Senior RFIC Design Engineer

Job Title

Senior RFIC Design Engineer

Role Summary

The Senior RFIC Design Engineer will design, simulate, and verify radio-frequency integrated-circuit blocks for wireless communication products. The role works within an analog/RF hardware team and interfaces with system architects, digital designers, layout engineers, and test engineers to deliver manufacturable silicon.

Primary mission: deliver high-performance RFIC building blocks (LNAs, PAs, mixers, VCOs, PLLs, synthesizers) from concept through tape-out and lab characterization.

Experience Level

Senior — typically requires 5+ years of industry experience in RFIC design.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Design, simulate, and verify RFIC blocks such as LNAs, PAs, mixers, VCOs, PLLs, and frequency synthesizers for wireless standards.
• Perform transistor-level circuit design and optimize for performance, power, and area.
• Execute pre-layout and post-layout simulations using industry-standard tools and EM solvers.
• Collaborate with system architects, digital design, layout, and test teams to define specifications and ensure integration.
• Develop and implement circuit architectures and design techniques to meet performance targets.
• Supervise and review layout to ensure design intent and process-rule compliance.
• Debug and characterize RFIC prototypes in the lab; identify and resolve performance issues.
• Produce design documentation: specifications, simulation reports, and test plans.
• Monitor and evaluate emerging RFIC design methods and technologies.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience:

• Proven RFIC design experience in CMOS processes (hands-on circuit design and simulation).
• Strong theoretical knowledge of RF/microwave fundamentals and analog circuit design.
• Proficiency with RFIC design and simulation tools such as Cadence Virtuoso, SpectreRF, and EM simulators (e.g., HFSS, Momentum); MATLAB experience.
• Hands-on experience with RF lab equipment (spectrum/network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes).
• Experience with tape-out and silicon characterization workflows.
• Familiarity with wireless standards (Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, 5G, UWB) and typical RF block requirements.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, documentation practices, and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with advanced RFIC architectures or novel low-power RF techniques.
• Experience supervising or reviewing layout for RF designs.

Education Requirements

Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in RF/Microwave circuits.

About the Company

Company: NXP Semiconductors

Headquarters: Nijmegen, Netherlands

NXP Semiconductors N.V. is a global semiconductor company that provides High Performance Mixed Signal and Standard Product solutions. With over 45,000 employees and operations in more than 35 countries, NXP is a leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, catering to automotive, industrial IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets. The company is committed to innovation and sustainability, advancing a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world through technology.