Senior IC Design Engineer
Location: Cambridge, UK
Department: Development
Reports To: Senior IC Design Manager
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
About Us:
Forefront RF is an innovative fabless semiconductor company developing cutting-edge RF technology for mobile device manufacturers. Our mission is to revolutionize RF front-end technology by enabling seamless global connectivity – and ultimately, to unlock the long-standing vision of true software-defined radio. We are developing advanced, multi-chip RF modules that integrate adaptive circuitry, digitally controlled components, embedded software, and complex analog/RF designs into highly compact form factors.
Our Values:
We place a strong emphasis on fostering a culture rooted incollaboration,teamwork, andaccountability. We believe that when we work together, drawing on each team member’s unique strengths, we can achieve remarkable results.
Our commitment tointegrity,respect,honesty, andopennessforms the foundation of our interactions, both within the company and with our valued partners and clients. We encourageambition,initiative, andvisionary thinking, as we understand that these qualities drive innovation and propel us towards success.
In addition, we valueadaptability,proactivity, andresilience. We are looking for individuals who are comfortable with ambiguity and can navigate through it, demonstrating a proactive approach to problem-solving.
These values collectively define who we are and want to be as a team and guide us as we navigate the exciting journey ahead. If you align with our mission and values, and are ready to grow with us, we would love to hear from you.
Job Overview:
We are seeking experienced Senior IC Design Engineers to support the design and development of RF silicon ICs central to our tuneable front-end module technology. This includes the design of wideband low noise amplifiers (LNAs), RF switches, and digitally tuneable capacitors (DTCs), along with supporting analog and mixed-signal blocks.
You will collaborate closely with our IC design service partner and internal RF module team to ensure seamless integration and co-simulation of IC and module behaviour, while contributing to performance optimization.
Key Responsibilities:
* Design and develop RF IC building blocks including wideband LNAs, RF switches, DTCs, and supporting analog/mixed-signal circuits.
* Support silicon RFIC circuit integration into multi-chip module (MCM) assemblies.
* Set up co-simulation environments, including the development of simulation models and execution of top-level MCM simulations.
* Evaluate circuit performance through simulation and lab measurement, refining designs to achieve high predictability.
* Use RF measurement equipment and troubleshoot measurement-related issues.
* Contribute to IC design planning, risk analysis, and performance alignment.
* Conduct high-level simulations including Monte Carlo and corner case analysis.
* Document designs, simulation results, and measurements for internal and external review.
* Collaborate effectively across internal and external teams, facilitating communication between IC and module design functions.
* Bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, microelectronics, or something similar.
* Extensive hands-on experience with Cadence design tools; familiarity with ADS Momentum/RF Pro and Mentor Graphics DRC/LVA/PEX is a plus.
* Deep expertise in RF IC design using various silicon technologies, including SOI.
* Strong knowledge of transistor-level design, particularly LNA architectures, and their wideband implementations.
* Capable of designing analog blocks such as current references, bandgaps, charge pumps, LDOs, DACs, ESD protection, and RF switches.
* Skilled in refining simulations to ensure high accuracy between simulation and silicon.
* Solid understanding of RF measurement techniques and interpretation of lab data.
* Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of seeing the bigger picture in a fast-moving startup environment.
* Clear communicator with the ability to convey complex technical concepts across diverse teams.
* Competitive salary and pension contributions
* Company share option scheme
* 25 days holiday + national holidays
* Weekly company lunches
* Flexible work hours and remote work options
We believe in equal opportunities
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
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