Research Principal RF MMIC Designer

Job Title

Research Principal RF MMIC Designer

Role Summary

Technical lead in Qorvo's Advanced Research Group responsible for architecture, design, and prototype development of high-performance RF/MMIC circuits (GaN, GaAs, and advanced silicon) for defense, satellite communications, and next-generation wireless systems.

Work spans theoretical research, EM and nonlinear simulation, lab characterization, cross-functional integration, and publication of novel results.

Experience Level

Senior / Professional. The role expects substantial prior experience in RF/MMIC design and lab characterization; specific years-of-experience guidance is provided in Education Requirements below.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead RF/MMIC architecture and design research efforts and define technical direction.
• Drive MMIC-based product development: design, simulate, lay out, and optimize GaN, GaAs, and advanced silicon circuits.
• Design and characterize components such as power amplifiers, LNAs, phase shifters, switches, attenuators, TDUs, multifunction circuits, and FEMs.
• Perform nonlinear device/circuit modeling and 2.5D/3D EM co-simulation to meet performance targets.
• Build and validate prototypes in microwave labs using S-parameter, noise, load-pull, power/efficiency, and thermal measurements.
• Analyze measurement data and present technical results to internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to technology roadmaps, novel circuit architectures, and heterogeneous integration concepts.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional R&D teams.
• Publish technical work and file invention disclosures where appropriate.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience:

• Recent hands-on experience designing III-V microwave/mm-wave RF/MMIC amplifiers, switches, phase shifters, attenuators, TDUs, hybrid multichip modules, or FEMs.
• Experience with GaN and GaAs processes and familiarity with RF silicon processes.
• Expert understanding of transistor/device behavioral characteristics and nonlinear performance.
• Expert user of nonlinear circuit simulators (ADS or Microwave Office) and experience with EM tools (SONNET, Axiem, Momentum, or HFSS).
• Strong knowledge of microwave measurement and calibration methods: S-parameters, source/load-pull, noise figure, linearity, power/efficiency, and intermodulation testing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to summarize technical concepts clearly.

Nice-to-have:

• SiGe or CMOS RFIC/MMIC and mixed-signal design experience.
• Published author in technical journals or conference papers.
• Proven ability to meet customer technical needs and schedules.

Education Requirements

Degree and experience combinations specified by the employer: BS in Electrical Engineering with 12+ years of relevant experience; MS in Electrical Engineering with 9+ years of relevant experience; PhD in Electrical Engineering (RF/Microwave focus) with 7+ years of relevant experience.

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.