Job DescriptionTest and Measurement Systems, also known as NI, Product R&D is seeking a Principal Analog Hardware Engineer to join our RF R&D team in Santa Rosa, CA. In this high-visibility role, you will lead the design and validation of high-performance analog and mixed-signal hardware for next-generation, high-frequency test and measurement products. You will shape architectures, make key technical decisions, and deliver manufacturable solutions that meet customer and business needs.
This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who combines deep board-level design expertise with technical leadership. You take initiative, anticipate technical and execution risks, and mentor others while moving fluidly between architecture, detailed circuit design, lab validation, and cross-functional technical influence.
IN THIS ROLE, YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL BE: - Design, simulate, and verify board-level circuits for high-frequency test and measurement products, including switched-mode power supplies (AC to DC and DC to DC), precision signal conditioning chains (including ADCs and DACs), clock generation (phase locked loop) and distribution, I/O protection, and support circuitry.
- Define and implement project plans, manage milestones, and lead technical reviews to ensure designs meet customer requirements and are ready for release.
- Own technical deliverables, guide design decisions, and drive resolutions of issues found in development, production or the field.
- Develop validation strategies and characterize circuitry using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power supplies, DMMs, and automated test frameworks.
- Collaborate with Mechanical, RF, Digital, Calibration, Software, Systems, Test, Quality, and Operations teams to deliver integrated product success.
- Mentor engineers in analog and mixed-signal design practices, design review, validation methods, and product release discipline.
- Travel up to 10% domestically or internationally to support supplier builds, customer evaluations, or factory activities.
WHO YOU ARE: Viewed as a key technical resource and often the technical leader for the team. Works on complex issues requiring in-depth evaluation of variable factors; independently determines methods and procedures on new assignments; frequently advises others. Networks with key contacts outside own area; influences decisions to elevate long-term product quality and development efficiency.
FOR THIS ROLE, YOU WILL NEED: - B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
- 8+ years of relevant industry experience in analog or mixed-signal hardware design, OR 5+ years with an advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D)
- Strong experience designing, simulating, validating, and debugging analog and mixed-signal circuits
- Proficiency with schematic capture and simulation tools such as Mentor Graphics, Cadence, Synopsys, LTSpice, Maple, and Mathcad Prime
- Experience with PCB design, component-level troubleshooting, and system-level debug in lab or production environments.
- Proficiency using lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, DMMs, SMUs, etc.
- Demonstrated ability to operate independently in ambiguous technical environments, influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders toward execution goals, and drive complex work to completion.
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical activities across component-level, board-level, and system-level design, making sound engineering trade-offs that balance performance, reliability, manufacturability, serviceability, and maintainability.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a diverse, multi-cultural development environment
- Demonstrated ability to mentor junior team members in application of analog hardware design best practices
- Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships at all levels of the organization, cross-functionally, and with key people external to the organization
- Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now and in the future
- Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1 (including those with OPT or CPT), H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire. MUST be US Citizen or possess a Green Card
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS THAT SET YOU APART: - Experience owning hardware development from concept through production ramp, including DFM, DFT, NPI, and supplier engagement.
- Experience with product concept development, systems engineering, requirements management, risk management, and project planning.
- Expertise in SI/PI, grounding/shielding best practices, and robust layout for isolation and stability for mixed-signal, digital, or RF circuitry.
- Experience researching, prototyping, and de-risking emerging technologies or new architectures.
- Familiarity with regulatory, safety, EMC, and material compliance constraints such as IEEE, MIL, RoHS, or REACH.
- Experience designing, simulating, verifying, and releasing RF circuits or subsystems using industry-standard tools.
- Proficiency with RF instrumentation (VNA, spectrum analyzers, vector signal generators)
- Programming or automation experience with Python, C, MATLAB, LabVIEW, Verilog, or VHDL
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