Senior Radio Frequency Engineer - Remote

Position: Remote Senior RF Engineer – HFSS / High-Speed PCB Design

We are seeking a hands-on RF/Microwave Engineer who is an expert in Ansys HFSS and skilled at designing and validating PCB-based RF structures and high-speed serial channels. You will own the end-to-end design, EM simulation, optimization, and correlation-to-measurement of stripline/microstrip transitions, connector launches, Wilkinson power dividers, stripline filters, and high-speed serial interconnects up to 22 Gbps. RF content spans up to 26 GHz; high-speed channels will be modeled, simulated, and validated including connector transitions and launch geometries. This is a fully remote position.

Responsibilities

EM Design & Simulation (HFSS)

• Build detailed 3D models of microstrip/stripline transitions, coax/board launches (SMP/SMPM, right-angle/high-density mezzanines), and connector breakouts.
• Run adaptive meshing, parametric sweeps, and optimization for return loss, insertion loss, isolation, and mode conversion (Sdd/Sdc/Scc).
• Extract and post-process S parameters, validate de-embedding, and ensure robust correlation with lab measurements.

RF Circuits & Passive Networks

• Design Wilkinson dividers (single/dual/multi-section) for target bandwidths, isolation, and power balance; implement isolation resistors and quarter-wave line sections in microstrip/stripline.
• Design stripline filters (coupled line, interdigital, hairpin, Chebyshev/elliptic responses) and optimize for ripple, stopband rejection, and manufacturability.

High-Speed Serial (up to 22 Gbps)

• Architect and simulate differential channels including connector launches, breakouts, vias, ground return, and reference transitions.
• Evaluate Sdd21/IL, NEXT/FEXT, skew, and mode conversion; perform TDR/TDT analysis; assess eye width/height, COM, and system-level margin with CTLE/DFE equalization as needed.

Stackup & Materials / DFM

• Define PCB stackups and materials (low-loss laminates, copper roughness models, dielectric dispersion, via anti-pads/back-drill strategies, stitching/ground fences, reference plane management).
• Collaborate with PCB vendors on manufacturability, tolerances, and fabrication notes; ensure designs are robust to process variation and rework.

Measurement & Correlation

• Create test plans and fixtures; perform VNA measurements (up to 26–40 GHz), S-parameter quality checks, and time-domain analyses.
• Own the correlation loop: simulation → fixture calibration/de-embedding → measurement → iterative model refinement.

Documentation & Cross-Functional Work

• Deliver design reviews, simulation reports, S-parameter libraries, fabrication drawings, and validation summaries.
• Partner with EE, ME, SI/PI, compliance, manufacturing, and firmware teams to integrate RF and high-speed designs into products.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS/MS in Electrical Engineering (or related); 7 years relevant RF/Microwave or high-speed design experience (or 5 years with MS/PhD and strong portfolio).
• Expert-level Ansys HFSS experience (3D modeling of connectors/launches, adaptive meshing, parametric optimization, scripting/macros, results post-processing).
• Proven track record designing microstrip/stripline transitions, connector launches, Wilkinson dividers, and stripline filters up to 26 GHz.
• Hands-on experience with 22 Gbps differential serial channels: channel modeling, S-parameter quality checks, TDR/TDT, eye diagram analysis, crosstalk, and mode conversion control.
• Strong command of S parameters (mixed mode), de-embedding, causality/passivity enforcement, and fixture/model correlation.
• Familiarity with low-loss PCB materials (Rogers, Megtron, Tachyon), stackup definition, copper roughness models (Huray/GMS), and via engineering (back-drill, blind/buried, anti-pad design).
• Competence with lab instrumentation: VNA, high-bandwidth oscilloscopes, TDR/TDT, BERT (as applicable), fixturing, and calibration.
• Ability to read and generate fabrication documentation (drawings, stackups, layer maps, impedance tables, DFM notes) and collaborate effectively with PCB vendors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with HFSS 3D Layout/SIwave, HyperLynx, or equivalent SI/EM tools for co-simulation and workflow integration.
• Familiarity with balanced/unbalanced launch design (GCPW to microstrip/stripline, baluns), EM-extracted model integration into circuit simulators, and multi-physics considerations (thermal/mechanical).
• Statistical modeling of tolerances/DFM (Monte Carlo on critical dimensions) and yield-aware design.
• Scripting for automation (Python, MATLAB) and version control for simulation artifacts and S-parameter libraries.
• Experience with connector families at microwave frequencies (SMP/SMPM, high-speed board-to-board mezzanines) and coax-to-PCB launches.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to lead design reviews, mentor, and drive decisions across cross-functional teams.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Return Loss / Insertion Loss targets achieved across 1–26 GHz for RF structures; isolation/phase balance for Wilkinson designs.
• Channel metrics at 22 Gbps: eye height/width, COM margin, crosstalk, and mode conversion within spec.
• Correlation between EM simulation and measured S parameters/TDR within agreed thresholds.
• First-pass success rate and DFM/yield adherence; on-time delivery of design packages and validation reports.

Employnet follows an equal opportunity employment policy in all aspects of employment and employs personnel without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation. Employment complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws ensuring equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, reasonable accommodations are made for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability, unless hardship, direct threat to health or safety, or other job-related consideration exists.