DMTS - Analog & RF Design

Summary of Role

We are looking for an mmWave / RF System Architect to define the architecture of our next-generation RF and millimeter-wave products. You will turn product use cases into system requirements and performance budgets, then break them down into subsystem and block-level specifications.

The role spans the full signal chain - antennas, RF front-end, frequency generation, data conversion and calibration - for applications such as radar sensing, 5G/6G FR2, Wi-Fi, satellite and point-to-point links. You will own key tradeoffs, guide design and validation teams, and shape the RF technology roadmap.

System architecture and requirements

• Convert product use cases and customer needs into measurable system requirements and performance budgets.
• Define and maintain the RF/mmWave system architecture across antenna, RF front-end, frequency generation, mixed-signal and digital interfaces.
• Break the system into subsystems with clear block-level specs (NF, gain, linearity/IIP3, output power, phase noise, efficiency).
• Run TX/RX cascade analyses, link budgets and frequency plans; own the tradeoffs across performance, power, cost and area.

Signal chain and front-end design guidance

• Guide design teams on LNAs, PAs, mixers, VCOs, synthesizers, beamformers and transceivers at K-band through W-band.
• Define frequency-generation and LO-distribution architecture, including low phase-noise PLLs and wideband waveforms (e.g., FMCW chirps or modulated carriers).
• Partner with antenna and packaging engineers on phased arrays, beamforming/beam steering, antenna-in-package (AiP) and EM/signal-integrity effects.

Calibration, test and validation

• Define calibration strategies and algorithms (e.g., LO leakage, IQ imbalance, gain/phase alignment) and built-in self-test or monitoring.
• Set verification and validation strategy with test teams: modeling, simulation, lab characterization and field data.
• Drive silicon or module bring-up, debug and correlation between models and measurements through production.

Leadership and collaboration

• Serve as the technical lead in design reviews and roadmap planning.
• Work across hardware, firmware, algorithms, applications and manufacturing; engage customers, foundries and vendors.
• Evaluate emerging RF technologies and contribute to patents, publications and standards where relevant.
• Mentor engineers and set architecture best practices.

Required qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics or a related field; M.S. strongly preferred.
• 15+ years of RF/microwave or mmWave system or IC design experience, including 7+ years in a lead or architect role.
• Delivered at least one RF or mmWave product (IC, module or radio) from concept through production.
• Strong grounding in RF system design: cascade analysis, link budgets, noise, linearity and phase noise.
• Working knowledge of front-end building blocks (LNA, PA, mixer, VCO/PLL, filters) and how block specs roll up to system performance.
• Understanding of MIMO, phased arrays and beamforming.
• Hands-on lab experience with spectrum and signal analyzers, network analyzers (S-parameters) and phase-noise measurement.
• Proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python for modeling and data analysis.
• Clear technical communicator who can lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.

Preferred qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in an RF/microwave discipline.
• Domain experience in one or more of: FMCW or pulse-Doppler radar, 5G/6G FR2, Wi-Fi, SATCOM or mmWave backhaul.
• Experience with RF CMOS, SiGe, GaAs or GaN processes.
• Experience with antenna-in-package, RF system-in-package or 3D-stacked front-end modules.
• Knowledge of on-chip calibration, BIST and production test strategy.
• Familiarity with relevant standards and regulations (3GPP, IEEE 802.11, FCC/ETSI; ISO 26262 for automotive).

Expected Salary Range $166,500.00 - $290,000.00

• The exact Salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience and location.
• An offer with GlobalFoundries is conditioned upon the successful completion of pre-employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations.
• GlobalFoundries goal of excellence in business necessitates the attraction and retention of highly qualified people. Artificial barriers and stereotypic biases detract from this objective and may be illegally discriminatory.