RF Applications Engineer

What You'll Do

• Customer Integration & System Support Support customers integrating RF PLLs, VCOs, and integrated PLL/VCO solutions into drone and UAS platforms, including communication links, radar, sensing, and electronic payloads Provide expert guidance on phase noise, spurious performance, frequency hopping, chirp generation, and LO architectures for airborne RF systems Troubleshoot complex system‑level issues related to RF performance, power, thermal constraints, and environmental robustness Application & Reference Design Development Develop application tools, reference designs, evaluation boards, and software/GUI tools that demonstrate RF PLL/VCO performance in drone‑relevant use cases Create system demonstrations highlighting fast tuning, low jitter, low power operation, and compact implementations suitable for UAS platforms Product Validation & Characterization Perform detailed lab evaluation of RF products, including phase noise, jitter, spurs, frequency switching behavior, and temperature performance Define operational boundaries and validate performance across real‑world drone operating conditions Technical Documentation Author high‑quality application notes, user guides, reference designs, and design articles focused on drone RF architectures and frequency generation challenges Clearly communicate complex RF concepts to customers, FAEs, and internal teams Competitive & Market Analysis Analyze competing RF PLL/VCO solutions used in drone and UAS markets Evaluate competitor evaluation boards and architectures, creating clear comparison material to highlight ADI differentiation Cross‑Functional Collaboration Work closely with IC design, product line management, systems engineering, marketing, and sales to support new product definitions and successful product launches Provide customer‑driven feedback to influence future PLL/VCO architectures optimized for UAS requirements Qualification & Reliability Testing Support qualification testing relevant to airborne and ruggedized applications, including thermal, power cycling, and long‑term reliability considerations Must‑Have Skills RF System‑Level Design: Strong understanding of RF frequency generation and LO architectures using PLLs and VCOs, including tradeoffs in phase noise, tuning speed, and power PLL/VCO Applications Expertise: Hands‑on experience with RF PLLs, VCOs, or integrated PLL/VCO devices and their use in real systems Problem Solving: Ability to diagnose and resolve complex RF issues involving spurs, noise, synchronization, and fast tuning behavior Lab & Measurement Skills: Experience using RF instrumentation such as spectrum analyzers, phase noise analyzers, signal generators, and oscilloscopes Application Development: Ability to create reference designs, evaluation boards, and software tools that accelerate customer adoption Technical Communication: Clear and effective communication through documentation, presentations, and direct customer interaction Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively across engineering, marketing, and sales organizations Preferred Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Electrical Engineering or a related field 2–4 years of experience in RF applications engineering, product applications, or customer technical support Experience with RF PLLs, VCOs, frequency synthesizers, or clocking ICs Familiarity with drone, UAS, radar, wireless communications, or sensing systems Exposure to SWaP‑constrained or high‑reliability system design is a strong plus Why You'll Love Working Here At Analog Devices, you'll be part of a collaborative and innovative team that's shaping the future of technology.
• We offer a supportive environment focused on professional growth, competitive compensation and benefits, work-life balance, and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects that make a real impact on the world.
• You'll have access to continuous learning opportunities and mentorship from industry experts.
• Join us and help create the technologies that bridge the physical and digital worlds, making a tangible difference in how people live, work, and connect.
• For positions requiring access to technical data, Analog Devices, Inc. may have to obtain export licensing approval from the U.S.
• Department of Commerce - Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the U.S.
• Department of State - Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
• As such, applicants for this position – except US Citizens, US Permanent Residents, and protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) – may have to go through an export licensing review process.
• We foster a culture where everyone has an opportunity to succeed regardless of their race, color, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, union membership, and political affiliation, or any other legally protected group.
• Job Req Type: Experienced Required Travel: Yes, 10% of the time Shift Type: 1st Shift/Days