Senior Principal Applications Engineer

What You'll Do

• Collaborate with IC design, systems, FW, and test teams to translate field issues and customer requirements into product improvements and new features.
• Review customer schematics and layouts for signal‑integrity and power‑integrity best practices (impedance control, terminations, return paths, via design, reference plane strategy).
• Lead board‑level bring‑up and validation using oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers; generate test reports and recommendations.
• Provide on‑site or remote debug support for complex customer issues.
• Develop and maintain application collateral: reference designs, layout guidelines, design checklists, characterization reports, application notes, training materials.
• Participate in trade shows and provide FAE training Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or above in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or related field.
• Extensive experience (12+ years) in hardware design, applications engineering, or system validation.
• Strong understanding of high‑speed SerDes fundamentals: channel loss, reflections, return loss, insertion loss, ISI, jitter, equalization, and clocking.
• Demonstrated experience with multi‑Gbps serial links (e.g., Ethernet, PCIe, DP, USB3.x/USB4, proprietary SerDes).
• Proficiency with SI/PI tools and simulations (e.g., S‑parameter analysis, eye/jitter simulations) and comfort interpreting simulation and measurement correlation.
• Hands‑on experience using lab equipment: high‑bandwidth oscilloscopes, TDR, VNA, BERT, protocol analyzers, logic analyzers, and related tools.
• Strong skills in PCB design for high‑speed: layer stack‑up, routing constraints, differential pairs, reference planes, decoupling, and power delivery.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to explain complex technical topics to both expert and non‑expert audiences. ⁽⁵⁾ Ability to work effectively with global, cross‑functional teams (design, systems, test, marketing, field).
• The base salary range for this position is as mentioned below per year.
• We also provide competitive benefits, incentive compensation, and/or equity for certain roles.
• Company benefits include health. dental, and vision insurance. 401(k), and paid leave.
• Please note that the base salary range (OR hourly rate) is a guideline, and individual total compensation may vary based on a number of factors such as qualifications, skill level, work location, and other business and organizational needs.
• This base pay range is specific to California and is not applicable to other locations.
• A reasonable estimate of the base salary range as of the date of this posting is: $186,200 to $256,100 annually More information about NXP in the United States...
• NXP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer regardless of age, color, national origin, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, status as a disabled veteran and/or veteran of the Vietnam Era or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
• In addition, NXP will provide reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified disabled individuals. #LI-6692