Analogue RF IC Designer for EM Simulation Tasks

About the role

We are looking for an RF IC designer to create evaluation tasks that test a model’s ability to design passive on-chip components to specification. Each task consists of a written spec, a reference design that meets it, and an automated check that re-simulates the submitted layout and compares the results against the spec. The engagement starts with a pilot of five tasks, after which we will iterate together before deciding whether to scale.

Responsibilities

• Define clear, realistic specifications for passive components (e.g., spiral inductors, transformers and baluns, transmission lines, coupled resonators, quadrature hybrids) including target inductance, quality factor, area, and frequency range.
• Produce a reference layout in GDS that meets each spec.
• Write Python scripts that drive EM simulation (using the provided toolchain), extract S-parameters and derived figures of merit, and automatically verify that a submitted layout satisfies the spec.
• Deliver an initial pilot of five complete tasks (spec + reference design + check script) and incorporate feedback before any further work.

Requirements

• Hands-on RF IC design experience, including layout of on-chip passives such as spiral inductors, transformers/baluns, transmission lines, coupled resonators, and quadrature hybrids.
• Direct experience running EM simulations on your own layouts and interpreting results (S-parameters, inductance, quality factor, etc.).
• Comfortable working with GDS layout files and Touchstone/S-parameter data.
• Proficient enough in Python to script simulation flows and write the automated verification checks.

Nice to have

• Experience with the IHP SG13G2 PDK (our test chip is a 24 GHz radar receiver front-end on SG13G2) or another open PDK.
• Familiarity with the open-source toolchain we use: KLayout, Palace, openEMS, ngspice, scikit-rf, and the IIC-OSIC-TOOLS container (we can share the container).
• Experience with commercial EM solvers such as Cadence EMX or Ansys HFSS.
• SPICE simulation of RF blocks (e.g., low-noise amplifiers) — an area we plan to cover in later tasks.

Tools & environment

Primary toolchain: KLayout, Palace, openEMS, ngspice, scikit-rf, IIC-OSIC-TOOLS container. Commercial EM solvers (Cadence EMX, Ansys HFSS) are also available. Scripting language: Python.

Location

Europe, Canada, or US.

Compensation

Final rate depends on qualifications, expertise, experience, and location.