Principal Research Scientist - RF MMIC Design

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. Visit www.qorvo.com to learn how our innovative team is helping connect, protect and power our planet.

 

About the Role

Seeking a talented RF MMIC Design researcher to drive cutting-edge MMIC innovation within Qorvo's Advanced Research Group. This role blends deep theoretical research with advanced fabrication access and high-impact applications in defense, satellite communications, and next-generation wireless systems. Perfect for ambitious early-to-mid career researchers who want to publish, present, and explore advanced designs in leading-edge RF/microwave technologies.

 

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

• Technical lead role for RF/MMIC architecture and design research.
• Serve as a technical lead for MMIC-based product development, creating innovative, high-performance GaN and GaAs (plus advanced silicon) circuits.
• Design, simulate, layout, and characterize advanced MMICs including power amplifiers, LNAs, phase shifters, switches, attenuators, multifunction circuits, and integration with BAW and SAW filters.
• Perform detailed nonlinear modeling, 2.5D/3D EM co-simulation, and circuit optimization using ADS, HFSS, Cadence, and similar tools.
• Build and validate prototypes in state-of-the-art microwave labs, including S-parameter, noise, load-pull, and thermal measurements.
• Execute data analysis and present results to the internal and/or external customer.
• Contribute to technology road-mapping, novel circuit architectures, and heterogeneous integration concepts.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional R&D teams.
• Publish novel design work internally or externally at conferences and workshops to promote Qorvo’s technology and design capabilities.
• Submit invention disclosures for potential patents where applicable.

 

 

Required Technical Skills and Experience:

• Recent and relevant experience designing III-V microwave/millimeter-wave RF/MMIC amplifiers, switches, phase shifters, attenuators, time-delay units (TDUs), hybrid multichip modules, or transmit/receive front-end modules (FEMs).

• Experience in advanced III-V compound semiconductor technologies, especially GaN, GaAs, and RF Silicon processes. 
• Expert-level understanding of device transistor behavioral characteristics.
• Expert-level user of either ADS or Microwave Office (MWO) nonlinear simulators; and one or more of the following 2.5D or 3D EM simulation tools:  SONNET, Axiem, Momentum, or HFSS.
• Strong understanding of microwave measurements and calibration methods:  S-parameters, power, efficiency, source/load pull, noise figure, linearity, and intermodulation distortion.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to concisely summarize highly technical concepts. 

 

 

Desired Experiences:

• Design of high-performance millimeter wave GaAs or GaN MMIC power amplifiers with simultaneous power, bandwidth, efficiency, and linearity requirements.

• SiGe and/or CMOS-based RFIC/MMIC, analog, and mixed signal design experience is a plus.
• Published author in technical journals and/or magazines.
• Strong ability to meet customer technical needs and schedules.

 

 

Required Education & Experience:

• BS Electrical Engineering with 12 or more years of experience

• MS Electrical Engineering with 9 or more years of experience
• PhD Electrical Engineering (with RF/Microwave focus) with 7 or more years of experience

 

Work Location:  Dallas, TX (preferred), alternatives locations: San Jose, CA, Boston, MA

 

Relocation Elig