Analog IC Designer

Role Overview

As an Analog IC Design Engineer, you will contribute to the design and development of next-generation electro-optical transceiver integrated circuits. This role focuses on high-performance analog and mixed-signal circuit design, closely integrated with photonic components, enabling high-speed optical communication systems at data rates of 200 Gb/s and beyond.

You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including photonic designers, verification engineers, and test teams, to ensure robust system-level performance across all process, voltage, and temperature corners.

Key Responsibilities

• Design high-performance analog circuits in BiCMOS technology, including operational amplifiers, regulators, bandgap references, and PVT-independent biasing circuits
• Develop high-speed analog and mixed-signal blocks, including control loops (e.g., AGC, RSSI, loss-of-signal detection, offset cancellation, squelch functions)
• Design analog and mixed-signal interface circuits, including digital control interfaces (I²C/SPI) using relevant IP blocks (e.g., ADCs)
• Develop complete chip-level schematic hierarchies using Cadence design tools
• Apply advanced layout techniques with focus on device matching, parasitic minimization, and current density optimization
• Perform LVS/DRC checks and ensure compliance with design rules and manufacturing requirements
• Support design verification activities and ensure specification compliance across design phases
• Collaborate with photonic design teams on electro-optical co-design and system-level optimization
• Define and implement temperature-independent biasing strategies using bandgap reference circuits
• Develop and support testing strategies in collaboration with test engineering teams
• Support product qualification, production ramp-up, and customer technical inquiries
• Contribute to the definition and continuous improvement of design methodologies and workflows

Candidate Profile

• Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Electrical Engineering or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of industry experience in integrated circuit design
• Strong expertise in analog and mixed-signal IC design, particularly high-speed and I/O circuits
• Proficiency with Cadence design environment and related EIC design tools
• Solid understanding of chip-level design flows and Design-for-Manufacturing (DFM) principles
• Experience with advanced semiconductor process technologies (BiCMOS experience is an advantage)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Structured, proactive, and detail-oriented working style
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
• Professional proficiency in English (German language skills are a plus)

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on leading-edge silicon photonics and high-speed IC technologies
• Exposure to complex system-level design challenges at the intersection of electronics and photonics
• International, highly skilled engineering environment
• Direct impact on next-generation data center interconnect solutions
• Close collaboration across design, verification, and production teams

Employment Details

• Start: As soon as possible
• Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Senior (5+ years)

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Nozipho Mbatha