Principal Research Scientist - RF MMIC Design

Job Title

Principal Research Scientist - RF MMIC Design

Role Summary

Lead research and development of advanced RF/MMIC circuits within Qorvo's Advanced Research Group, combining theoretical research, simulation, prototype fabrication, and lab characterization for defense, satellite communications, and next-generation wireless systems.

Provide technical leadership on MMIC architecture and product development, mentor junior engineers, and publish or present novel results externally or internally.

Experience Level

Professional / Senior. This role targets experienced researchers and technical leads; see Education Requirements for degree-specific years-of-experience guidance.

Responsibilities

Technical leadership and hands-on development across MMIC design, simulation, fabrication, and characterization.

• Lead RF/MMIC architecture and design research and development efforts.
• Design, simulate, layout, and characterize MMICs (power amplifiers, LNAs, phase shifters, switches, attenuators, multifunction circuits, TDUs, FEMs).
• Perform nonlinear modeling and co-simulation (2.5D/3D EM + circuit) and optimize circuits for performance metrics.
• Use and validate designs with microwave lab measurements (S-parameters, noise, load-pull, thermal, power/efficiency, linearity).
• Contribute to technology roadmaps, heterogeneous integration concepts, and novel circuit architectures.
• Present results to internal and external stakeholders and submit invention disclosures as appropriate.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional R&D teams.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience required to perform the role; nice-to-have items are listed separately.

• Must-have: Recent, relevant experience designing III-V microwave/millimeter-wave RF/MMIC components (amplifiers, switches, phase shifters, attenuators, TDUs, hybrid modules, FEMs).
• Must-have: Hands-on experience with GaN and GaAs technologies and familiarity with RF silicon processes.
• Must-have: Expert understanding of transistor/device behavioral characteristics and nonlinear device behavior.
• Must-have: Expert user of ADS or Microwave Office nonlinear simulators and experience with one or more EM tools (SONNET, Axiem, Momentum, HFSS) for 2.5D/3D co-simulation.
• Must-have: Strong microwave measurement and calibration skills (S-parameters, source/load pull, noise figure, linearity, intermodulation, power/efficiency).
• Must-have: Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to summarize technical concepts concisely.
• Nice-to-have: SiGe/CMOS RFIC/MMIC, analog/mixed-signal design experience; published author in technical journals or conference presentations.
• Nice-to-have: Experience integrating BAW/SAW filters, multichip modules, or heterogeneous integration work.

Education Requirements

Degrees and years-of-experience expectations listed by Qorvo: BS in Electrical Engineering with 12+ years experience; MS in Electrical Engineering with 9+ years experience; PhD in Electrical Engineering (RF/Microwave focus) with 7+ years experience. Fields of study referenced: Electrical Engineering with RF/microwave emphasis. No certifications or explicit "or equivalent experience" language was provided in the source.

About the Company

Company: Qorvo

Headquarters: Greensboro, NC, US

Qorvo supplies innovative semiconductor solutions that enhance connectivity and power for a variety of applications, including consumer electronics, automotive, and healthcare. With a focus on RF and power solutions, Qorvo combines technology leadership and global manufacturing to address complex challenges in fast-growing industries. Their commitment to excellence and innovation drives them to shape the future of wireless communications.