PLL Design Engineer

Our team is responsible for all aspects of silicon development for cellular transceivers, with a particular emphasis on highly integrated and efficient designs and technologies that transform the user experience at the product level.
You will utilize your virtuoso knowledge to design PLL Circuits and component blocks including some of the following: PLL, VCO, LO generation, Dividers, Charge Pumps, XTAL, and other RF/mixed-signal blocks.

In addition to the above responsibilities, you will utilize your technical analysis skills to conduct transistor-level feasibility studies for new RF circuit architectures, as well as be responsible for simulation and modeling to design and develop analog and mixed signal solutions for next-generation wireless chips.

As an PLL design engineer, you will be responsible for providing clocking solutions for cellular transceiver chips. Responsibilities include:
Working with platform architects, system, and digital design groups to define the requirements for PLL and its sub-blocks based on the system requirements.
Collaborating with the technology team on process selection for the target device.
Driving transistor-level feasibility studies of RF/mixed-signal circuit blocks and architectures.
Designing various component blocks including PLL, VCO, LO generation, Dividers, Charge Pumps, XTAL, TDCs, DTCs, and other RF/mixed-signal blocks.
Conducting transistor-level feasibility studies for new RF circuit architectures and working with platform architects and systems groups to define overall PLL specs.
Behavioral modeling of PLL to derive block-level requirements.
Floor planning and working with layout designers to implement circuit design with best-practice layout techniques.
Defining bench-level test plans and validating, characterizing, and debugging designs through high-volume production.
Working closely with the mask design team to implement layout views of designs.

BS and 10+ years of relevant industry experience required.

Experience designing fractional-N PLLs, Digital PLLs, sigma-delta PLLs, and VCOs.
Strong knowledge of loop design to optimize for phase noise/jitter, lock time, reference spur, area, power, etc.
Understanding of device physics and demonstrated ability to apply that to optimize noise, power, area, frequency of PLL blocks.
Knowledge of bandgaps, bias, opamps, LDOs, feedback, and compensation techniques.
Should be familiar with Cadence Virtuoso, SpectreRF, and/or C/Matlab/VerilogA modeling.
Familiarity with various RF transceiver architectures and their trade-offs is considered a plus.
Bring-up and debugging skills, and experience in working with production test engineers to build test plans and design for testability.
Ability to stay up to date with industry trends and new technologies to drive continuous improvement.
Familiarity with digital design, digital verification, and system-verilog modeling.
Familiarity with AI/ML optimization and automation flows.

We are seeking a highly skilled PLL Design Engineer to join our engineering team. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical abilities, a passion for innovation, and extensive experience in designing and implementing PLL architectures and circuits.
In this highly visible role, you will drive innovation within a silicon design group with a critical impact on getting functional products to hundreds of millions of customers quickly.

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $181,100 and $318,400, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.