Senior / Lead Radio Characterization Engineer
At Nordic Semiconductor we are looking for a Radio Characterization Lead to take ownership of how we measure, prove and productize the RF performance of our short-range radio IPs. Our radios go into hundreds of millions of devices every year, so ensuring quality and performance is of extreme importance. You will set the direction for how radio parameters are measured across silicon bring-up, characterization practice, and volume production. That means being involved from early on in the development process deciding what to measure and why. You will build upon years of experience and billions of manufactured devices to improve processes and methodologies. You will work at the intersection of RF design, characterization, and product engineering, and be the main interface to the production test engineering teams.
This is a technical leadership role. You will lead through expertise, methodology, and influence across teams rather than through formal line management, while acting as the go-to authority on radio characterization within the Short-Range Business unit at Nordic Semiconductor.
More about the job
As Radio Characterization Lead you own the strategy, methodology, process and execution plan for radio performance characterization. Your responsibilities include:
Own the characterization plan for radio parameters — define scope, priorities, sequencing and resource needs across new silicon, derivatives and product ramps, and keep the plan aligned with project milestones.
Align the equipment and test-setup strategy — analyze which instruments, fixtures, chambers and automation are needed, drive investment and capability decisions.
Drive continuous improvement of characterization methodology — reduce measurement uncertainty, cut test time, improve automation and reproducibility, and raise the standard of how results are captured and analysed.
Support supply chain engineering teams to improve production test.
Track spec parameter coverage — maintain a clear, auditable view of which datasheet and standard-mandated parameters are covered by characterization, expose gaps early, and drive them to closure.
Turn measurement data into decisions — analyse silicon performance across corners, process and units, and feed conclusions back to design, systems and product engineering
Support the teams responsible for regulatory and standards testing (e.g. Bluetooth, regulatory RF requirements).
Coach and align teams on characterization practice and methodology so it outlives individual projects.
Key qualifications
We are looking for someone with a MSc or PhD in Electronics, Telecommunications, Physics or equivalent and with several years of hands-on RF measurement and characterization experience on integrated radios or RF products. You have strong grasp of RF transceiver parameters and how to measure them: sensitivity, blocking and selectivity, intermodulation, EVM, phase noise, output power and spectral emissions, current consumption. Key things we look for includes:
Practical command of RF instrumentation — spectrum and signal analysers, vector signal generators, network analysers, power meters, oscilloscopes, shielded and OTA setups.
Experience automating measurements and processing data, typically with Python (or MATLAB), including instrument control and statistical analysis of measurement data.
Understanding of measurement uncertainty, calibration and correlation between setups, benches and sites.
Ability to plan and lead technical work across teams, and to communicate results and trade-offs clearly to both engineers and management.
Good written and verbal communication skills in English Preferred qualifications
Experience with production test of RF/SoC products — ATE platforms, test program development, test time and yield optimisation.
Knowledge of Bluetooth LE and other short-range standards, in particular PHY-layer requirements and RF test specifications.
Familiarity with regulatory RF requirements and certification testing (ETSI, FCC and similar)
Experience with silicon bring-up, characterization across PVT corners and datasheet limit setting
Understanding of RF, analog IC design and system architecture, enough to debug findings with the design teams.
Familiarity with data infrastructure for test results — databases, dashboards and traceability of measurement data.
Personal skills
We are looking for a structured and curious colleague who is comfortable owning a domain and setting its direction. You are rigorous about data and honest about uncertainty. You enjoy getting to the bottom of an unexpected measurement, and you can hold a clear line on quality while still making pragmatic calls on cost and schedule. You collaborate well across disciplines, you like sharing what you know, and you see improving how the team works as part of the job rather than a distraction from it.
Working for Nordic
Working for Nordic Working at Nordic, you will be inspired and supported to develop yourself. Our teams enjoy a professional and informal working environment. We value and encourage the continuous development of skills and expertise to the highest levels. We are proud of our Norwegian heritage, our highly skilled international workforce, and our world-leading innovation. We offer a variety of tasks and projects, and the possibility to work alongside some of the world’s most renowned experts within their field. We encourage our employees to question the established and innovate while expecting professionalism, commitment, and the will to learn.
Benefits
Competitive salary with short- and long-term incentive plan
Flexible working hours
Medical insurance
Family-friendly policies, insurances, and benefits
Next step
You can apply directly via the apply button and we only require a copy of your CV or LinkedIn profile. Also feel free to contact Erik Falk Hansen in Rede People who is supporting Nordic with this hire. Erik has a detailed prospect he would be happy to send to you.
Please note that this position might be subject to a background check.
