Research Principal RF Designer and Architect

Job Title

Research Principal RF Designer and Architect

Role Summary

Lead technical design and architecture of mixed-signal RF and microwave integrated assemblies within Qorvo's Advanced Research Group. The role leads cross-functional teams to define requirements, develop hardware demonstrators, and mature solutions for communications, infrastructure and defense systems.

Experience Level

Senior / Professional. The posting expects senior-level candidates with significant experience (the employer specifies 12+ years of relevant industry experience).

Responsibilities

Accountable for system- and circuit-level design, verification, and integration of RF mixed-signal assemblies and related hardware.

• Define technical specifications and system partitioning for RF assemblies and signal chains.
• Lead cross-site, cross-functional engineering teams through design, prototype, test and transfer to development.
• Perform linear, non-linear and time-domain simulations; evaluate trade-offs and verification approaches.
• Design analog and RF circuitry (amplifiers, filters, ADC/DAC chains, control/interface electronics) and develop temperature compensation techniques.
• Oversee schematic capture, BOM generation, PCB layout, fabrication, assembly and test.
• Integrate sensors, embedded controllers and digital signal processing blocks with hardware.
• Develop automated test strategies, test plans, reports and documentation for verification and production testing.
• Support component selection considering thermal, environmental and reliability constraints; perform basic thermal analysis.
• Build hardware demonstrators and provide bench-level troubleshooting and modifications; support firmware integration.
• Travel within the U.S. to customers and partners (up to ~25%).

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience required for successful performance in this role.

• 12+ years of experience in RF, microwave, infrastructure, defense or communications industries.
• Extensive analog circuit design experience (op amps, discrete devices) and power management (switching converters, regulators).
• RF & microwave circuit design experience (amplifiers, control components, HBT/GaN device application).
• Experience with mixed-signal design: ADC/DAC, multiplexing, signal-chain dynamic range analysis, and quantization/SNR considerations.
• Proficiency with time-domain and SPICE simulations for mixed-signal circuits; non-linear simulation experience.
• Hands-on experience with PCB schematic capture, layout oversight, BOM selection and surface-mount prototype assembly and rework.
• Familiarity with test equipment (AWGs, spectrum/signal analyzers, mixed-signal oscilloscopes) and automated test planning.
• Ability to produce technical proposals, presentations, design documentation and reports; strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Education Requirements

Employer specifies a M.S. in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) minimum; Ph.D. preferred. Preferred background in electronic/wireless communications, RF and microwave engineering. Relevant industry experience in electronic design is emphasized.

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.