Sr. RFIC - PLL Design Engineer

Posted: 2 Mar 2024

Role Number:200539416

Would you like to join Apple’s growing wireless silicon development team? The wireless RFIC team architects, designs, and validates radio transceivers integrated into complex wireless SoCs. Our wireless organization is responsible for all aspects of wireless silicon development that transform the user experience at the product level, all of which is driven by a best-in-class vertically integrated engineering team spanning RF/Analog architecture and design, Systems/PHY/MAC architecture and design, VLSI/RTL design and integration, Emulation, Design Verification, Test and Validation, and FW/SW engineering. As Sr. RFIC - PLL Design Engineer within the Wireless Radio team, you will be at the center of a wireless SoC design group with a critical impact on getting Apple’s state-of-the-art wireless connectivity solutions into hundreds of millions of products.

Key Qualifications

Typically requires 10+ years of RF/analog and mixed-signal design experience in cutting-edge RF CMOS design.
Direct experience in designing and bringing into mass production of wireless transceivers in deep sub-micron RFCMOS technology.
Experienced in design and development of fractional N Synthesizers, Digital PLLs, Analog PLLs, LO-Gen for high performance application and also low power application.
Hands on experience in designing TDC, GRO, Digital Filters, Sigma Delta Modulators, Pre-scalers and MMD, DCOs, PFD-CP, and VCOs. Modeling, analysis and design of SD noise cancellation and spur cancellation techniques.
Deep understanding of analog, mixed-signal and RF circuit design. This includes LNAs, PAs, mixers, baseband filters, VGAs and calibration methods associated with high performance wireless systems.
Familiarity with various RF transceiver architectures and their trade-offs, system specifications and ability to work with system architects to translate system requirements into circuit requirements at IC level.
Experienced in Cadence Virtuoso, Spectre RF, Matlab, EM simulation (EMX, HFSS) and similar tools.
Familiarity with mixed-signal mode verification methodology (SystemVerilog, AMS, Nanotime).
Demonstrated capability to work with digital design group for an optimum partition between digital and analog domain, timing requirements.
Extensive experience in fractional N synthesizer and LOGen silicon characterization and debug.

Description

As a Senior RFIC-PLL Designer, you are going to be responsible for providing analog and digital PLL solutions for wireless SoC and driving them to mass production for Apple’s Wireless Connectivity products. Responsibilities include: - Lead design of radio transceiver chains including analog PLLs - VCOs, digital PLLs - DCOs, LOGen, and chain of blocks in RX and TX for wireless connectivity products. - Drive radio KPI (power, area, performance) to meet product requirements - Work with cross-functional teams including platform architecture, wireless design, RF HW and SW to define radio features enabling wireless innovation. - Work closely with RF Systems in block level and high level specifications of the PLL-LOGen, TX and RX line ups, and proper distribution of spec margins in the chain. - Hands-on design contributions starting from concept, architecture and topology to transistor-level feasibility studies and KPI trade-off analysis to actual design, simulations and extractions. - Design of RF and Analog loopbacks for calibration and compensation. - Work through Co-Existence scenarios and design to meet the CoEx requirements. - Oversee the floorplan layout and verification of the design to ensure a successful tape-out. - Close collaboration with RFIC test engineers in the bring up, debug, and optimization of the wireless connectivity chip through the productization. - Provide design versus silicon measurements correlation, and compliance with specification for a volume production.

Education & Experience

BS and 10+ years of relevant industry experience. MSEE and PhD is preferred.

Additional Requirements

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We also take affirmative action to offer employment and advancement opportunities to all applicants, including minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation or that of other applicants.

Pay & Benefits

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 $161,700.00 and $284,900.00, 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.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure 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.