Engineer, Design Validation & Characterization

Job Title

Engineer, Design Validation & Characterization

Role Summary

Execute design validation, characterization, and qualification activities for RF and mixed-signal ICs (e.g., LNAs, switches, PAs, PACs, tunable capacitors, IC filters) to support product development and release. Work on lab-based test benches, automation scripts, data analysis, and documentation to verify device performance across process, voltage, and temperature (PVT).

Collaborate with cross-functional teams including design, test engineering, applications, and program management to reproduce issues, correlate bench and ATE results, and support production readiness.

Experience Level

Mid-level (typically 2+ years relevant industry experience). Candidates with advanced degrees and less experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include hands-on lab work, data analysis, and documentation to support NPI and product release.

• Perform RF and mixed-signal lab measurements and produce validation reports comparing results to design expectations.
• Characterize devices across PVT per test plans; configure and maintain benches, fixtures, calibrations, and automation.
• Analyze qualification and reliability stress data; reproduce anomalies and escalate with traceable data and steps.
• Document device performance, measurement conditions, scripts, and limitations for use by applications and customers.
• Partner with Test Engineering to correlate bench measurements with ATE, provide golden units and correlation datasets.
• Maintain and improve analysis tools and automation for characterization (e.g., CPK, GR&R workflows).
• Design or specify adapters and fixtures; recommend incremental improvements to bench throughput and repeatability.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and capabilities required to perform the role.

• Strong understanding of RF measurement fundamentals: NF, IP2/IP3, IMD, EVM, S-parameters, matching (Smith charts), de-embedding, calibration, and time-domain measurements.
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment: spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, DMM, SMU, etc.
• Experience with at least one data/analysis/test software: MATLAB, JMP, Python, DataPower, Agilent ADS, NI CVI, or LabVIEW.
• Basic understanding of statistical techniques such as Gauge R&R, CPK, and ANOVA.
• Clear and complete technical documentation skills; ability to produce reproducible test procedures and reports.
• Ability to prioritize, plan, and meet NPI schedules; comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally (approximately 25%).

Education Requirements

Bachelor of Engineering (or equivalent) with a minimum of ~2 years relevant experience, or Master of Science in Electrical Engineering or a related field with 0–2 years' experience. Equivalent practical experience may be acceptable.

About the Company

Company: pSemi

Headquarters: San Diego, CA, USA

pSemi is a Murata-owned semiconductor company specializing in RF integration and UltraCMOS technology. It develops high-performance semiconductors—RF switches, power amplifiers, LNAs, tunable capacitors, optical transceivers and power management—for smartphones, base stations, EVs, data centers, IoT and healthcare.