Principal IC Design Engineer

Location: Santa Clara, CA, United States

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 principal 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 + 10 years of experience, or M.Sc. and/or PhD in Electrical Engineering  + 7 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.

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.


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