Published Date: May 28, 2026
Alphacore Inc., Tempe, AZ 85281
Job Description:
Join our innovative team as an Analog/Mixed-Signal IC Design Engineer, focusing on developing high-performance ADC/DAC, RF transmitter/receiver, and mixed-signal signal-chain building blocks for advanced communication and sensing systems. This role involves working with deep submicron CMOS technologies (22 nm, 12 nm, 7 nm) and encompasses architecture definition, circuit design, modeling, layout support, verification, tapeout, and silicon validation. Ideal for experienced engineers with a strong background in high-speed ADC/DAC design and hands-on lab testing capabilities.
Responsibilities:
- Design, analyze, and optimize high-performance analog and mixed-signal IC blocks, including high-speed ADCs, DACs, RF transmitter/receiver front ends, and other signal-chain building blocks.
- Develop transistor-level schematics and perform circuit simulations using Cadence Virtuoso/Spectre, including various analyses.
- Build and maintain system-level and behavioral models using MATLAB, Verilog-A, and Verilog/SystemVerilog.
- Collaborate with layout engineers for floorplanning, device matching, shielding, and layout optimization.
- Perform post-layout verification and extraction using Cadence Pegasus, Calibre, and related flows.
- Support full-chip integration, including interface definition and top-level verification.
- Lead or support tapeout activities, including schematic/layout reviews and documentation preparation.
- Develop silicon validation plans and guide lab testing for performance characterization.
- Analyze silicon measurement data, debug performance issues, and provide design improvement recommendations.
- Prepare technical documentation, datasheets, and customer-facing materials.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics, or a related field preferred.
- Strong experience in analog/mixed-signal IC design with proven tapeout experience in advanced CMOS technologies.
- Demonstrated experience designing high-speed ADCs is required; experience with DACs and RF circuits is preferred.
- Strong understanding of ADC/DAC architectures and high-speed data-converter performance tradeoffs.
- Experience with MATLAB-based system modeling and calibration modeling.
- Experience developing and using Verilog-A and Verilog/SystemVerilog models for mixed-signal design.
- Proficiency with Cadence design tools, including Virtuoso and Spectre.
- Hands-on experience with physical verification and extraction tools like Cadence Pegasus and Siemens Calibre.
- Experience with post-layout simulation and tapeout signoff flows.
- Hands-on lab testing experience with high-speed ADC/DAC or RF ICs.
Skills:
- Strong communication skills to work across teams.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Expertise in high-speed ADC/DAC design and lab testing.
- Proficiency in Cadence design tools and MATLAB.
- Experience with silicon validation and debugging.