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Rf Ic Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Senior IC Design Engineer will collaborate closely with other members of the IC design team ... RF design topics such as S-Parameters and matching networks Proficiency with the tools we use or ...

Solid understanding of RF and analog circuit design fundamentals. Experience with circuit ... IC level.Familiarity with various RF transceiver architectures and their trade-offs.Extensive ...

Solid understanding of RF and analog circuit design fundamentals. Experience with circuit ... IC level.Familiarity with various RF transceiver architectures and their trade-offs.Extensive ...

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How much do rf ic design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf ic design in the United States is $117,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,500.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by RF IC Design engineers during the development cycle, and how are they addressed?

RF IC Design engineers often encounter challenges such as managing signal integrity, minimizing noise and interference, and achieving stringent performance specifications within tight size and power constraints. These issues are addressed through careful simulation, iterative prototyping, and close collaboration with layout, verification, and test engineering teams. Additionally, staying updated with the latest process technologies and design tools is essential for troubleshooting and optimizing designs efficiently.

What are RF IC Design engineers?

RF IC Design engineers are professionals who design and develop integrated circuits (ICs) that operate at radio frequencies, typically from a few megahertz (MHz) up to several gigahertz (GHz). They work on creating chips used in wireless communication devices such as smartphones, Wi-Fi routers, and satellite receivers. Their responsibilities include schematic design, simulation, layout, and testing of RF circuits to ensure optimal performance, low power consumption, and compliance with industry standards. This role requires a strong background in electrical engineering, semiconductor physics, and specialized knowledge of high-frequency circuit behavior.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RF IC Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an RF IC Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, a deep understanding of radio frequency (RF) circuit theory, and experience with integrated circuit (IC) design, often supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency in industry-standard EDA tools such as Cadence, ADS, and familiarity with simulation software, as well as knowledge of semiconductor fabrication processes, are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the successful design, verification, and implementation of high-performance RF circuits in increasingly complex electronic systems.

What is the difference between Rf Ic Design vs Analog IC Design?

AspectRf Ic DesignAnalog IC Design
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, specialized in RF or microwave designBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, with focus on analog circuit design
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, simulation software, testing RF componentsDesign labs, testing analog circuits, PCB layout
Industry UsageWireless communication, radar, satellite systemsConsumer electronics, audio equipment, instrumentation
Common Search/ComparisonRF circuit design, RFIC engineerAnalog IC design, analog circuit engineer

Rf Ic Design focuses on creating integrated circuits for radio frequency applications, requiring expertise in RF principles and high-frequency circuit design. Analog IC Design covers a broader range of analog circuits used in various electronic devices. While both roles involve circuit design and similar credentials, Rf Ic Design specializes in high-frequency applications, whereas Analog IC Design encompasses general analog circuitry.

More about Rf Ic Design jobs
What states have the most Rf Ic Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Rf Ic Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Rf Ic Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Rf Ic Design jobs are:
Infographic showing various Rf Ic Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 7% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 7% Summer. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,680 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

Lead IC Design Engineer

Coherent Corp.

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Description
The Coherent Analog Integrated Circuits (ASIC) Team develops cutting-edge physical layer ICs that power high-speed fiber optic data communication and other advanced applications. With a proven track record of delivering over one billion ICs in the past 25 years, our team has consistently addressed the most demanding bandwidth challenges across Data Center, Metro, and Long-Haul optical transceiver markets.
About the Role
As a member of our Santa Clara, CA/Champaign, IL-based design group, you will be responsible for transistor-level design and validation of CMOS and BiCMOS high-speed broadband ICs. In this IC role, you will take ownership of the architecture, design, and custom layout of high-frequency ICs used in advanced optical transceivers and other electro-optical systems.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Lead the development of best-in-class IC from concept to production.
  • Plan & manage evaluation of prototype silicon in close collaboration with the application and silicon characterization team.
  • Help support IC qualification and transition to mass production.
  • Collaborate with corporate cross-functional teams on advanced developments.

Education & Experience
  • B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering + 8 years of experience, or M.Sc. and/or PhD in Electrical Engineering + 3 years of experience.
  • At least 5 years of related professional experience.
  • Hands-on experience with design of RFIC's > 20GHz.
  • Familiar with wired or optical communication.

Skills
  • Solid understanding of high frequency (40GHz+) IC design such as TIAs and Drivers.
  • Solid understanding and experience in designing analog circuits in CMOS and SiGe BICMOS such as LDOs, Opamps, DACs, power detectors, VGAs.
  • Good understanding of S-parameters, transmission lines, IC design techniques of broadband linear amplifiers and equalizers.
  • Cadence IC design tools such as Virtuoso, Spectre, PVS, EMX, Quantus.
  • Solid understanding and hands-on experience in critical custom RF circuit layout
  • Understanding of wired and optical communication systems & signal processing is preferred (FFE equalizers, communication channel SNR analysis, PAM4, QPSK, 16QAM)
  • Optical Coherent system knowledge is a plus.
  • Basic understanding of optical devices (lasers, Mach-Zehnder modulators, EMLs, silicon photonics) is desirable.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent teamwork skills and strong independence.
  • Self-motivated with innovative thinking.

Working Conditions
  • 40-hour work week, hybrid work, (min 3 days on-site) is an option.
  • Must be able to function in a fast-paced environment, carrying out multiple projects at a time.

Physical Requirements
  • Mobility: Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer, and occasionally stand, walk, or move around lab/office environments.
  • Manual Dexterity: Use of hands and fingers to handle small tools, prototypes, electronic components, or testing equipment.
  • Vision: Close vision for computer work, reading schematics, and detailed design work; may also require color vision for interpreting wiring or visual inspection of prototypes.
  • Lifting/Carrying: Occasionally lifting or moving light to moderate materials, usually up to 20-25 lbs (e.g., prototypes, lab equipment, or documentation).

Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.
About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.