University of Notre Dame

Job Description

Be part of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to advance microelectronics and semiconductor technology and accelerate the transition of technical innovations to prototypes and manufacturing. The University of Notre Dame is supporting the Microelectronics Commons, a new federal program, launched in the fall of 2023. The Commons is a national network of universities and industries, coordinated to enable lab-to-fab chip prototypes for defense and commercial applications and bridge the technical divide between proof-of-concept demonstrations and manufacturing. The Microelectronics Commons is creating on-shore capabilities to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign microelectronics and safeguard the nation from supply chain risks.

The University of Notre Dame has been engaged for decades in collaborative pathfinding research with the semiconductor industry. Notre Dame led three national Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) centers, from 2008 through 2023. Notre Dame has state-of-the-art facilities for semiconductor devices and integrated circuit fabrication and characterization, including the Notre Dame Nanofabrication Facility and the Notre Dame Integrated Imaging Facility. Campus centers and institutes, like Notre Dame Nanoscience and Technology and the Center for Sustainable Energy, aid in building a versatile and collaborative research enterprise supporting larger research efforts.

The Millimeter-Wave Circuit/Antenna Test Engineer will work in a newly established test lab. The test engineer will be responsible for the preparation, operation, and routine maintenance of instrumentation in the facility. This wideband test facility is configured to test small-signal, noise, and large signal characteristics of transistors, amplifiers, and modules from Ka-band through G band, as well as antenna and antenna array characterization from D through G-band. The engineer will also coordinate with external users to develop projects, build test plans, and aid in interpreting test results. The Millimeter-Wave Circuit/Antenna Test Engineer may be called on to assist in the nanofabrication facility as needed.

The successful candidate will:

• Be self-motivated
• Have hands-on research experience with RF/microwave/mm-wave tests and measurements
• Effectively communicate with internal and external collaborators, instrumentation vendors University personnel, and other hub members
• Be flexible to support Commons projects in the nanofabrication facility, as needed

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Meet the testing needs of requests for service measurements
• Oversee equipment and lab maintenance as well as user/student training
• Work with facility customers and on-site users
• Deliver updates and reports to internal and external customers
• Assist with all internal University reporting and sponsor reporting
• Communicate with engineering counterparts across the Commons

This is a limited-term position ending January 2029. While this position is contingent on funding, the aim is to move to a sustainable cost model by the end of the term.m.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Master’s Degree in electrical engineering, microwave engineering, or related fields.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively in a highly technical environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong technical background in RF/microwave/mm-wave devices and characterization, especially large-signal transistor characterization, noise parameter measurement, and antenna/antenna array characterization.
• 1+ years of relevant experience