Senior Product Applications Engineer - PLL/VCO & Phased Array RadarAbout the RoleAs a
Senior Product Applications Engineer at Analog Devices (ADI), you will serve as a technical authority for
PLL, VCO, and frequency-generation products, with a primary focus on
phased-array radar, electronic warfare, and advanced RF systems. You will enable customers to successfully integrate ADI timing and RF solutions into complex, multi-channel architectures by providing system-level guidance, developing application collateral, and solving challenging real-world design problems.
In this senior role, you will work closely with IC design, systems engineering, marketing, and key customers to shape product definitions, accelerate adoption in radar and aerospace/defense markets, and mentor junior engineers. Your work will directly influence next-generation phased-array performance, including phase noise, spurious performance, synchronization, and scalability.
Key ResponsibilitiesPhased Array & RF System Expertise- Develop deep system-level understanding of phased-array radar, EW, SATCOM, and high-performance RF signal chains, with emphasis on frequency synthesis, LO distribution, and synchronization
- Advise customers on phase noise budgeting, spurious analysis, coherency, and calibration in large multi-channel systems
PLL/VCO Application Leadership- Serve as the primary applications expert for PLL, VCO, clocking, and frequency-generation ICs, supporting high-frequency and low-jitter use cases
- Guide device selection and architecture tradeoffs involving fractional-N PLLs, wideband synthesizers, external VCOs, and integrated solutions
Advanced Tool & Reference Design Development- Lead development of evaluation boards, phased-array reference platforms, simulation tools, and software utilities that demonstrate best-in-class RF and timing performance
- Create application notes and design examples addressing real-world challenges such as LO leakage, spur mitigation, multi-chip synchronization, and thermal effects
Cross-Functional Technical Leadership- Collaborate closely with IC design, systems engineering, marketing, and sales to influence product roadmaps and accelerate adoption in radar and ADEF markets
- Act as a technical bridge between customers and internal teams, translating system requirements into actionable product feedback
Complex Customer Problem Solving- Support strategic customers by diagnosing and resolving advanced RF and timing issues using measurements, simulations, and system-level analysis
- Provide on-site or virtual design support for critical customer programs
Product Validation & Characterization- Define and execute bench-level and system-level validation plans for PLL/VCO products, including phase noise, spurs, switching behavior, and temperature performance
- Support qualification activities relevant to aerospace, defense, and high-reliability applications
Competitive & Market Intelligence- Analyze competitor PLL, VCO, and clocking solutions, creating detailed performance comparisons and identifying architectural advantages
- Provide insights to strengthen ADI's leadership in phased-array and RF timing solutions
Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing- Mentor junior applications engineers and contribute to best practices for RF and timing applications across the team
Must-Have SkillsRF & Timing System Expertise- Strong system-level understanding of frequency synthesis, phase noise, spurious mechanisms, and LO distribution in RF systems
- Hands-on experience with phased-array radar or multi-channel RF architectures
PLL/VCO Applications Experience- Proven expertise applying PLLs, VCOs, clock generators, and synthesizers in high-performance RF designs
- Ability to optimize architectures for noise, power, tuning range, lock time, and scalability
Advanced Problem Solving & Debug- Exceptional ability to debug complex RF issues using spectrum analyzers, phase noise analyzers, VNAs, and oscilloscopes
- Strong analytical skills for correlating theory, simulation, and lab results
Application Development Leadership- Experience independently developing reference designs, evaluation hardware, and application documentation
- Ability to clearly communicate best practices and design tradeoffs to customers
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration- Demonstrated success working across design, systems, marketing, and sales teams to deliver customer-focused solutions
Technical Communication Excellence- Ability to explain complex RF and timing concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, including customer presentations and written collateral
Preferred Education and Experience- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; Master's degree preferred
- 5+ years of experience in product applications engineering, RF systems engineering, or customer technical support
- Direct experience with phased-array radar, EW, SATCOM, or aerospace/defense RF systems strongly preferred
- Familiarity with ADI RF, timing, or mixed-signal products
- Experience mentoring engineers or leading technical initiatives
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For positions requiring access to technical data, Analog Devices, Inc. may have to obtain export licensing approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce - Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the U.S. Department of State - Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. As such, applicants for this position - except US Citizens, US Permanent Residents, and protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) - may have to go through an export licensing review process.
Job Req Type: Experienced
Required Travel: Yes, 10% of the time
Shift Type: 1st Shift/Days
