Senior Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC) Design Engineer

Job Title

Senior Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC) Design Engineer

Role Summary

Design and develop transistor-level RFICs and RF transceiver blocks for wireless applications (e.g., 6G, WLAN, IoT) using advanced process technologies. Work within an RFIC design team to translate system requirements into circuit specifications, simulate and verify designs, and support silicon bring-up and debug.

Experience Level

Senior-level. Minimum practical ASIC/RFIC design experience starts at 2+ years based on the role's minimums; preferred candidates have multiple years of transistor-level RF/analog design experience and experience interacting with senior leadership.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include transistor-level design, simulation, verification, and documentation of RF/analog blocks and transceivers.

• Derive circuit-level specifications from system requirements and define block architecture.
• Perform transistor-level design and run simulations to evaluate performance under various conditions.
• Collaborate with layout engineers to floor-plan and verify layouts; participate in layout reviews.
• Write test plans, review test results, and provide test instructions for integration and bring-up.
• Debug hardware issues, resolve most problems independently, and escalate complex issues as needed.
• Produce clear technical documentation and feature descriptions to guide users and cross-functional teams.
• Monitor industry trends and incorporate relevant advances into designs.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience required to perform the role.

• Minimum: practical ASIC design, verification, or related engineering experience (2+ years minimum stated).
• Hands-on experience with RFIC/EDA tools; experience using two or more of CADENCE, Virtuoso, ADS.
• Strong simulation and analysis skills for RF/analog circuits and system-level signal paths.
• Proven ability to debug circuit-level issues and interpret test results.
• Experience collaborating with layout, verification, and test engineers; familiarity with physical verification flow.
• Core competencies: analytical problem solving, clear technical communication, organization and task execution, and applied RFIC technical knowledge.
• Preferred (nice-to-have): transistor-level RF/analog circuit design experience; digital predistortion (DPD) or ML/AI applied to RF; RF frequency synthesizer design; digital control and signal processing; electromagnetic simulation/modeling; product development and commercialization experience; experience in large matrixed organizations and interacting with senior leadership.
• Physical: ability to monitor computers for extended periods and perform continuous communication with colleagues and stakeholders.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field (with 2+ years relevant experience) OR Master's degree in those fields (with 1+ year relevant experience) OR PhD in a related field. Preferred qualifications mention PhD or Master’s in Electrical Engineering for RF-specific roles. Equivalency to formal degrees via relevant practical experience is accepted per the posting.

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.