RF Analog Engineer

Abaco Systems is a global leader in modular, high performance, open architecture, standards-based rugged embedded computing for the most demanding applications in defense and industry. Our products and solutions are found in high-profile military/aerospace sea, land, and air programs, plus commercial and industrial organizations where rugged reliability is mission critical.

About the role

The Analog RF Engineer will design, develop, and test analog electronic circuits and systems, playing a crucial role in the design and development of analog front-end (AFE) circuits. This includes utilizing high-end ADCs, DACs, and mixed-signal analog components with signal frequencies ranging from hundreds of megahertz to multi-gigahertz. The role involves designing low-noise power systems, RF shielding, and PCB layout/stackup techniques to manage analog circuit performance alongside high-speed digital processing on the same PCB or carrier. Experience with clock distribution and power management circuits is required. The ideal candidate will also have experience with Xilinx RFSoC devices and other analog-based components.

The selected candidate will work in a collaborative, rapidly changing environment to support ground-breaking new technologies, focusing on cutting-edge analog RF front-end designs paired with the latest Xilinx FPGA technology for our portfolio of FPGA-based products.

Responsibilities

• Develop and design analog circuits using industry-standard tools and methodologies, including schematic design, component selection, and simulation to ensure circuits meet performance specifications.
• Collaborate with PCB layout designers to create physical layouts of analog circuits, considering signal integrity, noise, and manufacturability.
• Utilize simulation tools like SPICE to model and analyze circuit behavior under different conditions, ensuring proper functionality and performance.
• Conduct thorough testing, verification, and characterization of analog circuits, identifying and resolving issues to meet performance and reliability requirements.
• Diagnose and resolve problems related to analog circuits during various development stages and production.
• Identify product requirements and scope project efforts to keep projects on schedule.
• Continuously improve circuit performance, efficiency, and robustness by exploring innovative design techniques and circuit topologies.
• Stay up to date with manufacturer roadmaps of analog and RF components, advancements in analog design methodologies, semiconductor processes, and industry trends.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including FPGA designers, software engineers, and test developers, to ensure seamless integration and functionality of analog components within larger systems.
• Create detailed design documentation, including specifications, test plans, and reports to facilitate communication and knowledge sharing within the organization.
• Design the following components: ADC signal paths, DAC signal paths, low-noise power supplies, low-noise PLLs, low-noise clock sources and distribution, filters, and shielding.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and intellectual property considerations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (required).
• MSEE or MBA (a plus).
• 8+ years of relevant analog circuit design experience, including hands-on analog and digital hardware troubleshooting.
• Fluency in Mentor Graphics Xpedition DxDesigner (strongly desired).
• Experience designing with Xilinx RFSoC components (a plus).

Skills

• Fundamental understanding of RF-Microwave layout techniques and practices.
• RF circuit design experience in the 1 to 10GHz range.
• Experience with complex multi-lamination PCBs with blind and buried microvias and low-loss RF materials (strongly desired).
• Familiarity with PCB design tools and layout considerations.
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment for testing and validation (oscilloscopes, function generators, spectrum analyzers, etc.).
• Knowledge of analog design best practices, noise mitigation, and signal integrity.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills to identify and resolve design issues.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality designs.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and reduce costs.
• Proven team player with excellent communication, presentation, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Solid organizational skills and the ability to be self-directed.
• Self-motivated to ensure development projects are successful.
• Ability to work with broad assignments requiring originality and ingenuity.
• Appreciable latitude for unreviewed actions and decisions.
• Ambitious, flexible, and a desire to learn and grow professionally.

Pay

Salary range: $140,000 – $160,000 USD (salaried position). The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market/business considerations, and geographic location.

Abaco Systems is a Department of Defense (DoD) supplier. Employees may work with or be exposed to export-controlled information and/or classified information, which may only be accessed or handled by US citizens or qualified permanent residents with proper clearances.