Are you looking for a unique opportunity to be a part of something great? Want to join a 20,000-member team that works on the technology that powers the world around us? Looking for an atmosphere of trust, empowerment, respect, diversity, and communication? How about an opportunity to own a piece of a multi-billion dollar (with a B!) global organization? We offer all that and more at Microchip Technology, Inc.
People come to work at Microchip because we help design the technology that runs the world. They stay because our culture supports their growth and stability. They are challenged and driven by an incredible array of products and solutions with unlimited career potential. Microchip’s nationally-recognized Leadership Passage Programs support career growth where we proudly enroll over a thousand people annually. We take pride in our commitment to employee development, values-based decision making, and strong sense of community, driven by our Vision, Mission, and 11 Guiding Values; we affectionately refer to it as the Aggregate System and it’s won us countless awards for diversity and workplace excellence.
Our company is built by dedicated team players who love to challenge the status quo; we did not achieve record revenue and over 30 years of quarterly profitability without a great team dedicated to empowering innovation. People like you.
Visit our careers page to see what exciting opportunities and company perks await!
Job Description:
Microchip, a forward-thinking semiconductor company at the forefront of GaN MMIC innovation, is seeking a Principal Applications Engineer to support and drive the development and testing of our industry-leading RF Power Amplifiers. This position plays a pivotal role in advancing products for applications in Communications, Radar, Satellite, and Instrumentation markets.
Reporting to the Senior Manager - Product Line, you will be responsible for a range of Evaluation Boards, also known as Development Tools or Dev Tools, that enable customers to evaluate Microchip’s high performance MMICs in an optimized application assembly. You will be supported by the local development team that develops MMICs and designs the respective evaluation circuits.
New Dev Tools are assembled and tested in Belfast and once established are produced in larger quantities by approved overseas subcontractors. You will be equipped with your own state of the art RF test bench running IQSTAR software to produce test reports for standard and custom Dev Tools that are assembled in Belfast.
Why Join Microchip?
At Microchip, you'll work alongside a team of experts on next-generation RF MMIC technologies. You'll have access to state-of-the-art equipment and tools, autonomy in your work, and opportunities to influence high-impact products in defence, satellite, and telecoms industries.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and execute test solutions for advanced MMIC-based RF power amplifiers across 1–100 GHz frequency range and medium to high power levels.
Conduct in-depth characterization and validation of amplifiers, including CW/Pulsed Power, S-parameters, ACPR, EVM, and other complex modulation measurements.
Utilize cutting-edge software/hardware platforms (e.g., AMCAD / IQSTAR) to build robust and efficient automated test solutions.
Maintain and enhance test platforms, introducing new capabilities and innovations for both engineering and production environments.
Prepare detailed test reports, datasheets, and technical documentation to support product development and customer engagement.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including Design, Quality, Manufacturing, Reliability, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless product delivery and quality.
Troubleshoot and resolve test-related issues involving hardware setup, calibration, and test condition optimization.
Lead by example to uphold a culture of ethics, accountability, and technical excellence.
Requirements/Qualifications:
A successful candidate should possess some or all of the following balance of skills;
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, RF, or related field) with 8+ years’ experience in RF/microwave testing and applications engineering.
In-depth knowledge of RF components, especially Power Amplifiers, with hands-on device-level test and characterization experience.
Proficient in operating RF test equipment: VNA, Spectrum Analyzer, Signal Generator, Power Meter, etc.
Familiarity with RF testing techniques including CW/Pulsed S-parameters, IMD, NF, Power Sweeps, etc.
Experience in microelectronics packaging processes (die attach, wire bonding, SMT, PCB materials).
Strong software skills for data manipulation in Microsoft Excel, presentation creation in PowerPoint, and automation using tools such as Python, MATLAB, or C.
Ability to manage technical projects and meet tight development timelines.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Travel Time:
0% - 25%To all recruitment agencies: Microchip Technology Inc. does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our recruiting team or other Microchip employees. Microchip is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
