RF EM Design Co-Op (Winter/Spring 2027)

Description

RF Front-end EM Design Co-Op
Location: Irvine, CA
Term: January - June 2027 (Full-Time Co-Op)

About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated RF Front-End EM Design Co-Op to join our team in Irvine, California. In this role, you will work alongside experienced RF, EM, RFIC, and module design engineers on the development of next-generation wireless solutions for 5G/6G, and emerging connectivity technologies.

This position is ideal for graduate students interested in RF design, electromagnetics, filter design, RFIC and module co-design, and advanced packaging technologies. You will contribute to technology research, simulation, and prototype development activities that support future commercial RF front-end products. Working with a dedicated technical mentor, you will gain hands-on experience across the full product development cycle, from electromagnetic modeling and circuit simulation to hardware characterization and measured data correlation.

Responsibilities

Working closely with your mentor and the broader engineering team, you will:
RF Design & Technology Research
• Research and evaluate advanced RF front-end architectures, including filter and RFIC co-design approaches.
• Investigate next-generation RF technologies and module integration concepts。
• Develop and analyze RF matching networks, filter structures, and passive component designs.
EM Modeling & Simulation
• Build and analyze 2.5D and 3D electromagnetic models of RF passive structures, including:
o Filters
o Matching networks
o Baluns
o Couplers
o RF transitions and interconnects
• Perform electromagnetic simulations using tools such as HFSS and EMX
• With extracted S-parameters, run circuit and system-level simulations.
• Optimize module design for insertion loss, isolation, return loss, power handling, and size. Investigate RF interactions between integrated circuits, package structures, and passive components.
• Evaluate design trade-offs related to performance, and manufacturability.

Required Experience and Skills

• Currently pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Academic emphasis in one or more of the following:
o RF/Microwave Engineering
o Electromagnetics
o Analog/RF IC Design
o Applied Physics or related disciplines
• Available to work onsite in Irvine, CA from January through June 2027.
Technical Knowledge
Strong understanding of:
• RF and microwave circuit design
• Electromagnetic theory
• Analog and RF integrated circuits
• S-parameters and impedance matching
• RF front-end architectures
Tools & Software
Experience with one or more of the following:
• Keysight ADS
• Ansys HFSS
• EMX
• Cadence Virtuoso
• Equivalent RF/EM simulation platforms

Desired Experience and Skills

• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or other automation/data analysis tools.
• Experience with AI tools such as Cursor, Claude, Copilot

• Knowledge of filter design and synthesis techniques, including:
o SAW/BAW acoustic filters
o LC filters
o Cavity filters
o Coupling matrix filter synthesis flow
• Familiarity with VNA calibration, de-embedding techniques, and measurement correlation.