Staff RF/EM Module Design Engineer

EpsilonR; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is searching for skilled RF/microwave engineers to join their team. This role involves collaborating on product development for cutting-edge technologies and participating in all phases from architecture to production support. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in RF principles and circuit design, with experience in multi-chip module design.

Benefits

Healthcare options

401(k) with company match

Employee stock purchase plan

Paid time off including vacation and parental leave

Incentive plan

Recognition awards

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with 6+ years of experience or Ph.D. with 3+ years.
• Proficient in RF/microwave principles and digital/analog circuit design.
• Strong lab skills in data collection/analysis and debugging/tuning.

Responsibilities

• Engage in product development phases from definition to production support.
• Drive front-end module design for high-performance cellular markets.
• Interface with customers on specifications and provide solutions.

Skills

Impedance matching

Passive RLC circuits

Noise

Linearity

Circuit stability

Electromagnetic theory

Circuit simulation

Lab skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Agilent ADS

HFSS

Cadence

Network Analyzers

Spectrum Analyzers

Job description

Our client’s team leads in cutting-edge R&D and product development, seeking skilled engineers in RF/microwave, RFIC design, acoustic filters, and power amplifier (PA) development. Joining this team means collaborating with a diverse engineering community across U.S. design centers to create advanced products for global markets. You’ll be paired with a seasoned mentor and play a critical role in designing multi-chip modules, including PA, LNA, acoustic filters, and switches.

Job Responsibilities

• Engage in all product development phases: definition, architecture, system budget, transistor-level circuit design, MCM design, layout supervision, lab debugging, and production support.
• Drive front-end module design in a cross-functional team to achieve optimal module performance for high-volume, fast-paced cellular handset markets.
• Interface with customers on Pin I/O, dimensions, performance specs, providing suggestions and solutions as needed.
• Oversee floor-planning, including module pinouts, package size, signal flows, package technology, and link budget.
• Propose and evaluate new technologies and architectures through detailed analysis.
• Enhance front-end module design methodologies for better accuracy and efficiency.
• Lead module design reviews and tapeout processes.
• Contribute to new package technology development.
• Support EDA tool development for design needs.

Required Skills and Experience

• Strong foundation in RF/microwave principles: impedance matching, passive RLC circuits, noise, linearity, circuit stability, and electromagnetic theory.
• In-depth knowledge of module components: Power Amplifiers, Low Noise Amplifiers, RF Switches, Couplers, Filters, and Multi-chip Modules.
• Relevant experience with multi-chip module (MCM) design, PA, LNA, RF switch design, or passive circuit design (integrated passive devices, couplers, BAW/SAW filters, and balun).
• Proficiency with circuit simulation tools: Agilent ADS, 2.5/3D EM tools (ADS Momentum/EMX, HFSS), and Cadence, with expertise in translating models, simulations, physical implementation, and measured performance.
• Strong lab skills in data collection/analysis, debugging/tuning, and product troubleshooting.
• A self-starter and effective team player committed to taking products from concept to production.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities, capable of prioritizing tasks, reporting progress, and meeting deadlines.
• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering with 6+ years of experience or Ph.D. with 3+ years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong grasp of RF systems and knowledge of wireless standards like 3GPP cellular (2/3/4/5G/LTE), WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth.
• Solid understanding of device and process technologies.
• Experience in system architecture, circuit topology, and MCM floor planning.
• Background in FEM product development and customer interaction.
• Familiarity with acoustic filters such as SAW and BAW.
• Experience with multi-technology co-simulation: digital, analog, and RF circuits.
• Competence in lab instruments: Network Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers, Signal Generators, RF Probe Stations, Noise Figure Analyzers, and Load-pull Tuners.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting base pay is based on experience, skills, education, business needs, market demands, job responsibilities, and work location. The client offers varied base pay ranges across U.S. locations. Benefits include healthcare options (with a premium-free medical plan), a 401(k) with company match, an employee stock purchase plan, and paid time off (including vacation, sick/wellness days, and parental leave). Employees may also participate in an incentive plan and may be eligible for additional awards such as recognition and stock, all contingent on individual and/or company performance.

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