RF Product Development Engineer

A Cohu RF Product Development Engineer requires experience in RF and signal integrity to design, optimize, characterize and support hardware for semiconductor test interfaces. The primary responsibility of this position is to design and develop test interface solutions for semiconductor manufacturers used in the for high frequency markets including 5G, satellite communication, automotive radar, high performance compute, networking and general high speed digital applications.  This position requires knowledge and use of 3D electromagnetic, 2D planar, and circuit level simulation for the modeling of transmission lines including spring probes and other compliant interconnects, PCB layouts, and waveguides. The position also requires the knowledge and use of a Vector Network Analyzer for characterization of interface hardware.  Both mechanical and electrical aptitude is required as well as solid communication and organization skills and the ability to work on a cross-functional team. Project management responsibilities include maintaining timelines and milestones of simulation and measurement activities, alignment with mechanical engineering teams and customer communication of RF simulation and characterization results and conclusions through written and oral reports. Equipment maintenance, organization of the lab, inventory management and ownership of the lab activities is also required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to (other duties may be assigned):

• Use finite element analysis and circuit simulation software (Ansys HFSS and AWR Microwave office) to simulate and optimize test interface hardware including test sockets, connectors, waveguides, cable interfaces, and PCB layouts – for high frequency (up to 100 GHz)
• Characterize RF performance of interface hardware including test sockets, connectors, waveguides, cable interfaces, and PCB layouts using a Vector Network Analyzer.  Measurements include insertion loss, return loss, impedance, and crosstalk.
• Analyze and Correlate simulation to VNA measurement results
• Research and apply theory of signal integrity concepts related to PCBs, test sockets and other interconnect technology.
• Integrate sockets, PCBs, connectors, cabling and waveguides into interface hardware designs.
• Provide design recommendations for next-generation products that consider both electrical and mechanical performance tradeoffs for high volume semiconductor test environments.
• Provide technical support to customers for RF test interface applications
• Recommend and facilitate design and use of test methods and fixturing for RF measurements
• Review datasheets and device specifications and match interface hardware with RF applications
• Generate RF test reports and presentations for new interface products
• Present technical material to customers and at trade shows via powerpoint presentations 

• Limited travel required for onsite technical discussions, installations and trade shows.

Education and/or Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
• 0-1 year of experience
• Understanding of transmission line theory
• Simulation using 3D electromagnetic and circuit level simulation tools and knowledge of s-parameters and Vector network analysis into the mmWave frequency range.
• Understanding of calibration procedures and theory of VNA hardware

• Experience applying RF theory to mechanical design

• Use of mmWave products including waveguides and frequency extenders

• Proven experience with project management and driving projects from concept to deliver of hardware

• Familiar with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and SharePoint

• Strong verbal and written communications skills; ability to communicate effectively with both domestic and foreign colleagues/vendors