Staff RF Engineer

Job Title

Staff RF Engineer

Role Summary

Lead RF engineering for high-speed optical-electronic modules and evaluation boards (EVB/MB/FPC). Responsible for RF channel planning, PCB stack-up and material selection, 3D EM and channel simulations, RF testing, problem diagnosis, and cross-functional technical coordination.

Work focuses on enabling 800G/1.6T and higher bandwidth platforms through simulation, test, and vendor interaction.

Experience Level

Senior - typically 5+ years in high-speed RF or optical-electronics engineering; expected to work independently at a staff level and coordinate across teams.

Responsibilities

The role combines simulation, board-level RF design, test, troubleshooting, and cross-site technical coordination.

• Plan RF channel routing for module-level MB/EVB and component-level EVB; define PCB material and stack-up.
• Perform 3D EM modeling and RF optimization for interfaces and passive channels; run full-channel simulations with chip electrical models.
• Produce RF simulation reports and PCB RF design reports for layout engineers and cross-department review.
• Execute RF tests for EVB/MB/FPC performance confirmation and analyze S-parameter and TDR data.
• Locate and investigate RF issues during product testing and RMA processes.
• Compare RF channel performance across different chips or electrical-model parameter sets.
• Provide RF technical support and vendor communication for PCB/FPC/packaging/connector/chip technologies.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams across sites to evaluate project plans and ensure timely delivery.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience; concise list of core expectations.

• Proven ability to perform 3D EM simulations using tools such as HFSS, CST, or EMpro; able to complete EM modeling and optimizations independently.
• Experience with channel simulation tools (e.g., ADS) and building channel models for different parameter configurations.
• Strong knowledge of PCB materials (Dk/Df) and PCB stack-up definition; familiar with impedance calculation and RF trace geometry for layout handoff.
• Hands-on experience with lab instruments (TDR, PNA, probes) and S-parameter/TDR calibration, measurement, and data analysis.
• Ability to perform RF testing, troubleshoot RF issues, and produce technical review reports.
• Effective cross-department communication skills and experience coordinating technical work across sites.
• Fluent English in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Able to work to tight project schedules and manage multiple concurrent tasks.
• Nice-to-have: direct experience with 800G/1.6T module MB simulation and optimization; prior RMA analysis experience.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree (or higher) in electronic information engineering, communication engineering, microwave technology, or a related field; equivalent practical experience is acceptable.

About the Company

Company: Lumentum

Headquarters: Milpitas, California, United States

Lumentum develops optical and photonic products and subsystems for telecommunications, data centers, cloud computing and industrial applications, providing lasers, modulators, transceivers and test solutions that enable high-speed networking and advanced photonics.