Job#: 3047065 Job Description: Phased Array Front-End Architecture & Simulation Engineer (D2D + Broadband, Tx/Rx)Location: San Diego, CARole SummaryArchitect and simulate phased array front-end performance for both D2D and broadband Ka-band satellite payloads. Define front-end architecture (Tx and Rx chains), build predictive models to verify architectural choices, and confirm system requirements are met through simulation-based verification.
Responsibilities- Define front-end architecture: Tx/Rx chain topology, component partitioning, gain/power/NF distribution, PA/LNA placement and specification
- Verify architecture meets system-level requirements through simulation: EIRP, G/T, OOBE, sensitivity, dynamic range
- Build and maintain PA and LNA behavioral models to predict array-level performance
- Validate DPD/APT architectural decisions through closed-loop simulation
- Perform architecture trade studies: efficiency vs. linearity, noise vs. gain distribution, single-vs-multi-stage, back-off allocation
- Support hardware verification by correlating measured component data to architectural models
Hardware Knowledge Required
Front-End Architecture- Tx/Rx chain architecture definition: gain staging, power budget, NF allocation, linearity allocation
- PA specification derivation: Psat, P1dB, PAE, OIP3 targets from system EIRP/ACLR requirements
- LNA specification derivation: NF, gain, IP3, stability margin targets from system G/T and interference requirements
- Architecture partitioning: front-end vs. beamformer boundary, IF vs. RF beamforming implications on front-end
- Multi-temperature architecture margin: performance budgets at 25 C/50 C/85 C corner cases
Transmit Chain Modeling- Nonlinear PA behavioral models (Volterra, memory polynomial, Rapp, Saleh), AM-AM/AM-PM, thermal derating
- DPD architecture verification: LUT, GMP, convergence performance, coefficient stability
- ET/APT: supply modulator modeling, efficiency vs. linearity tradeoffs
- OOBE: spectral regrowth, ACLR/ACPR, spectral mask compliance (3GPP NTN, ITU)
- Tx array performance: beam-dependent EIRP, active element patterns, scan loss, cross-factor
Receive Chain Modeling- LNA noise modeling: NF vs. frequency/temperature/bias, noise parameters (NFmin, ?opt, Rn)
- NF cascade: multi-stage noise figure, gain distribution, system noise temperature
- Receiver sensitivity: MDS, SNR budget from antenna to ADC
- Interference tolerance: blocker desensitization, IMD3/IMD5, receiver intermodulation
- Rx array performance: G/T, beam-dependent sensitivity, noise correlation
Array-Level Architecture Verification- Active element patterns, mutual coupling, scan loss, grating lobe analysis
- Beamforming: beam weight application, quantization effects, multi-beam interference
- Cross-pol and cross-factor: inter-element coupling, polarization purity vs. scan
- Architectural verification: confirming component specs roll up to meet system performance
Regulatory & Compliance- 3GPP NR NTN emission masks, ITU RR Article 22 EPFD limits
- Co-existence analysis, sensitivity/selectivity requirements
Software Skills Required
- MATLAB/Simulink: PA/LNA behavioral modeling, DPD algorithm simulation, Tx/Rx link budget tools, array performance Monte Carlo, architecture trade study frameworks
- Python: Signal processing, batch simulation automation, data pipeline, trade study scripting
- Keysight ADS: Harmonic balance, X-parameter models, load-pull simulation, noise analysis, circuit-level architecture validation
- 3GPP waveform tools: OFDM/SC-FDMA, ACLR/EVM, spectral mask verification
NOT Required for This Role
- Antenna element EM design (HFSS, CST)
- PCB layout tools (Allegro, Altium)
- FPGA/RTL design
- Mechanical CAD
- Manufacturing/NPI/yield
- Package physical design
Qualifications
Required- MS or PhD in EE (RF, Communications, or Signal Processing)
- 5+ years RF front-end architecture and simulation experience
- Expert MATLAB/Simulink user for behavioral modeling and system simulation
- Experience defining PA/LNA specifications from system requirements
- Tx and Rx chain analysis (OOBE/ACLR + NF/sensitivity)
- Phased array front-end architectural tradeoff experience
- Familiarity with 3GPP NR or satellite communication standards
Preferred- Multi-band architecture experience (cellular frequencies + Ka-band)
- DPD/APT architecture definition and simulation
- NTN or satellite direct-to-device system experience
- Experience correlating architectural predictions with measured hardware data
Deliverables
Front-end architecture specification (Tx and Rx) for D2D and broadband KaPA/LNA behavioral model library for architectural verificationArchitecture trade study reports with performance predictionsSimulation-based verification that architecture meets system requirementsDPD/APT architecture recommendation with supporting analysisComponent specification documents derived from system requirementsEverforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.
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