RF Design Engineer

About the role

TrellisWare launched in 2000 with an innovative culture striving to push technological boundaries in the area of wireless communications. We are now a worldwide leader in highly advanced algorithms, waveforms, and communications systems that range from small form factor radio products to fully integrated solutions.

At TrellisWare, we connect passion with purpose and together we make an impact- on our careers, our company, and the world. And you can too. If you love to innovate and collaborate in a dynamic environment where boundaries are being pushed, you belong at TrellisWare. Where the opportunity to serve is not a challenge but a gift. Where you're never going alone. Because there's too much at stake to go solo.

Our Hardware Team is seeking an RF Design Engineer. You would be responsible for designing and developing highly selective receive chains and 2-20 watt transmit chains for VHF, UHF, L, and S-band handheld and vehicular radios. TrellisWare's products are engineered to provide robust and reliable communication in congested and contested RF environments.

TrellisWare is looking for RF engineers who can combine the latest integrated components alongside custom-designed discrete filters and amplifiers, balancing transmit power, battery life, spurs and harmonics, receive selectivity, noise figure, and overall size to produce cutting-edge radios.

The essential duties and responsibilities include

• System-level RF design, including component selection and cascade analysis, using AWR Microwave Office
• Component level design, leveraging integrated solutions but primarily focused on custom discrete filters and amplifiers
• RF schematic entry (and ideally PCB layout) using Altium toolchain
• Generate required design documentation.
• Validate and debug product performance through test and analysis at the component, module and system level.
• Collaborate with Product Management and Operations to carry development from prototype to production.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and work experience requirements are

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field of study required.
• 5 years of experience with MSEE or 7 years of experience with BSEE as a RF/Wireless Design Engineer.

Additional information

To be considered for this position, you would need to meet, at a minimum, the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed here:

• RF cascade analysis and optimization for both noise figure and performance in strong interference environments
• Filter synthesis and design, especially for low-loss, high power filters using lumped elements
• Schematic entry and PCB layout experience (ideally using Altium tools)
• Linear RF simulation (ideally using AWR Microwave Office)
• Hands-on experience with RF circuit bring-up, troubleshooting, optimization, and high-volume production

An exceptional candidate would also possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Discrete amplifier design experience, particularly at 1 W and above
• Understanding of both the features and limitations of integrated RF transceivers
• Experience with non-linear simulations, including simulated load-pull analysis
• Understanding of frequency conversion, frequency synthesizers, and PLL design up to 3 GHz with tight packaging constraints.
• Experience with EM Solvers such as HFSS, Momentum, Analyst or AXIEM (preferred).
• Work independently, demonstrate initiative and interact with a variety of engineering development teams.
• Demonstrate strong documentation skills and proficiency with PC office applications.
• Demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong collaborative drive and interpersonal skills.
• Strong initiative, proactive work ethic and prioritization skills.
• Sound judgement and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Effective execution and decision making.
• Champion of change and promotes innovation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to frequently sit, stand, walk, use hands to fingers, handle or feel, reach within hands and arm's length, stoop, kneel, and crouch, talk and hear.
• Regularly required to sit for extended periods of time; frequently required to use office equipment such as PC, printer, telephone, etc.
• Able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Additional requirements are

• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency

Additional information

Note: Many of TrellisWare's positions require a security clearance or the ability to obtain one. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

TrellisWare Technologies pays competitively according to the market in an individual's geographic location, in addition to their qualifications and experience. The posted range is annually and for individuals located in the San Diego, CA area.

Pay and benefits

San Diego, California Pay Range $115,000—$200,000 USD