PhD: RF/mmWave Engineer F/M

Job Title

PhD RF/mmWave Engineer (F/M)

Role Summary

Join NXP's RF/mmWave engineering team to research, design, simulate, and validate broadband millimeter-wave communication integrated circuits. Work within the SAI product line on advanced mmWave technologies and collaborate with RFIC, system, layout, and validation engineers.

The role focuses on turning research ideas into practical IC designs through simulation, topology trade-offs, EM and circuit-level verification, and correlation with silicon measurements.

Experience Level

Entry-level / PhD student intern position. Suitable for a candidate currently pursuing a PhD with hands-on research or project experience in RF/mmWave or related areas.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include research-driven design, simulation, and validation activities for broadband mmWave ICs.

• Support design and simulation of RF/mmWave circuit blocks and passive structures for broadband communication ICs.
• Perform topology studies, trade-off analyses, and design optimization based on system-level requirements.
• Run circuit, electromagnetic (EM), and mixed-signal simulations using industry-standard tools.
• Plan lab measurements, perform silicon characterization, and correlate design with silicon results.
• Document technical findings and present results to design, system, and project stakeholders.
• Collaborate with RFIC, system, layout, and validation engineers to integrate and verify designs.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience for successful contribution to RF/mmWave IC development.

• Strong background in RF, microwave, mmWave, analog, or mixed-signal circuit design (the academic degree requirement is listed under Education Requirements).
• Experience with RF/mmWave simulation and design tools such as Cadence, Spectre RF, ADS, EMX, HFSS, MATLAB, Python, or equivalent tools and flows.
• Knowledge of CMOS RFIC design, passive component modeling, transmission lines, S-parameters, impedance matching, noise, linearity, stability, and power-efficiency considerations.
• Ability to perform topology trade-offs and design optimization tied to system requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills; proactive work approach.
• Nice-to-have: hands-on experience with RF laboratory equipment, measurement automation, or silicon characterization.

Education Requirements

Currently enrolled in a PhD program (PhD student) in Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics, Physics, or a related technical field.

About the Company

Company: NXP Semiconductors

Headquarters: Nijmegen, Netherlands

NXP Semiconductors N.V. is a global semiconductor company that provides High Performance Mixed Signal and Standard Product solutions. With over 45,000 employees and operations in more than 35 countries, NXP is a leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, catering to automotive, industrial IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets. The company is committed to innovation and sustainability, advancing a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world through technology.