Staff Engineer, Characterization

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 Staff Characterization Engineer is responsible for validating leading edge RF Integrated Circuits, developing of measurement systems of RFICs for mobile wireless and commercial/industrial applications; focusing on test solutions for mobile RF Front End ICs such as RF switches, LNAs, and Power Amplifiers. The job requires expertise in RF and analog measurements to ensure that pSemi's projects are accurately characterized prior to release, combined with disciplined project planning to ensure that schedules are met. The Staff Characterization Engineer will be expected to manage the project schedules, generate system specifications and create effective measurement solutions.

Roles & Responsibilities

This position has responsibility for:

• Characterization: Work close with product designers to develop, evaluate and maintain optimum characterization plans for new product development. In addition to the characterization process, these include standard for conditions, quantities and in-process QA criteria as a function of parameter types.
• Data Analysis Standards: Develop, evaluate and maintain data analysis standards covering: statistical limit setting (including methods for aggregating statistics), yield prediction tools (Cpk analysis), tools and formats as a function of the parameter type.
• Characterization Infrastructure: Design and development of software and hardware for design validation, performance optimization, characterization and production test of RFICs. Analysis and development of optimization techniques for rapid characterization and test.
• Analysis Tool Development: Develop characterization and test data analysis tools to stream line characterization (CPK analysis) and improve ATE capability understanding (GR&R)
• Status Reporting: Be a technical leader through strong example and training of more junior engineers and provide continuous status updated to upper management and stakeholders

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
• Delivering High Quality Work: Critically reviews work processes to ensure quality; addresses problems that could impact quality; makes sure project deliverables and services meet all requirements and expectations; does not make the same mistakes twice

Minimum Qualifications (Experience and Skills)

• 8+ years of relevant experience
• Ability to analyze RF systems for accurate measurement of large signal RF Front ends
• Proficient in schematic capture, RF system integration and PCB design experience
• Detailed knowledge of the follow components: RF switches, PAs, LNAs, PLLs, Mixers and filters
• Proficiency in software tools such as ADS and software for test development (Matlab, C#, LabVIEW, Python, NI TestStand)
• Expert in the analysis and troubleshooting and investigating RF related issues on systems and PCB assemblies
• Familiarity with Vector Network Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers, Signal Generators and Power Meters
• RF Test Experience: Gain; S-Parameter; P1dB; IP2/IP3; Phase Noise; Noise Figure
• Experience with automating lab instruments and optimizing measurements for speed
• Knowledge of analog and RF IC design for commercial applications in bulk and/or SOI CMOS technologies
• Knowledge of system level aspects of modern cellular handsets and networks
• Strong team player with demonstrated out-of-the-box thinking and driving tasks to completion
• Fundamental understanding of non-linear measurements and system noise performance

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with RFFE MIPI, I2C and SPI digital interfaces
• Familiarity with mmWave 5G Technology
• Blind phase acquisition techniques
• DSP

Education Requirements

• BS Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Equivalent ; MSEE preferred

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 logoand UltraCMOS are registered trademarks and the pSemi name, pSemi logo, HaRP andDuNE 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