RF principal engineer H/F

Job Overview

• Work on next generation residential gateways and Wi‑Fi technologies deployed worldwide
• Be part of a global R&D organization with strong local ownership and decision‑making
• Collaborate with hardware, RF, software, mechanical, and chipset partners
• See your designs go from concept to mass production
• Thrive in a fast‑paced, innovative, and multicultural environment

Reporting to the HW Manager, you act as RF technical authority for wireless products developed in our US R&D center. You drive RF architecture choices, ensure high‑level RF performance, and secure regulatory compliance across the full product lifecycle, from early concept to mass production and field deployment.

Responsibilities

• Act as RF expert and reference for the R&D organization.
• Define and validate end‑to‑end RF system architectures (Wi‑Fi, Cellular, ISM, DECT) for gateways and extenders.
• Drive trade‑offs (performance, cost, complexity, regulatory margin) and support product roadmap decisions.
• Review and challenge RF designs from internal teams and external partners (ODM, chipset vendors, antenna suppliers).
• Product Definition & Development
  • Define RF specifications aligned with customer needs, standards, and FCC regulations in collaboration with HW, mechanical, and system teams.
  • Lead RF development including feasibility studies, RF/antenna architecture definition, schematic reviews, antenna optimization, and PCB layout guidance.
  • Ensure robust RF integration within constrained mechanical environments.
  • Define and apply EMC design rules (layout, grounding, shielding, filtering) at system and product levels.
• RF Validation, Calibration & Performance
  • Define advanced RF validation strategies: conducted/radiated tests, coexistence, immunity, TRP/TIS, EVM, sensitivity, throughput.
  • Develop calibration strategies: lab characterization, manufacturing flows, field tuning mechanisms.
  • Perform EMC pre‑compliance to anticipate FCC certification.
  • Identify and mitigate EMI sources (power switching, high‑speed interfaces, RF/digital coupling, antenna interactions).
  • Work with PCB, mechanical, and power teams to implement cost‑effective solutions.
• Regulatory & Certification
  • Lead radio certification strategy and execution (FCC, BT, Thread, regional approvals).
  • Interface with test labs, certification bodies, and consultants.
  • Anticipate regulatory changes and ensure early compliance.
• Cross‑functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with software, manufacturing, test, supply chain, and quality teams.
  • Define and review RF manufacturing test specifications.
  • Support production ramp‑up and yield improvement.
• Field Support & Root Cause Analysis
  • Lead RF performance investigations from field issues.

Profile

You hold a Master’s degree or PhD in Electronics, Telecommunications, or RF/Microwave Engineering.

You have at least 10 years of experience in the following areas:

• Strong expertise in RF and microwave system design.
• Hands‑on mastery of RF lab equipment
  • Vector Network Analyzers (VNA) for S‑parameter measurements, impedance matching, antenna characterization, and RF component validation.
  • Vector signal analyzers for modulated signal qualification (EVM, IQ, phase).
• Extensive experience in antenna characterization in anechoic chambers (microwave bands).
• Advanced use of 2D/3D electromagnetic simulation tools (CST, HFSS or equivalent) for antenna and RF design.
• RF simulation tools (ADS, AWR or equivalent).
• Wireless standards and technologies, including:
  • DECT and related standards.
• Software & Automation
  • MATLAB, Scilab or equivalent for RF analysis and algorithm development.
  • LabVIEW for RF test and measurement automation.
  • Python for automation, data analysis, and test support.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving mindset.
• Ability to communicate complex RF topics clearly to non‑RF stakeholders.
• Comfortable working in a multi‑disciplinary and international environment.
• Autonomous, proactive, and capable of driving technical decisions.