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Phase Locked Loop Circuit Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Characterization Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

A Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) Characterization Engineer tests, analyzes, and validates PLL circuits ... Develop ATE programs using the Advantest 93000 platform to automate measurements. design PCB ...

OR · Hybrid

$103K - $139K/yr

We are now looking for a motivated Senior Circuit Design Engineer to join our dynamic and growing ... Experience with spice simulation for noise analysis, loop stability analysis, ac/dc/transient ...

Senior Circuit Design Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

$122K - $164K/yr

We are now looking for a motivated Senior Circuit Design Engineer to join our dynamic and growing ... Experience with spice simulation for noise analysis, loop stability analysis, ac/dc/transient ...

Circuit Design Engineer Senior

Orlando, FL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

You will be the Circuit Design Engineer Senior for the Laser Weapon System (LWS) Turret Control ... Strong background in analog/mixed-signal design, power electronics, and control-loop theory

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Phase Locked Loop Circuit Design information

See salary details

$11K

$214K

How much do phase locked loop circuit design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for phase locked loop circuit design in the United States is $212,797.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $212,500.00 and $213,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Phase Locked Loop (PLL) Circuit Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Phase Locked Loop Circuit Designer, you need expertise in analog and digital circuit design, signal processing, and a degree in electrical or electronics engineering. Familiarity with EDA tools like Cadence, SPICE simulation, and experience with lab measurement equipment are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set top designers apart in this role. These abilities are crucial for developing precise, reliable PLL circuits that meet stringent performance requirements in applications like communications and clock generation.

What is Phase Locked Loop (PLL) circuit design?

Phase Locked Loop (PLL) circuit design refers to the process of creating electronic circuits that synchronize an output signal's phase and frequency with a reference signal. PLLs are widely used in applications such as frequency synthesis, clock generation, and demodulation in communication systems. Designing a PLL involves selecting and configuring components like phase detectors, voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), and loop filters to achieve desired performance characteristics such as stability, locking range, and phase noise. Successful design requires a solid understanding of control theory and analog/digital circuit principles.

What are some typical challenges faced when designing Phase Locked Loop (PLL) circuits, and how do engineers address them?

Engineers designing Phase Locked Loop circuits often encounter challenges such as minimizing phase noise, managing loop stability, and handling power consumption. Achieving optimal loop bandwidth without compromising noise performance requires careful component selection and simulation. Collaboration with analog, digital, and RF teams is common to ensure the PLL integrates seamlessly into larger systems. Engineers also routinely use advanced design and verification tools to iterate on layouts and validate performance against stringent specifications.

What is the difference between Phase Locked Loop Circuit Design vs RF Circuit Design?

AspectPhase Locked Loop Circuit DesignRF Circuit Design
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, specialized in analog/digital circuitsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, with focus on RF and microwave engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, simulation software, testing on prototypesTest labs, RF measurement equipment, simulation tools
Industry UsageCommunications, signal processing, timing systemsWireless communication, radar, satellite systems
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve high-frequency circuit design, Phase Locked Loop Circuit Design focuses on synchronization and frequency control systems, whereas RF Circuit Design emphasizes the development of radio frequency components and systems. Understanding the differences helps professionals target their skills and career paths effectively.

Infographic showing various Phase Locked Loop Circuit Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 75% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $212,797 per year, or $102.3 per hour.
DDR Mixed-Signal Circuit Design Engineer

DDR Mixed-Signal Circuit Design Engineer

Apple

Bodega Bay, CA

$120K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

At Apple, we work every single day to craft products that enrich people’s lives. Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet? We have an opportunity for a detailed and extraordinarily hardworking PHY Analog/Mixed-Signal Circuit Designer. As a member of our multifaceted group, you will have the unique and great opportunity to shape upcoming products that will delight and inspire millions of Apple’s customers every day!
In this role, we are the center of a PHY design effort collaborating with Platform Architecture, Logic Designers, SIPI, Layout, DV and Timing Teams, with a critical impact on delivering best in class PHY designs. You will be required to do transistor level Analog/Mixed-Signal Circuit Designs, working with Layout Teams on the physical implementation of industry leading PHY designs. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in Analog/Mixed-Signal Circuit Design.
Description
As an Analog/Mixed-Signal Circuit Design Engineer, you will be involved with all phases of high-performance PHY designs from architectural concept to delivery of our final GDS.","responsibilities":"Created detailed specifications for analog / mixed signal IP
Design analog / mixed signal IP from the high level concept to the transistor level, delivering the final GDS and required collaterals
Supervise Layout Designers as they create the IP GDS
Run pre silicon verification flows to ensure the design’s robustness
Characterize the silicon and debug as needed
Preferred Qualifications
Proven understanding of all aspects of Analog/Mixed Signal Circuit Design of PHYs. TX, RX, Delay Locked Loops, Phase Interpolators, Delay Lines, Duty Cycle Correctors, reference generators, etc.
Knowledge of Basic SoC Architecture and HDL languages like Verilog to be able to collaborate with logic design team.
Solid understanding of Circuit Verification tools (Simulators, Extraction, EMIR, Noise, SigEM, etc.).
Generate block/chip level specifications.
Perform block level verification to close the design by meeting performance, power and area specifications.
Participate in establishing Design Methodologies to ensure accurate, by construction designs.
Minimum Qualifications
BS in Electrical Engineering
Pay & Benefits
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant
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At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You'll find that idea reflected in everything here - in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Learn about accessibility in Apple's workplace
Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants
"},{"displayOrder":4,"type":"OTHER_POSTING_SUPPLEMENTS_NEW","content":"
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
"}]}},{"postLocationId":"postLocation-SDO","localizations":{"en_US":[{"displayOrder":1,"type":"POSTING_FOOTER_RULES_NEW","content":"At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $120,300 and $210,100, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976