Position: Senior Signal Integrity Engineer
Location: Raleigh, NC
We are seeking a Signal Integrity Engineer to support the design, characterization, and qualification of high-speed RF coaxial and twinaxial cable assemblies used in next-generation data center and networking interconnects. This role combines hands-on measurement work (VNA, TDR, BERT) with simulation and cross-functional collaboration to ensure cable and connector systems meet demanding electrical performance targets at data rates up to 224G/448G PAM4.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform S-parameter measurements (VNA) and time-domain reflectometry (TDR) on coax and twinax cable assemblies to characterize insertion loss, return loss, crosstalk, and impedance discontinuities
- Conduct BERT-based bit error rate testing and eye-diagram analysis to validate signal integrity margins across cable/connector interfaces
- Support 3D EM simulation (HFSS, CST, or similar) of cable terminations, connector interfaces, and cartridge assemblies to correlate simulated vs. measured performance
- Drive root-cause analysis on SI failures (e.g., echo/reflection issues, lane failures, mechanical-to-electrical correlation) and recommend design or process corrective actions
- Collaborate with mechanical and manufacturing engineering on cable construction, termination geometry, connector mating interfaces, and material selection (dielectrics, shielding, lubrication) as they affect electrical performance
- Support qualification test plans and re-qualification workflows, including differential pair testing, leg-line S-parameter rechecks, and reliability correlation studies (e.g., Tlife testing)
- Develop and maintain test fixtures, automation scripts, and data analysis pipelines (Python/MATLAB) for high-throughput characterization
- Present findings and design recommendations to internal stakeholders and customers, including executive-level summaries of qualification status and risk
- Stay current with industry standards (IEEE 802.3, OIF-CEI) and channel modeling methodologies for next-gen data rates
Required Qualifications
- B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering Technology, or related field
- 3+ years of experience in signal integrity, RF/microwave engineering, or high-speed interconnect design
- Hands-on experience with VNA, TDR/TDT, and BERT test equipment
- Strong understanding of transmission line theory, impedance matching, and high-speed channel design (112G/224G NRZ/PAM4)
- Proficiency with S-parameter analysis tools and EM simulation software (HFSS, ADS, or equivalent)
- Working knowledge of Python or MATLAB for data analysis and test automation
- Familiarity with cable/connector construction (coax, twinax, differential pair) and manufacturing processes
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with copper cable qualification for 400G/800G+ applications
- Familiarity with mechanical float/guide-pin interfaces and connector mating force analysis
- Experience with large-scale data analytics (Excel/Power BI/Python pipelines) for cross-vendor quality comparisons
- IEEE EMC/SI community involvement or publications
- Experience supporting customer-facing technical reviews or program-level qualification gates