RF Designer

Fidus Systems

. Own complete RF subsystems on client programs from the antenna port through the front-end, frequency conversion, and data converters into DSP and/or FPGA fabric .

Posted 9/17/2026full-timeRemote • Alabama • United StatesSeniorLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in RF subsystem design, including transmit and receive chains, RF architectures, and performance modeling. Proficient in using RF modeling tools and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, maintainable designs.

Highest-signal resume keywords

RF Subsystem DesignFPGA/DSP CollaborationRF Modeling ToolsMicrowave Test EquipmentCommunication Standards Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

RF Architecture DefinitionTransmit Chain DesignReceive Chain DesignPerformance ModelingRF Filter SpecificationPLL Topology DesignSchematic CaptureLink Budget AnalysisDirect-RF Sampling ArchitecturesCustom Parts Specification

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsStrong Technical JudgmentWillingness to Learn

Tools & Technologies

Keysight ADSSystemVueMATLAB/SimulinkCadence AWRSpectrum AnalyzersSignal AnalyzersVNAsPower Meters

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical EngineeringMaster's in RF/Microwave Engineering

Industry Keywords

RF/Microwave EngineeringWireless Hardware DesignFDD TechniquesTDD TechniquesRegulatory CertificationFCCISEDETSI

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own complete RF subsystems on client programs from the antenna port through the front-end, frequency conversion, and data converters into DSP and/or FPGA fabric
Define RF architectures and frequency plans, including IF and LO selection, Nyquist zone and sampling plans, clocking, filtering, and lineup specifications
Design transmit chains from baseband through up-conversion, including drivers, filters, power amplifiers up to 10 W, ALC, detector-based output-level control, and output protection
Design receive chains, including digitally intensive sampling architectures, LNA lineups, down-conversion, variable gain and AGC, interferer rejection, and input protection
Model and budget system performance, including noise figure, sensitivity, dynamic range, linearity, EVM, phase noise, and jitter
Specify and select RF/microwave filters and components, including custom parts developed with third-party vendors
Configure digital signal paths using RFSoC hard IP, DUC/DDC, decimation/interpolation filters, sample-rate conversion, and FIR synthesis
Drive RF and microwave PCB layout with layout and signal integrity teams
Build manufacturability features such as factory calibration hooks, digital correction filters, and ATE register access
Verify and characterize performance in the lab using spectrum and signal analyzers, VNAs, vector and analog signal generators, and power meters
Develop technical estimates and risk mitigation strategies
Work closely with clients to produce well-documented, maintainable designs that withstand review
Collaborate across FPGA/DSP, hardware, embedded software, verification, SI/PI, PCB layout, and mechanical/thermal design teams
Support client engagements through at least 20% domestic and international travel

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent
Master's in RF/microwave engineering or communications is an asset
8+ years designing RF and wireless hardware
Familiarity with FDD and TDD techniques
Experience interacting with FPGA, DSP, PCB Layout, and Signal Integrity designers
Experience with PLL topology and loop filter design, VCO/DRO and LO multiplier specification, TCXO and VCXO selection, and phase noise and jitter specification and measurement
Fluency with RF and microwave filters and components, including printed, SAW/BAW/FBAR, ceramic resonator, discrete L/C, waveguide, cavity, circulators, isolators, couplers, dividers, and hybrids
Experience specifying custom parts with vendors
Antenna selection, interface specification, and vendor management experience
Expert-level use of RF modeling and simulation tools such as Keysight ADS, SystemVue, MATLAB/Simulink, or Cadence AWR equivalents
Hands-on capability with microwave test equipment
Experience with RF schematic capture, PCB layout collaboration, RF/microwave component selection, and debugging HW/RF/FPGA integration from schematics and datasheets
Knowledge of communication and wireless standards
Excellent communication skills and fluency in English
Ability to present technical findings and trade-offs concisely to internal teams and clients
Strong technical judgment with emphasis on quality and rigor
Willingness to learn new technologies
Readiness for occasional travel, typically within North America
Phased array and beamforming design is nice to have
DPD, CFR, and envelope tracking experience is nice to have
Link budget analysis is nice to have
Regulatory certification experience with FCC, ISED, or ETSI is nice to have
Direct-RF sampling architectures on AMD Zynq RFSoC or Versal devices is nice to have

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision plans
Matching 401(k) contributions
Annual profit-sharing bonus
Other supplementary benefits
Fully remote work arrangement
Opportunity to work on diverse, high-complexity electronic systems and emerging technologies
Collaboration with cross-functional teams and clients
Accommodations available upon request during the recruitment process