Principal Engineer - Product

Job Title

Principal Engineer - Product

Role Summary

Responsible for developing low-noise Voltage Controlled SAW Oscillator (VCSO) products and supporting existing SAW product lines. Works with product management, sales, customers, and cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams to define requirements, design hardware, and take products from prototype to production.

Experience Level

Senior level. Minimum of 5+ years experience specifically working with RF/microwave circuits (to ~2 GHz or higher) as indicated in the posting.

Responsibilities

Lead technical work across product definition, design, prototyping, validation, and production support.

• Collaborate with product line manager, sales/marketing, and customers to define product requirements and project scope.
• Generate and execute comprehensive project plans from concept/order through product release and production support.
• Perform electrical and mechanical design tasks: RF & DC circuit design and simulation, PCB design, EM simulation, thermal/structural FEA, and statistical analysis.
• Contribute hands-on to prototyping, development, and sustaining engineering activities.
• Work with procurement, process, and test engineering to ensure manufacturability and maximize production yield; perform statistical/yield analysis.
• Compile and present design-review packages and technical documentation to internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and validate manufacturing tools, drawings, BOMs, test procedures, and process specifications.
• Perform root cause and corrective action investigations for WIP or field failures.
• Support additional projects or responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

Key must-have skills, compliance items, and practical experience required for the role.

• Minimum 5 years experience with RF/microwave circuits (to ~2 GHz or higher).
• Experience using DC and RF circuit simulators.
• Strong understanding of PCB design for RF/microwave circuits, including manufacturability.
• Proven use of network analyzers, spectrum/signal analyzers, oscilloscopes, and ability to interpret measurements.
• Experience with data collection and statistical analysis (excel or equivalent).
• Strong failure analysis, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office (high proficiency in Excel).
• Ability to manage multiple projects and communicate technical data effectively (verbal and written).
• Must possess or be able to obtain a U.S. Secret-level security clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship is required (export control requirement).

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with ADS for small-signal, large-signal and noise simulation.
• Experience with 2.5D/3D EM FEA simulators (HFSS preferred).
• Experience programming (PC scripting or automation).
• Hands-on soldering and component-level rework (down to 0402) and good dexterity/visual acuity.
• Experience with Altium PCB design and ANSYS mechanical FEA.
• Experience performing phase-noise measurements and designing low phase-noise VCOs.
• Familiarity with statistical methods: hypothesis testing, DOE, SPC, Gage R&R.

Education Requirements

Minimum: BS (Bachelor of Science) in Electrical Engineering required. MS or higher in Electrical Engineering is preferred. No explicit statement of acceptable equivalent practical experience was provided.

About the Company

Company: Microchip

Headquarters: Chandler, Arizona, USA

Microchip is a leading semiconductor company focused on developing innovative solutions to enhance the human experience. With a commitment to empowering innovation, Microchip prioritizes the value of its employees by fostering a culture that supports their growth and contributions.