RF Analog Engineer

Abaco Systems is a global leader in modular, high performance, open architecture, standards-based rugged embedded computing for the most demanding applications in defense and industry. Our products and solutions are found in high-profile military/aerospace sea, land and air programs, plus commercial and industrial organizations in which rugged reliability is mission critical.

Abaco is seeking an Analog RF Engineer who will be responsible for designing, developing, and testing analog electronic circuits and systems. The selected candidate will play a crucial role in the design and development of analog front end (AFE) circuits, utilizing high end ADCs, DACs, and mixed signal analog components with a signal frequency range in the hundreds of megahertz to multi-gigahertz.   The candidate will also design low noise power systems and should have experience with RF shielding and PCB layout/stackup techniques for isolating/managing analog circuit performance with high-speed digital processing on the same PCB or carrier.  The candidate should have experience with clock distribution and power management circuits. The ideal candidate will also have experience with Xilinx RFSoC devices and other analog-based components that support our market leading products. The selected candidate will engage in a collaborative, rapidly changing environment to support ground-breaking new technologies; focusing on cutting-edge analog RF front-end designs paired with the latest Xilinx FPGA technology for our portfolio of FPGA-based products.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and design analog circuits using industry-standard tools and methodologies. This includes schematic design, component selection, and simulation to ensure the circuits meet performance specifications


• Collaborate with PCB layout designers to create the physical layout of the analog circuits, considering factors such as signal integrity, noise, and manufacturability


• Utilize simulation tools like SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis) to model and analyze circuit behavior under different conditions, ensuring proper functionality and performance


• Conduct thorough testing, verification, and characterization of analog circuits, identifying and resolving issues to meet performance and reliability requirements.


• Diagnose and resolve problems related to analog circuits during various development stages and production


• Identify product requirements and scope project efforts to keep projects on schedule.


• Continuously improve circuit performance, efficiency, and robustness by exploring innovative design techniques and circuit topologies


• Stay up to date with manufacturer road maps of analog and RF components, advancements in analog design methodologies, semiconductor processes, and industry trends


• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including FPGA designers, software engineers, and test developers to ensure seamless integration and functionality of analog components within larger systems


• Create detailed design documentation, including specifications, test plans, and reports to facilitate communication and knowledge sharing within the organization.


• Design of the following components: ADC signal paths, DAC signal paths, low noise power supplies, low noise PLLs, low noise clock sources and distribution, filters, and shielding


• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and intellectual property considerations

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering required


• MSEE or MBA a plus


• 8+ years of relevant analog circuit design experience including hands-on analog and digital hardware troubleshooting experience


• Fluency in Mentor Graphics Xpedition DxDesigner is strongly desired


• Experience designing with Xilinx RFSoC components a plus

Qualifications:

• Fundamental understanding of RF-Microwave layout techniques, and practices


• RF circuit design experience in the 1 to 10GHz range


• Experience with complex multi-lamination PCBs with blind and buried microvias and low loss RF materials strongly desired


• Familiarity with PCB design tools and layout considerations


• Hands-on experience with lab equipment for testing and validation (oscilloscopes, function generators, spectrum analyzers, etc.)


• Knowledge of analog design best practices, noise mitigation, and signal integrity.


• Problem-solving and analytical skills to identify and resolve design issues.


• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality designs.


• Proven team player who has demonstrated capabilities in the following areas:  excellent communication, presentation, leadership, and interpersonal skills, well developed problem-solving skills; solid organizational skills; and the demonstrated ability to be self-directed and effectively relate to all levels of an organization.


• Must be self-motivated to ensure development projects are successful.


• Assignments are broad in nature requiring a great deal of originality and ingenuity.


• Must have appreciable latitude for unreviewed actions and decisions.


• The right person will be ambitious, flexible and has a desire to learn and grow professionally.

Abaco is a Department of Defense (DoD) supplier and as such employees may work with or be exposed to export controlled information and/or information that has been designated as classified information. This information may only be seen or handled by US citizens or qualified permanent residents or those with proper clearances.