RF Design Engineer

Principal Engineer – Electrical/RF

Location: Claremont/Catawba, NC Region Salary: $118,000 Annually

About the Role

We are seeking a Principal Electrical/RF Engineer to support the development of next-generation enterprise networking infrastructure and high-performance connectivity products. The ideal candidate will be based in the Claremont/Catawba, NC region, although candidates from other locations may also be considered.

This role will serve as a key technical leader in electrical and RF product design, with a strong emphasis on high-speed signal integrity, PCB design, Ethernet connectivity, and RF performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceive and develop electrical PCB designs for copper Ethernet connectors and related apparatus products, with a strong emphasis on RF signal integrity.
• Define electrical architecture and design methodologies for next-generation copper Ethernet connectors and apparatus products.
• Serve as a key technical contributor and leader for electrical design activities within the business unit.
• Develop simulation models and perform electrical simulations using ANSYS HFSS and related analytical tools.
• Conduct data analysis, document technical findings, and maintain accurate records of design iterations and test results.
• Collaborate with product managers, mechanical engineers, manufacturing, and quality teams to optimize connector designs.
• Apply sound engineering principles and practices throughout the product development lifecycle, from concept through production release.
• Drive design-for-manufacturing strategies and work with PCB vendors on material selection, tolerances, and advanced fabrication processes.
• Mentor mid- to senior-level electrical engineers and help establish internal standards for high-speed PCB layout and Ethernet-specific design practices.
• Participate in peer reviews, design reviews, and brainstorming sessions to identify risks, solve technical challenges, and drive continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with 12–15 years of relevant experience, or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven experience in signal transmission design from concept through production release.
• Proficiency with ANSYS HFSS and related analytical/simulation tools.
• Experience using DFMEA methodologies and tools to mitigate design risks.
• Proven experience with PCB design and layouts optimized for Signal Integrity (SI), Power Integrity (PI), and EMC/EMI shielding.
• Expert-level experience with ECAD tools such as PathWave ADS with Layout, Siemens PADS, or Altium.
• Strong understanding of PCB manufacturing processes.
• Ability to independently develop innovative designs while maintaining strong engineering discipline and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and effectively navigate competing priorities.
• Comfortable working in a global, cross-functional environment with teams across different time zones and cultures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in developing RJ45 connector electrical designs.
• Understanding of telecommunications industry standards such as: IEC 60603-7-51 – Cat 6A RJ45 Connectors, TIA 568.2-D – Balanced Twisted-Pair Cabling, ISO/IEC 11801 – Structured Cabling Standards, IEC 60512-99-002 – PoE Reliability.
• Strong understanding of Ethernet channel performance metrics, including return loss, insertion loss, NEXT, FEXT, TCL, and ELTCTL, and their impact on connector design.
• Experience solving technical challenges involving alien crosstalk, return loss, insertion loss, and EMI coupling.
• Background in networking, telecommunications, industrial hardware, or data-center hardware.
• Demonstrated innovation and creativity in product design and process improvement.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Self-motivated and capable of working with minimal supervision.