RFIC Design Engineer

Job Title

RFIC Design Engineer

Role Summary

Design and develop radio-frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) for wireless applications (4G/5G/6G, WLAN, BT, GPS) in advanced process technologies. Work on transistor-level circuit design, simulations, layout handoff and verification within SoC and discrete RFIC products.

Experience Level

Mid-level - typically engineers with multiple years of professional RF/analog IC design experience (posting references 3+ years in transistor-level RF design and related ASIC experience).

Responsibilities

Key technical duties and day-to-day responsibilities.

• Translate system-level requirements into circuit-level specifications and select architectures to meet targets.
• Perform transistor-level design of RF/analog blocks (receivers, transmitters, LNAs, PLLs, synthesizers) and run behavioral and device-level simulations.
• Develop and validate design using simulation tools; create and review test plans; analyze test results and debug circuits in silicon/hardware.
• Floor-plan and hand off layouts; collaborate with layout engineers and participate in physical verification and layout reviews.
• Resolve architecture and design problems, escalate complex issues, and document technical designs and feature descriptions.
• Apply EM simulation/modeling and, where appropriate, neural-network-based techniques for circuit optimization and analysis.
• Collaborate with cross-functional team members and stakeholders in a matrixed organization.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and practical experience; preferred items noted.

• Must-have: Hands-on transistor-level RF/analog IC design experience (receiver/transmitter blocks, LNA, PLLs, frequency synthesizers).
• Must-have: Proficiency with industry tools such as Cadence, Virtuoso, and ADS (posting cites 2+ years using two or more of these).
• Must-have: Experience running circuit and system simulations, writing test plans, and debugging silicon/hardware.
• Must-have: Experience collaborating with layout engineers and performing or reviewing physical verification and floor-planning.
• Preferred: Experience with digital control/signal processing for RFICs and EM simulation/modeling.
• Preferred: Experience working in large matrixed organizations and interacting with senior leadership.

Education Requirements

Degrees: Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering (or related field) are referenced. The posting lists degree-based combinations with experience (e.g., Bachelor’s + years of RF design and ASIC experience; Master’s or PhD with differing experience levels) and also notes academic or professional experience using Cadence/Virtuoso/ADS. No certifications specified. Equivalent/related field language is allowed ("related field" / "related work experience").

About the Company

Company: Qualcomm

Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States

Qualcomm is a global leader in semiconductor and telecommunications equipment, specializing in mobile technologies and innovations. Known for its Adreno GPUs, the company provides solutions enabling advancements in mobile gaming, AI, VR/AR, and autonomous driving. Qualcomm's cutting-edge technology and commitment to high-performance, power-efficient designs drive the evolution of mobile graphics and connectivity worldwide.