At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
The Northrop Grumman Microelectronics Center (NGMC) of Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking an exceptionally talented, motivated, and creative Principal Semiconductor RF Test Engineer for our Space Park Foundry Lab (SPF) located in Manhattan Beach, California - where we design, manufacture, and test semiconductor products for internal and commercial production customers as well as emerging technology programs.
Northrop Grumman’s SPF is a unique capability supporting a range of compound microelectronic devices (Gallium Arsenide, Gallium Nitride, Silicon Carbide, Indium Phosphide) and providing leading-edge technology development in microelectronics. Our devices enable several Northrop Grumman’s ground-based radars, avionic radars, and space systems. Join us for the chance to work with an amazing, experienced, and talented team while helping serve your country. Enjoy the opportunity to grow and learn with a variety of challenging projects in R&D, ongoing long-term programs, and new programs targeting future commercial and military platforms. Our multidisciplinary foundry team enables activities from development to sustainment process engineering. SPF is responsible for all aspects of semiconductor technology including design, mask making, wafer fabrication, test, and assembly. The candidate must be a strong team participant, have excellent communication skills, and be resourceful and multitalented. A strong understanding of semiconductor technology and microelectronic manufacturing test methodologies is essential.
The Principal Semiconductor RF Test Engineer will be responsible for developing advanced test sets and procedures for characterizing RF devices and circuits spanning DC to THz. Candidate will collaborate with semiconductor product engineers, RF circuit designers, and electronics system designers to translate needs and requirements into test solutions. The role will also focus on validating RF performance, ensuring manufacturability and testability, developing automated test solutions, debugging failures, and driving yield improvements across R&D and production environments.
Key responsibilities include: 1) Developing and executing RF test plans and procedures for device characterization, technology qualification, and production testing; 2. Designing and implementing automated test scripts and test hardware to measure S-parameters, noise figure, gain, linearity (IP3/IP2), power, phase noise, and other RF metrics. 3. Defining test requirements in collaboration with design, process, and product teams; 4. Troubleshooting RF performance issues and test failures using advanced characterization equipment; 5. Participate in design reviews and cross-functional problem-solving sessions.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related field with 5 years of related experience; Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related field with 3 years of experience; or PhD in Electrical Engineering or closely related field with 0 years of related experience
Hands-on experience of on-wafer / die RF test engineering for semiconductor devices, modules, or components.
Proficiency with RF test equipment: vector network analyzers (VNA), spectrum analyzers, vector signal generators, power meters, oscilloscopes, and noise figure meters.
Experience developing automated test sequences using languages/tools such as Agilent VEE, LabVIEW, MATLAB, C/C++, or Python
Strong understanding of RF fundamentals: S-parameters, impedance matching, Smith charts, noise figure, gain compression, linearity,
Familiarity with semiconductor test concepts: wafer probe, packaged device testing, burn-in.
Good lab practices: RF shielding, connector/fixture design, grounding, and calibration techniques
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to analyze measurement data statistically
US Citizenship Required
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with high-frequency / mmWave testing (>67 GHz) and test fixture / probe design
Familiarity with automated test equipment platforms (Keysight/Agilent systems)
Subject matter expert in RF test principles and device physics, who can pioneer new test and calibration methods to THz circuit test and troubleshooting
Ability analyze test data and understand its relation to the device
Prior experience in a high-volume manufacturing or semiconductor test environment to help identify and improve throughput limiters
Experience with statistical process control (SPC), yield analysis, and Six Sigma tools
Direct hands-on experience building / repairing / tuning RF test hardware
Innovate test approach to model development including: equivalent circuit of the device, design of modeling devices, and development of modeling test methods
Work on project teams to bring technical leadership to the project from the test side, work independently to troubleshoot device & technology problems, and engage as a peer with our device engineers
The ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance is required.
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