Senior Engineer, RF Modeling Characterization Details

pSemi - San Diego, CA

Employment Type : Full-Time

pSemi Corporation is a Murata company driving semiconductor integration. pSemi builds on Peregrine Semiconductor’s 30-year legacy of technology advancements and strong IP portfolio but with a new mission—to enhance Murata’s world-class capabilities with high-performance semiconductors. With a strong foundation in RF integration, pSemi’s product portfolio now spans power management, connected sensors, optical transceivers, antenna tuning and RF frontends. These intelligent and efficient semiconductors enable advanced modules for smartphones, base stations, personal computers, electric vehicles, data centers, IoT devices and healthcare. From headquarters in San Diego and offices around the world, pSemi’s team explores new ways to make electronics for the connected world smaller, thinner, faster and better.

Job Summary

The Engineer, RF Modeling Characterization is responsible for RF test development for pSemi’s patented high-performance UltraCMOS™ technology. This position will work closely with modeling engineers and CAD to support internal design groups and external foundry customers with RF test engineering and data analysis. The role will be responsible for executing RF complex characterization, automation, new capability enablement,

Roles & Responsibilities

This position has responsibility for:

  • High quality RF complex characterization of RF devices and circuits (LNA/PA/Switch/FEMs) including S-parameters, Loadpull, Noise parameter, IMD, Harmonics, etc.
  • Support new RF test capability enablement as required to improve device/circuit modeling & characterization
  • Help enable automation to improve test efficiency
  • Participate with vendors and industry experts to evaluate most cost efficient and best RF test solutions s
  • Support RF test execution within team
  • Analyze and validate measurement through design of experiment test, simulations and collaboration with model and design team
  • Defining test structures and measurements as needed to improve RF data quality and test efficiency

Competency Requirements

In order to perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Critical Thinking : Skilled at finding logical flaws in arguments and plans; identifies problems and solutions that others might miss; provides detailed insight and constructive criticism into problems and complex situations
  • Working with Ambiguity: Achieves forward progress in the face of poorly defined situations and/or unclear goals; able to work effectively with limited or partial information
  • Displaying Technical Expertise: Keeps his/her technical skills current; effectively applies specialized knowledge and skills to perform work tasks; understands and masters the technical skills, knowledge, and tasks associated with his/her job; shares technical expertise with others
  • Driving for Results: Aggressively pursues challenging goals and objectives; will to put in considerable time and effort to accomplish objectives; takes a highly focused, goal driven approach toward work
  • Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions: Bases decisions on a systematic review of relevant facts and information; avoids making assumptions or rushing to judgment; provides clear rationale for decisions

Minimum Qualifications (Experience and Skills)

  • 2 years of relevant experience
  • Good understanding and knowledge on semiconductor device physics, electromagnetic theory, circuit design, and semiconductor process technology
  • Strong data analytics skills and programming skills in Scripting languages are highly preferred
  • Elaborated deliverables of advanced RF characterization (noise, RF, active/passive load-pull, NF, harmonic, pulse etc.)
  • Demonstrated ability to develop RF test systems for small, large and other nonlinear characterization on and off wafer
  • Ability to work and adapt within a team and with designers
  • Basic understanding of RF device or circuits behaviors PAs/ LNAs etc – circuit topology / layout
  • Understanding of the interaction between semiconductor manufacturing and device performance

Preferred Qualifications

  • 1 years of demonstrated technical leadership
  • Understanding of RF device physics, measurements, and automation [CL1]
  • Experience with RF characterization with pulse, CW and modulated signals
  • Detailed knowledge of advanced RF test engineering (i.e. active/passive loadpull, noise, RF, large signal, thermal, etc.)
  • Familiarity of EDA tools (ADS, Cadence)
  • Background or understanding of electromagnetic theory
  • Experience in semiconductor device RF advanced characterization (CMOS, BiCMOS or III-V) is a strong plus

Education Requirements

  • Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or related field)

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds.


pSemi Corporation supports a diverse workforce and is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees. pSemi does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions or breastfeeding), gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin (including language use restrictions and possession of a driver’s license issued under Vehicle Code section 12801.9), ancestry, physical or mental disability, legally-protected medical condition, military or veteran status (including “protected veterans” under applicable affirmative action laws), marital status, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal laws applicable to the Company. pSemi also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that an employee or applicant has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.

Note: The Peregrine Semiconductor name, Peregrine Semiconductor logo and UltraCMOS are registered trademarks and the pSemi name, pSemi logo, HaRP and DuNE are trademarks of pSemi Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies. pSemi products are protected under one or more of the following U.S. Patents: http://patents.psemi.com

Posted on : 3 years ago