RF Front-End EM Design Co-Op (Summer/Fall 2027)
NewDescription
The RF Front-End EM Design Co-op will support the design, electromagnetic (EM) simulation, and optimization of passive components and integrated RF front-end modules (FEMs) — including filters, couplers, baluns, matching networks, and interconnects across laminate, IPD, and package/module technologies. In this role, you will work alongside senior RF and EM design engineers to model structures, correlate simulations to measured data, and contribute to real product development.
What you will gain -
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Real, shippable RF front-end design experience at an industry leader.
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Mentorship from senior RF/EM design engineers.
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Exposure to the full design-to-silicon/module flow, from EM modeling to measured correlation.
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A collaborative, fast-paced environment working on 5G, Wi-Fi 6E/7, and next-gen connectivity products.
Responsibilities
- Build and run 2.5D/3D electromagnetic simulations of RF passive structures (filters, matching networks, transmission lines, baluns, spiral inductors, transitions).
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Extract S-parameters and develop EM-based models; integrate them into circuit-level simulations and system co-simulation.
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Optimize passive layouts for insertion loss, isolation, return loss, Q-factor, and size in multilayer laminate / IPD / wafer-level packaging.
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Correlate EM simulation results against measured (VNA / load-pull) data and refine models.
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Support layout, DRC-aware design, and design-of-experiments (DoE) studies for performance and manufacturability.
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Document methodology, results, and design trade-offs; present findings to the engineering team.
Required Experience and Skills
- Currently pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Electromagnetics, RF/Microwave Engineering, or a related field.
- Able to work onsite for a period of 6 month during June - December 2027.
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Coursework in electromagnetics, RF/microwave circuit design, and transmission line theory.
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Understanding of S-parameters, impedance matching, resonators, and filter fundamentals.
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Familiarity with at least one EM simulation tool (ANSYS HFSS, Keysight ADS/Momentum, Sonnet, EMX, or CST).
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Basic scripting for automation and data analysis (Python or MATLAB).
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Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Desired Experience and Skills
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Hands-on experience with HFSS or ADS Momentum for passive structure design.
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Knowledge of RF front-end architectures (PA, LNA, switch, filter/duplexer modules) and FEM integration.
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Exposure to module/package technologies (laminate, IPD, WLP, flip-chip) and their EM effects.
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Understanding of filter design (acoustic/BAW/SAW, LC, cavity) and matching network synthesis.
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Lab experience with VNA measurement, calibration, and de-embedding.
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Familiarity with layout tools (Cadence Virtuoso, AWR) and version control.