Key Skills

Job Description

What They'd Do Write new eval tasks where a model designs one passive on-chip component to a spec (e.g., a spiral inductor with a target inductance, quality factor and area), then simulates it and iterates. For each task, write the spec, a reference design that meets it and an automatic check that re-simulates the submitted layout and compares the results with the spec. Start with a pilot of 5 tasks, then iterate with us before scaling. Must have Hands-on RF IC design, including laying out passives (e.g., spiral inductors, transformers and baluns, transmission lines, coupled resonators, quadrature hybrids). Has run EM simulations on their own layouts and can read the results (e.g., S-parameters, inductance and quality factor). Works with GDS layouts and S-parameter files. Enough Python to script simulations and write the checks. Nice to have Experience with IHP SG13G2 or another open PDK (our test chip is a 24 GHz radar receiver front end on SG13G2). The open-source tools we use: KLayout, Palace, openEMS, ngspice, scikit-rf. We can share our container (IIC-OSIC-TOOLS). Commercial EM solvers (e.g., Cadence EMX or Ansys HFSS). SPICE simulation of RF blocks (e.g., a low noise amplifier), which we'd like to cover later. Location: Europe, Canada, US Final rate depends on qualifications, expertise, experience, and location

Core Responsibilities

Create five pilot evaluation tasks in which a model designs, simulates, and iterates on passive on-chip components to meet specified performance requirements. For each task, provide the specification, a reference design, and an automated check that re-simulates submitted layouts and compares results against the specification.

Requirements

Candidates must have hands-on RF IC design experience, including laying out passive components and running electromagnetic simulations on their own layouts. They should be able to interpret S-parameters, inductance, and quality factor, work with GDS layouts and S-parameter files, and use Python to script simulations and automated checks.