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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for RF Power Amplifier Designer

💰 $120,000 - $190,000

EngineeringHardware EngineeringRF EngineeringTelecommunicationsAerospace & Defense

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of wireless technology? This role requires a highly skilled and innovative RF Power Amplifier (PA) Designer to join our dynamic engineering team. In this pivotal role, you will be at the forefront of designing and developing high-performance, high-efficiency RF power amplifiers that are the engine behind modern communication systems. You will take ownership of the entire design lifecycle, from initial concept and architecture through simulation, layout, prototyping, and final production. If you thrive on solving complex RF challenges and want to make a tangible impact on next-generation products, this is the opportunity for you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior RF Engineer / RF Engineer
  • RF Test & Characterization Engineer
  • MMIC Design Engineer

Advancement To:

  • Senior / Principal RF Power Amplifier Designer
  • RF Engineering Manager / Team Lead
  • RF Systems Architect

Lateral Moves:

  • RF Systems Engineer
  • Antenna Design Engineer
  • MMIC/RFIC Design Lead

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Design, simulate, and develop high-efficiency RF and microwave Power Amplifiers (PAs) from component level to full module integration for applications such as 5G, SatCom, and defense.
  • Perform detailed circuit-level design and nonlinear simulations using industry-standard software like Keysight ADS or Cadence AWR, including load-pull, source-pull, and harmonic balance analysis.
  • Architect and implement advanced PA topologies, including Doherty, Chireix, Class AB, Class F, and other high-efficiency modes.
  • Select appropriate semiconductor technologies (e.g., GaN, LDMOS, GaAs) based on system requirements for power, frequency, efficiency, and linearity.
  • Develop complex input, output, and interstage matching networks to optimize for gain, power, efficiency, and bandwidth across specified operating conditions.
  • Conduct thorough stability analysis (K-factor, Mu-factor, N-port) over frequency, temperature, and process variations to ensure unconditional stability.
  • Oversee the PCBA layout and provide critical guidance on component placement, RF routing, grounding schemes, and thermal management to ensure performance integrity.
    button and test prototypes in the lab, bringing up new hardware and validating performance against simulation.
  • Conduct hands-on characterization and tuning of PAs using RF test equipment, including Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), Spectrum Analyzers, Signal Generators, and Power Meters.
  • Troubleshoot and debug complex RF issues related to performance, stability, and manufacturability, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
  • Develop and execute detailed Design Verification Test (DVT) plans to fully characterize amplifier performance, including P1dB, Psat, PAE, IMD3, and ACPR.
  • Design and implement linearization techniques, such as digital pre-distortion (DPD), to meet stringent linearity requirements for complex modulation schemes.
  • Analyze and mitigate thermal challenges in high-power designs, collaborating with mechanical engineers on heatsink and chassis design.
  • Create and manage the Bill of Materials (BOM) for PA designs, ensuring component availability and cost-effectiveness.
  • Perform electromagnetic (EM) simulations of passive structures, transitions, and packaging using tools like Ansys HFSS or CST Studio Suite.
  • Evaluate and characterize new transistors and passive components to build and refine nonlinear device models.
  • Drive the design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for test (DFT) to ensure a smooth transition from prototype to high-volume production.
  • Generate comprehensive design review presentations and documentation, clearly communicating design choices, simulation results, and test data.
  • Stay abreast of emerging PA technologies, industry trends, and academic research to drive continuous innovation.
  • Collaborate with systems engineers to define PA specifications and ensure the design meets overall system-level performance goals.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the transition of new designs into manufacturing, providing expertise and guidance to production and test teams.
  • Create and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including theory of operation, test procedures, and user guides.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians within the RF team.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Systems, Mechanical, Firmware, and Program Management teams to ensure project success.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Deep expertise in RF/microwave Power Amplifier theory and design principles (e.g., Load-line, Waveform Engineering).
  • Proficiency with RF/Microwave design and simulation software, especially Keysight ADS or Cadence AWR Microwave Office.
  • Hands-on experience with 3D/2.5D electromagnetic simulation tools such as Ansys HFSS, CST Studio Suite, or Sonnet.
  • Extensive, hands-on experience with RF laboratory test and measurement equipment (VNA, Spectrum Analyzer, Load Pull systems, Signal Generators, Power Meters).
  • Strong understanding of semiconductor device physics and technologies, particularly GaN HEMT, LDMOS, and GaAs.
  • Proven experience with various PA architectures, with a strong preference for Doherty PA design.
  • Solid understanding of RF PCBA layout principles, including component placement, trace impedance control, and grounding techniques.
  • Knowledge of digital pre-distortion (DPD) concepts and their impact on PA design and performance.
  • Experience with thermal analysis and management techniques for high-power electronic components.
  • Familiarity with MMIC or RFIC design methodologies is a significant plus.
  • Proficiency in scripting or programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for test automation and data analysis.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for documenting and presenting technical concepts.
  • Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
  • High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
  • Self-motivated, with a proactive approach to tackling challenges and driving projects to completion.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or a closely related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Science (MSEE) or PhD in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in RF/Microwave Engineering.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Physics
  • Telecommunications Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-15+ years of direct experience in RF Power Amplifier design and development.

Preferred: A proven track record of taking multiple PA designs from concept through to successful product release in industries such as wireless infrastructure (4G/5G), aerospace/defense, or satellite communications.

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