RF Design Engineer

Checkpoint Systems•Deptford, NJ

1d•$120,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for an RF Engineer who can design, simulate, and validate Sub‑GHz and Wi‑Fi/BLE radio systems and perform RF PCB layout. This is an end‑to‑end role spanning architecture, simulation, PCB implementation, prototyping, lab validation, and certification (FCC/CE only — no carrier certification). We build RF/RFID anti-theft technology solutions for apparel labeling, item tagging, and tag readers for retail and industrial environments. You will own the RF front end, antenna integration, controlled‑impedance layout, and bring‑up of complex PCBs used in our wireless products. You will work closely with electrical, mechanical, firmware, manufacturing, and test teams to deliver robust, manufacturable RF designs.

Requirements

B.S. or M.S. in EE or related field.
5–8+ years owning RF designs from concept → production.
Deep experience with Sub‑GHz ISM radios and Wi‑Fi/BLE coexistence.
Strong proficiency in RF layout, isolation, stack‑up, and parasitic control.
Experience taking products through FCC/CE certification with minimal NCs.
Experience using Dassault CST, Siemens HyperLynx, Keysight ADS, Cadence AWR, Matlab, or EM simulation (antenna/matching).
High‑volume manufacturing experience (DFM for HDI, low‑loss laminates, shields).
Ability to mentor junior engineers and lead design reviews.
Familiarity with OTA, SAR, and EMC testing environments.
Work with Qualcomm/NXP/Nordic/TI/Silicon Labs chipsets.

Nice To Haves

IPC CID certification (plus).

Responsibilities

RF System Design
Design Sub‑GHz ISM (e.g., 850 - 950 MHz) and 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi/BLE RF front ends.
Create link budgets, block diagrams, matching networks, power budgets, and specifications.
Component selection for PAs, LNAs, filters, switches, mixers, couplers, and RF shields.
Antenna evaluation and integration (chip, PCB trace, external, diversity).
RF PCB Design
Full ownership of RF zones on multilayer PCBs.
Define stack‑up, controlled impedance routing, grounding, isolation, stitching, and keep‑outs.
Work directly in Siemens PADS for schematics + layout (not just oversight).
Lead DFM/DFT reviews and coordinate with fabrication/assembly partners.
Simulation & Analysis
Use Dassault CST, Siemens HyperLynx, Keysight ADS, or similar tools for S‑parameters, matching, stability, and radiation effects.
Perform EM analysis for antenna tuning and layout‑dependent parasitics.
Support coexistence analysis between Sub‑GHz and 2.4 GHz radios.
Lab Bring‑Up & Validation
Use VNA, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, power meter, and oscilloscopes.
Conduct S11/S21 measurements, EVM checks, output power, sensitivity, desense analysis, and coexistence testing.
Tune antenna/matching networks and document all tuning steps.
Support environmental testing (temperature, vibration, humidity) as relevant to RF performance.
Compliance & Certification
Execute FCC/CE/UKCA and EMC/EMI requirements (no cellular carrier certification).
Work with external labs for testing; generate test reports and resolve findings/NCs.
Cross‑Functional Support
Collaborate with FW for RF calibration/test flows.
Work with manufacturing on golden units, calibration constants, and test limit development.
Support field failure analysis and yield improvements during NPI.