Staff Engineer, Characterization

Job Summary

The Staff Characterization Engineer is responsible for validating leading edge RF Integrated Circuits, developing of measurement systems of RFICs for mobile wireless and commercial/industrial applications; focusing on test solutions for mobile RF Front End ICs such as RF switches, LNAs, and Power Amplifiers.  The job requires expertise in RF and analog measurements to ensure that pSemi’s projects are accurately characterized prior to release, combined with disciplined project planning to ensure that schedules are met. The Staff Characterization Engineer will be expected to manage the project schedules, generate system specifications and create effective measurement solutions.

 

Roles & Responsibilities

This position has responsibility for:

• Characterization: Work close with product designers to develop, evaluate and maintain optimum characterization plans for new product development. In addition to the characterization process, these include standard for conditions, quantities and in-process QA criteria as a function of parameter types.
• Data Analysis Standards: Develop, evaluate and maintain data analysis standards covering: statistical limit setting (including methods for aggregating statistics), yield prediction tools (Cpk analysis), tools and formats as a function of the parameter type.
• Characterization Infrastructure: Design and development of software and hardware for design validation, performance optimization, characterization and production test of RFICs. Analysis and development of optimization techniques for rapid characterization and test.
• Analysis Tool Development: Develop characterization and test data analysis tools to stream line characterization (CPK analysis) and improve ATE capability understanding (GR&R)
• Status Reporting: Be a technical leader through strong example and training of more junior engineers and provide continuous status updated to upper management and stakeholders

 

Competency Requirements

In order to perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Critical Thinking: Skilled at finding logical flaws in arguments and plans; identifies problems and solutions that others might miss; provides detailed insight and constructive criticism into problems and complex situations
• Working with Ambiguity: Achieves forward progress in the face of poorly defined situations and/or unclear goals; able to work effectively with limited or partial information

• Displaying Technical Expertise: Keeps his/her technical skills current; effectively applies specialized knowledge and skills to perform work tasks; understands and masters the technical skills, knowledge, and tasks associated with his/her job; shares technical expertise with others
• Driving for Results: Aggressively pursues challenging goals and objectives; will to put in considerable time and effort to accomplish objectives; takes a highly focused, goal driven approach toward work
• Delivering High Quality Work: Critically reviews work processes to ensure quality; addresses problems that could impact quality; makes sure project deliverables and services meet all requirements and expectations; does not make the same mistakes twice

 

Minimum Qualifications (Experience and Skills)

• Typically requires 6 to 8 years of relevant experience depending on education level an experience

Ability to analyze RF systems for accurate measurement of large signal RF Front ends

• Proficient in schematic capture, RF system integration and PCB design experience
• Detailed knowledge of the follow components: RF switches, PAs, LNAs, PLLs, Mixers and filters
• Proficiency in software tools such as ADS and software for test development (Matlab, C#, LabVIEW, Python, NI TestStand)
• Expert in the analysis and troubleshooting and investigating RF related issues on systems and PCB assemblies
• Familiarity with Vector Network Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers, Signal Generators and Power Meters
• RF Test Experience: Gain; S-Parameter; P1dB; IP2/IP3; Phase Noise; Noise Figure
• Experience with automating lab instruments and optimizing measurements for speed
• Knowledge of analog and RF IC design for commercial applications in bulk and/or SOI CMOS technologies
• Knowledge of system level aspects of modern cellular handsets and networks
• Strong team player with demonstrated out-of-the-box thinking and driving tasks to completion
• Fundamental understanding of non-linear measurements and system noise performance

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with RFFE MIPI, I2C and SPI digital interfaces
• Familiarity with mmWave 5G Technology
• Blind phase acquisition techniques