definitions.
• Automate characterization, model extraction, validation, and data analysis workflows.
• Develop and maintain ESD protection cell libraries within PDks and review ESD robustness of designs.

Skills

RF design

Python

Communication

Semiconductor devices

On-wafer characterization

Modeling tools

S-parameter

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Keysight ADS

Cadence AWR Microwave Office

Cadence Virtuoso

Verilog-A

Job description

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Staff Engineer, Modeling and ESD

Experience Level: Professional

Job Type: Regular

Location: Greensboro, NC, US, 27409 Hillsboro, OR, US, 97124

Qorvo (Nasdaq: QRVO) supplies innovative semiconductor solutions that make a better world possible. We combine product and technology leadership, systems-level expertise and global manufacturing scale to quickly solve our customers' most complex technical challenges. Qorvo serves multiple high-growth segments of large global markets, including consumer electronics, smart home/IoT, automotive, EVs, battery-powered appliances, network infrastructure, healthcare and aerospace/defense. Visitwww.qorvo.com to learn how our innovative team is helping connect, protect and power our planet.

Semiconductor Modeling, ESD, and Characterization Engineer

Summary

Qorvo is seeking an early-career engineer to join its Compound Semiconductor Device Modeling team. This team provides device models, technology definitions, and ESD design infrastructure that enable successful RFIC and MMIC product development across Qorvo's business units.

The team is responsible for delivering accurate compact device models, electromagnetic (EM) and electrothermal (ETH) simulation support, and ESD protection solutions for Qorvo's internal GaAs technologies as well as selected external foundry processes. Internal technology support includes HBT, pHEMT, and passive devices developed within Qorvo's proprietary semiconductor processes. For external foundry technologies, the team evaluates and validates foundry-provided models against measured data, provides technical feedback to foundry partners, and develops model improvements when appropriate.

This role combines hands‑on device characterization, compact model development, ESD circuit support, and design enablement activities. The successful candidate will work closely with circuit designers, process technologists, and Qorvo's Engineering Design Automation (EDA) team to deliver a robust and well-integrated design environment.

Our mission is to provide industry-leading modeling and design capabilities that enable innovative products for cellular, infrastructure, defense and aerospace, Wi‑Fi, and other advanced RF applications.

Responsibilities

• Design and layout semiconductor device and passive test structures for DC and RF characterization, primarily using Keysight ADS.
• Perform on‑wafer electrical characterization, including DC, CV, S‑parameter, noise, large‑signal, and temperature‑dependent measurements.
• Extract, validate, and maintain compact device models using industry‑standard modeling frameworks such as AHBT, HICUM, and EEHEMT, as well as custom Verilog‑A models when required.
• Validate model accuracy across process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) conditions and thoroughly document model performance and limitations.
• Support design engineers in the effective use of device models and provide guidance regarding technology capabilities and model behavior.
• Develop and maintain technology definitions for electromagnetic (EM) and electrothermal (ETH) simulation environments.
• Automate characterization, model extraction, validation, and data analysis workflows to improve efficiency and quality.
• Develop and maintain ESD protection cell libraries within process design kits (PDKs).
• Review product designs for ESD robustness and provide guidance on ESD implementation in RF, analog, mixed‑signal, and related applications.
• Characterize ESD devices and protection circuits using TLP, VF‑TLP, and related measurement techniques.
• Collaborate with internal technology and device development teams by providing electrical characterization data, modeling support, and semiconductor device expertise.
• Work closely with EDA teams to ensure seamless deployment and support of models and design enablement technologies.

Required Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or a related field, with a strong academic foundation in semiconductor devices, RF design, and laboratory‑based characterization techniques.
• 0‑2 years of industry experience, or equivalent graduate research experience, in semiconductor, RF, or microelectronics engineering.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across design, technology, and characterization teams.
• Ability to balance day‑to‑day customer support activities with project‑driven deliverables and schedules.
• Experience through coursework, research, internships, or industry with Keysight ADS, Cadence AWR Microwave Office, Cadence Virtuoso, or similar semiconductor design environments.
• Programming and scripting experience, preferably Python, for automation and data analysis.
• Understanding of semiconductor device physics, characterization principles, and fundamental RF device behavior.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience with compact device modeling and model extraction tools, including Keysight IC‑CAP.
• Experience with electromagnetic simulation tools such as Keysight Momentum, Keysight FEM, Ansys HFSS, or Cadence EMX.
• Experience with thermal or electrothermal simulation and modeling techniques.
• Experience using statistical analysis and data visualization tools such as Spotfire.
• Knowledge of ESD protection concepts and ESD design methodologies for RF, analog, digital, or mixed‑signal integrated circuits.
• Familiarity with compound semiconductor technologies, including GaAs HBT and pHEMT processes.

Location

Greensboro, NC or Hillsboro, OR

MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT QORVO

We are Qorvo. We do more than create innovative RF and Power solutions for the mobile, defense and infrastructure markets – we are a place to innovate and shape the future of wireless communications. It starts with our employees. As a unified global team, we bring a commitment to excellence, growth and a passion for creating what's next. Explore the possibilities with us.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcome all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable law, including race, color, religion, sex (as defined by law), national origin, age, military or veteran status, genetic information, or disability.