DMTS - Analog & RF Design

About GlobalFoundries:

GlobalFoundries is a leading full-service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design, development, and fabrication services to some of the world’s most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents, GlobalFoundries makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets. For more information, visit www.gf.com.

Summary of Role: We are looking for an mmWave / RF System Architect to define the architecture of our next-generation RF and millimeter-wave products. You will turn product use cases into system requirements and performance budgets, then break them down into subsystem and block-level specifications.

The role spans the full signal chain — antennas, RF front-end, frequency generation, data conversion and calibration — for applications such as radar sensing, 5G/6G FR2, Wi-Fi, satellite and point-to-point links. You will own key tradeoffs, guide design and validation teams, and shape the RF technology roadmap.

Key responsibilities

System architecture and requirements

• Convert product use cases and customer needs into measurable system requirements and
  performance budgets.
• Define and maintain the RF/mmWave system architecture across antenna, RF front-end, frequency generation, mixed-signal and digital interfaces.
• Break the system into subsystems with clear block-level specs (NF, gain, linearity/IIP3, output power, phase noise, efficiency).
• Run TX/RX cascade analyses, link budgets and frequency plans; own the tradeoffs across performance, power, cost and area.

Signal chain and front-end design guidance

• Guide design teams on LNAs, PAs, mixers, VCOs, synthesizers, beamformers and transceivers at K-band through W-band.
• Define frequency-generation and LO-distribution architecture, including low phase-noise PLLs and wideband waveforms (e.g., FMCW chirps or modulated carriers).
• Partner with antenna and packaging engineers on phased arrays, beamforming/beam steering, antenna-in-package (AiP) and EM/signal-integrity effects.

Calibration, test and validation

• Define calibration strategies and algorithms (e.g., LO leakage, IQ imbalance, gain/phase alignment) and built-in self-test or monitoring.
• Set verification and validation strategy with test teams: modeling, simulation, lab characterization and field data.
• Drive silicon or module bring-up, debug and correlation between models and measurements through production.

Leadership and collaboration

• Serve as the technical lead in design reviews and roadmap planning.
• Work across hardware, firmware, algorithms, applications and manufacturing; engage customers, foundries and vendors.
• Evaluate emerging RF technologies and contribute to patents, publications and standards where relevant.
• Mentor engineers and set architecture best practices.

Required qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics or a related field; M.S. strongly preferred.
• 15+ years of RF/microwave or mmWave system or IC design experience, including 7+ years in a lead or architect role.
• Delivered at least one RF or mmWave product (IC, module or radio) from concept through production.
• Strong grounding in RF system design: cascade analysis, link budgets, noise, linearity and phase noise.
• Working knowledge of front-end building blocks (LNA, PA, mixer, VCO/PLL, filters) and how block specs roll up to system performance.
• Understanding of MIMO, phased arrays and beamforming.
• Hands-on lab experience with spectrum and signal analyzers, network analyzers (S-parameters) and phase-noise measurement.
• Proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python for modeling and data analysis.
• Clear technical communicator who can lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.

Preferred qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in an RF/microwave discipline.
• Domain experience in one or more of: FMCW or pulse-Doppler radar, 5G/6G FR2, Wi-Fi, SATCOM or mmWave backhaul.
• Experience with RF CMOS, SiGe, GaAs or GaN processes.
• Experience with antenna-in-package, RF system-in-package or 3D-stacked front-end modules.
• Knowledge of on-chip calibration, BIST and production test strategy.
• Familiarity with relevant standards and regulations (3GPP, IEEE 802.11, FCC/ETSI; ISO 26262 for automotive).

Expected Salary Range

$166,500.00 - $290,000.00

The exact Salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience and location.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. 

An offer with GlobalFoundries is conditioned upon the successful completion of pre-employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations. 

GlobalFoundries is fully committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and believes that cultural diversity within the company enhances its business potential. GlobalFoundries goal of excellence in business necessitates the attraction and retention of highly qualified people. Artificial barriers and stereotypic biases detract from this objective and may be illegally discriminatory. 

All policies and processes which pertain to employees including recruitment, selection, training, utilization, promotion, compensation, benefits, extracurricular programs, and termination are created and implemented without regard to age, ethnicity, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic or category specified by local, state or federal law