Principal RFIC Engineer – RFIC Team Lead, Optical Engines

Adtran

Principal RFIC Engineer leading the design and validation of high-speed RFICs for optical engines. Focused on technical leadership and development lifecycle across multiple product programs.

Posted 7/10/2026full-timeBerlin • 🇩🇪 GermanySeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in high-speed RFIC design and development, with a strong focus on optical transceivers and engines. Capable of leading technical teams, defining specifications, and driving projects through the full lifecycle while ensuring performance metrics are met.

Highest-signal resume keywords

High-Speed Analog / RFIC DesignOptical Transceiver RFICsCadence Design Flow (Virtuoso, Spectre, EM Tools)Electro-Optic Integration with Silicon PhotonicsTechnical Leadership in R&D

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

RFIC DesignAnalog Circuit DesignLaser DriversTIAsSignal IntegrityNoise OptimizationLinearity OptimizationPower OptimizationSilicon Bring-UpCharacterization and Qualification

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsMentoringTeam LeadershipCollaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

MSc or PhD in Electrical EngineeringMicroelectronics

Industry Keywords

RF CMOSSiGe BiCMOSOptical Platforms100G800G ZR / ZR+1.6T ZR / ZR+DVTPVTMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the architecture, design, and validation of high-speed RFICs (Laser Drivers, TIAs, analog front-ends) for optical transceivers and optical engines
Act as technical and functional lead of the RFIC team, providing direction across multiple product programs
Define RFIC specifications and roadmaps aligned with coherent and direct-detect optical platforms (100G, 800G ZR / ZR+, 1.6T ZR / ZR+)
Own technology selection and trade-offs across SiGe BiCMOS, RF CMOS, and advanced foundry processes
Drive RFIC development through the full lifecycle: concept → silicon → bring-up → DVT → PVT → MP
Ensure RFIC performance against key metrics: bandwidth, noise, linearity, output swing, power, and robustness
Mentor and technically guide RFIC engineers and junior designers
Support recruitment and capability building (RFIC design, CAD, layout)
Contribute to long-term technology strategy and next-generation optical engine concepts
Represent RFIC technology internally and externally (foundries, partners, universities)

Requirements

What you’ll need

MSc or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics, or related field
10+ years’ experience in high-speed analog / RFIC design
Proven experience with optical transceiver or optical engine RFICs
Deep expertise in: RFIC and high-speed analog circuit design
Laser Drivers, TIAs, coherent / high-speed analog front-ends
Noise, linearity, signal integrity, and power optimization
Strong experience with Cadence design flow (Virtuoso, Spectre , EM tools)
Experience supporting silicon bring-up, characterization, and qualification
Solid understanding of electro-optic integration with Silicon Photonics
Demonstrated technical leadership in complex R&D environments
Ability to balance hands-on technical work with roadmap and team leadership
Strong communication skills across disciplines and geographies
Comfortable working in a matrix, multi-site organization

Benefits

Comp & perks

Possibility to work in an international, multicultural environment
Strong team-oriented, friendly work culture
Flexible working hours model
Internal training program
Fitness, commuting and kindergarten allowances as well as drinks and fruits for free
Employee discounts e. g. for events and branded products