Sr Radio Frequency Design Engineer II

Starkey is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior RF Design Engineer to play a key role in shaping the wireless technology that powers our industry-leading hearing aids and accessories. In this critical position, you will lead the design, implementation, and optimization of advanced RF systems, driving innovation from concept through production. With a focus on ultra-low-power, miniaturized solutions, you'll work across disciplines to develop best-in-class wireless designs that enhance connectivity and user experience. This is an opportunity for a technically strong and forward-thinking engineer to make a meaningful impact in a collaborative environment, contributing to breakthrough products that improve lives.

Starkey is a world leader in the manufacturing and distribution of advanced hearing technologies. We are in the business of connecting people and changing lives. Our teams come to work each day focused on ensuring people everywhere have the products and services they need to hear better and live better.

Founded in 1967 by Bill Austin, Starkey is known for our cutting-edge hearing health innovations, industry-leading research and development, and not being afraid to push the edge of what's possible.

We are headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, have over 5,000 employees in 29 facilities across the globe, and do business in more than 100 markets worldwide.

Watch this video to see more of what sets Starkey apart: https://youtu.be/9cUYwTlCepg?si=wkovx8_R_iINfrc6

The Senior RF Design Engineer, under minimal supervision, will be responsible for the design, implementation, and optimization of wireless designs in hearing aids and hearing aid accessories. Must possess technical expertise, effective communication skills, creativity, and internal drive to lead the creation of designs that are recognized as best-in-class in the hearing aid industry. Must have the ability to work both independently and in a group environment. Work well in a cross-functional team environment and provide leadership and clarity for wireless system architecture and design issues and have a passion for continuous improvement.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/RESULTS

Provide technical input to product specification and requirement generation for wireless products

• Participate in and contribute to product specification and requirement generation with product management and systems engineering.
• Coordinate and attend meetings to determine the correct specification for wireless performance and compliance.
• Drive documentation of wireless specification and compliance.

Lead the design of wireless features for products through the product development process.

• RF design, implementation, and release of wireless products
• Design and implement wireless system feature requests.
• Participate in DFMEA and risk assessment and risk mitigation for product development.
• Update design rules and guidelines for schematic, layout, and mechanical design.

Acquisition and dissemination of wireless domain knowledge relevant to ear level wireless devices and body worn accessories.

• Stay current on ultra-low-power radio and protocols research and product introductions.
• Stay current on miniature and novel antenna design/simulation techniques.
• Stay current on circuit/antenna materials, fabrication methods, and signal integrity techniques.
• Identify patentable IP and write patent disclosures.

Drive testing and troubleshooting of product to characterize the unit and system level RF performance

• Generate test plans and procedures to characterize the unit and system level RF performance.
• Coordinate product testing and report generation.
• Analyze report and track/troubleshoot RF performance bugs.
• Review internal and external wireless and system level specifications and determines compliance to specifications.
• A proactive approach towards problems and projects in addition to creativity and latitude is expected.

Drive continuous improvement in product and process

• Identify and implement improvements in the product development process that could be streamlined.
• Pursue test automation where appropriate.

Support transfer of products into manufacturing

• Seek input for DFMA from Quality, Manufacturing, and Electroacoustics during product design.
• Support manufacturing and quality activities for ramp-up of wireless products.
• Attend production improvement meetings to support continual performance monitoring, cost reduction, and quality improvement.

Mentor and provide work direction to junior engineers and technicians.

• Meet with junior engineers and technician regularly to provide work direction.
• Meet with the junior engineers periodically to provide guidance on projects and tasks.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education

• BSEE or MS

Experience

• BSEE +10 Years of experience or MS + 6 years of experience required

Knowledge / Technical Requirements

• Expertise in RF hardware design concepts, practices, and procedures required.
• Expertise of antenna design and testing required.
• Expertise of design and test methods for body-loaded consumer electronics desired.
• Expertise of low power circuit design desired.
• Expertise of electro-acoustic and DSP desired.
• Expertise of communication systems and protocol stacks desired.
• Expertise of short-range wireless systems (e.g. Bluetooth, 802.11, UWB, IrDA, Spread-Spectrum) desired.

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

• Expertise in the use of wireless test equipment (e.g. network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, etc.)
• Proficient using antenna and circuit simulation tools (e.g. Agilent Genesys and Ansys HFSS).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills required.
• Familiar with FCC, ETSI and other wireless regulatory standards desired.
• Familiarity with high volume production desired.
• Familiarity with writing FW for development desired.
• Data statistical analysis and statistical process control (Excel, MATLAB, others) desired.
• Excellent computer skills including the use of Microsoft Office tools required.
• Excellent Communication skills, both written and verbal required.
• Must have strong interpersonal communication skills
• Capable of performing with minimal supervision required.
• Must be able to work in a fast paced, team-oriented environment.
• Must be able to adapt positively to a changing environment.
• Comfortable with multi-tasking.

This job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on actual experience, education and other factors

The target pay rate for this position is between $113,960 - $143,115 annually. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include: geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is eligible for a bonus based upon performance results. There is no guarantee of payout.

Benefits: The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401 (k) retirement plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, paid time off, 8 days/hours of paid sick and safe time, and 6 paid holidays annually.

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