Sparc Foundry develops and produces photonic semiconductors as part of a strong European photonics ecosystem.
The foundry will produce PICs (Photonic Integrated Circuits) and discrete components based on Group III-V semiconductors It will have the capacity to develop 20,000 wafers per year with different types of technologies based on Group III-V materials, including GaAs (Gallium Arsenide), InP (Indium Phosphide), and GaN (Gallium Nitride). These components will be used by industries around the world in sectors such as automotive, telecommunications, quantum computing, consumer electronics, defense, aerospace and medicine.
The Senior RF Engineer will play a pivotal role in our III-V semiconductor foundry team, leading the development, characterization, and model verification of next-generation ultra high-power RF components. This role bridges the gap between semiconductor device physics and circuit design. The successful candidate will drive the design and evaluation of GaN-based Power Amplifiers (PAs) exceeding 500W, establishing rigorous small and large signal characterization methodologies to validate advanced compact models and support foundry process optimization.
Job Functions
Ultra High-Power GaN PA Design: Lead the design, simulation, and layout of ultra high-power RF amplifiers utilizing GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology for power levels exceeding 500W.
Simulation & Circuit Analysis: Utilize Keysight Advanced Design System (ADS) to perform advanced RF/microwave circuit simulations, electromagnetic (EM) co-simulation, and large-signal harmonic balance analysis.
Small & Large Signal Testing: Define, develop, and execute comprehensive RF characterization techniques (small-signal S-parameters and large-signal/pulsed parameters) for active high-power devices.
Model Verification & Physics Alignment: Validate and verify active and passive device compact models against laboratory data, ensuring simulation parameters accurately reflect the underlying semiconductor device physics.
High-Power Lab Operations: Set up, calibrate, and utilize advanced RF test equipment, including high-power Load Pull systems, Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), and Spectrum Analyzers.
Foundry Integration & Process Feedback: Collaborate closely with the fab process engineering and integration teams to translate RF characterization data, trend analysis, and DOE (Design of Experiments) results into actionable process improvements for wide-bandgap (WBG) technologies.
Microwave PCB Design & Layout: Develop schematics and define/review high-frequency layouts, directly implementing strategies for high-power thermal management and RF routing.
Component Evaluation & Selection: Analyze and select critical RF peripheral components including Limiters, Circulators, Filters, Mixers, PLLs, and Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs).
Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Solid-State Physics, or a related technical discipline.
Experience: Typically 5 to 8+ years of industry experience in RF engineering, device characterization, or process integration, with a specific focus on wide-bandgap (WBG) or compound semiconductor materials (specifically GaN).
Ultra High-Power Design: Proven track record in designing high-power RF amplifiers using GaN technology for power levels exceeding 500W.
Simulation Software: Proficiency in Keysight Advanced Design System (ADS) for RF/microwave circuit simulation and large-signal harmonic balance analysis.
Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of semiconductor device physics, RF/microwave device characteristics, and cleanroom fab processing/packaging techniques.
Analytical Skills & Data Analysis: Proficiency with DOE (Design of Experiments) methodology, RF device failure analysis, and data analysis software (e.g., JMP) to analyze wafer-level or package-level RF trends.
RF Characterization & Lab Equipment: Hands-on experience defining and executing comprehensive RF small-signal and large-signal characterization using advanced equipment (Spectrum Analyzers, VNAs, high-power Load Pull systems).
PCB Design: Comfortable manipulating schematics and defining/reviewing microwave PCB layouts, specifically accounting for high-power thermal dissipation.
Soft Skills: Self-motivated, team-oriented, with excellent technical communication skills.
Finally, as all our team we would really like to work with people who share our same passion for technology, photonics, semiconductors, and integrated optics.
Device Modelling: Practical experience with active and passive device model extraction techniques.
PCB/EM Software: Familiarity with Altium PCB Design Software and 3D EM simulation tools (e.g., CST, HFSS).
Test Automation: Experience with test automation frameworks (e.g., via MATLAB, Python, or LabVIEW) for controlling high-power bench setups and accelerating data collection.
Industry Application: Working knowledge of advanced aerospace, defence, AESA radar, or infrastructure telecommunications infrastructure
Competitive and transparent compensation package. Specifics will be discussed during our first conversation.
Clear and adaptive paid time off
You’ll get up to 30 paid days off each year (23 standard vacation days + 7 additional company-wide days)
️Morning working schedule
From mid‑June to September, our working hours are 8:00–15:00, just like every Friday during the rest of the year.
Remote Day
You can choose which day per week you want to work from home.
New branded office (coming soon!)
We are building a new branded office full of services oriented to our enhance our employee experience.
️ Real work–life balance
Flexibility is built into the way we operate. We understand and value your life outside working hours, and taking care of your rest time and holidays is part of our culture.
Inclusive and positive culture
We foster a truly people oriented culture, respectful environment where everyone can be themselves and feel supported.
Multicultural team
We’re a diverse group representing 5+ nationalities, and English is our common language to ensure everyone stays connected and included.
Team moments and activities
We enjoy spending time together, whether it’s for team‑building sessions, casual gatherings, or company meetups throughout the year.
Visa Sponsorship and Relocation Services
We are happy to sponsor visas for you and your family. In addition, we work with specialized partners to provide a full relocation package if you are coming from abroad.
Vigo, a vibrant city to work and live!
We are proud to be based in a city with an exceptional quality of life, giving our team the chance to enjoy a unique and inspiring environment.
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