RF Applications Engineer

What You'll Do

• Phased Array & RF System Expertise Develop deep system‑level understanding of phased‑array radar, EW, SATCOM, and high‑performance RF signal chains , with emphasis on frequency synthesis, LO distribution, and synchronization Advise customers on phase noise budgeting, spurious analysis, coherency, and calibration in large multi‑channel systems PLL/VCO Application Leadership Serve as the primary applications expert for PLL, VCO, clocking, and frequency‑generation ICs , supporting high‑frequency and low‑jitter use cases Guide device selection and architecture tradeoffs involving fractional‑N PLLs, wideband synthesizers, external VCOs, and integrated solutions Advanced Tool & Reference Design Development Lead development of evaluation boards, phased‑array reference platforms, simulation tools, and software utilities that demonstrate best‑in‑class RF and timing performance Create application notes and design examples addressing real‑world challenges such as LO leakage, spur mitigation, multi‑chip synchronization, and thermal effects Cross‑Functional Technical Leadership Collaborate closely with IC design, systems engineering, marketing, and sales to influence product roadmaps and accelerate adoption in radar and ADEF markets Act as a technical bridge between customers and internal teams, translating system requirements into actionable product feedback Complex Customer Problem Solving Support strategic customers by diagnosing and resolving advanced RF and timing issues using measurements, simulations, and system‑level analysis Provide on‑site or virtual design support for critical customer programs Product Validation & Characterization Define and execute bench‑level and system‑level validation plans for PLL/VCO products, including phase noise, spurs, switching behavior, and temperature performance Support qualification activities relevant to aerospace, defense, and high‑reliability applications Competitive & Market Intelligence Analyze competitor PLL, VCO, and clocking solutions, creating detailed performance comparisons and identifying architectural advantages Provide insights to strengthen ADI’s leadership in phased‑array and RF timing solutions Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing Mentor junior applications engineers and contribute to best practices for RF and timing applications across the team Must‑Have Skills RF & Timing System Expertise Strong system‑level understanding of frequency synthesis, phase noise, spurious mechanisms, and LO distribution in RF systems Hands‑on experience with phased‑array radar or multi‑channel RF architectures PLL/VCO Applications Experience Proven expertise applying PLLs, VCOs, clock generators, and synthesizers in high‑performance RF designs Ability to optimize architectures for noise, power, tuning range, lock time, and scalability Advanced Problem Solving & Debug Exceptional ability to debug complex RF issues using spectrum analyzers, phase noise analyzers, VNAs, and oscilloscopes Strong analytical skills for correlating theory, simulation, and lab results Application Development Leadership Experience independently developing reference designs, evaluation hardware, and application documentation Ability to clearly communicate best practices and design tradeoffs to customers Cross‑Disciplinary Collaboration Demonstrated success working across design, systems, marketing, and sales teams to deliver customer‑focused solutions Technical Communication Excellence Ability to explain complex RF and timing concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences , including customer presentations and written collateral Preferred Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; Master’s degree preferred 5+ years of experience in product applications engineering, RF systems engineering, or customer technical support Direct experience with phased‑array radar, EW, SATCOM, or aerospace/defense RF systems strongly preferred Familiarity with ADI RF, timing, or mixed‑signal products Experience mentoring engineers or leading technical initiatives #LI-CC1 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