Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC) Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC) Design Manager Company: Nokia Global Career Site Location: Switzerland Job Type: Full time Category: Engineering Operations / Product Development Operations Date Posted: 2025-08-07 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of engineers specializing in Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC) design for advanced optical communication systems.
• Drive the design and development of critical components such as high-speed drivers, trans-impedance amplifiers (TIAs), and control systems, focusing on performance optimization and integration.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative environment that encourages creative problem-solving and leverages cutting-edge advancements in CMOS and silicon photonics technologies.
• Address complex, real-world communication challenges, contributing directly to the evolution and enhancement of Nokia's high-speed communication product portfolio.
• Ensure the successful delivery of innovative solutions that meet stringent technical requirements and market demands within the telecommunications sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided description doesn't explicitly mention "operations" in the traditional sense (e.g., sales ops, rev ops), this role is deeply embedded in the product development lifecycle, which is a critical facet of operations for a technology company. The focus on process, efficiency, team leadership, and product delivery aligns with operational excellence principles. The "operations" category has been inferred as Engineering Operations / Product Development Operations to reflect this.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and performance management to a team of RFIC design engineers, fostering their professional growth and ensuring high-quality output.
• RFIC Design & Development: Oversee the end-to-end design, simulation, layout, and verification of RFICs, including high-speed drivers, TIAs, and control circuitry, for optical communication applications.
• Technology Advancement: Stay abreast of and integrate the latest advancements in CMOS, silicon photonics, and RF technologies to enhance product capabilities and maintain a competitive edge.
• Problem Solving & Innovation: Lead the team in identifying and resolving complex technical challenges related to signal integrity, power management, noise reduction, and high-speed data transmission.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with product management, system engineering, test engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless product development, from concept to production.
• Project Management: Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets effectively to ensure the timely delivery of RFIC designs that meet product specifications and business objectives.
• Process Improvement: Champion the adoption of best practices in RFIC design, simulation methodologies, verification techniques, and design for manufacturability (DFM) to improve efficiency and product quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize technical leadership and product development, which are crucial for operations within a hardware-centric technology company like Nokia. Responsibilities have been expanded to include project management and process improvement, common expectations for a managerial role in product development operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in RF, Analog, or Mixed-Signal IC design.

Experience:

• Proven track record of 5-10 years in RFIC design, with significant experience in high-speed analog and mixed-signal circuit design for communication systems.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing engineering teams, including mentoring, performance evaluation, and project oversight.
• Experience with CMOS and silicon photonics technologies relevant to optical communication is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• RFIC Design Expertise: In-depth knowledge of RFIC design principles, including analog circuit design, noise analysis, linearity, impedance matching, and power management.
• High-Speed Circuit Design: Proficiency in designing and analyzing high-speed drivers, TIAs, and related control systems for data rates typically found in optical communication (e.g., 100Gbps, 400Gbps, 800Gbps).
• CMOS & Silicon Photonics Familiarity: Understanding of CMOS fabrication processes and their application in high-speed ICs, as well as familiarity with silicon photonics integration concepts.
• Leadership & Mentoring: Strong leadership capabilities with a proven ability to mentor, guide, and develop engineering talent, fostering a high-performance team environment.
• Problem-Solving Acumen: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to tackle complex technical challenges in RFIC design and system integration.
• Communication & Collaboration: Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and present technical information clearly.

Preferred Skills:

• Optical Communication Systems: Familiarity with the architecture and requirements of modern optical communication systems and their components.
• Simulation & Modeling Tools: Proficiency with industry-standard EDA tools for circuit simulation (e.g., Cadence Virtuoso, Spectre, ADS), layout, and verification.
• Project Management Methodologies: Experience with project management tools and techniques to ensure efficient project execution and delivery.
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Knowledge of DFM principles to optimize IC designs for yield and reliability in high-volume manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills have been fleshed out to be more specific to RFIC design and leadership, drawing from common industry expectations for such a role. Preferred skills have been added to cover the broader ecosystem of product development operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase successful RFIC design projects, detailing the design challenges, methodologies employed, simulation results, and final performance metrics.
• Performance Metrics: Evidence of achieving specific performance targets (e.g., gain, bandwidth, noise figure, linearity, power consumption) for key RF components like drivers and TIAs.
• System Integration Examples: Demonstrations of how RFICs were successfully integrated into larger optical communication systems, highlighting system-level performance improvements.
• Team Project Contributions: Examples of contributions to team-based design efforts, illustrating collaboration and leadership in achieving shared project goals.

Process Documentation:

• Design Flow Documentation: Examples of documented design flows, including schematic capture, simulation setup, layout procedures, and verification strategies for RF circuits.
• Simulation & Verification Reports: Samples of simulation reports and verification plans that outline test cases, expected results, and pass/fail criteria for RFIC designs.
• Technical Documentation: Presentation of technical documentation standards, including design specifications, test procedures, and final design reports for complex RFICs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the managerial and technical nature of this role, a portfolio demonstrating leadership in design processes and team output is crucial. The requirements focus on tangible evidence of design success, process adherence, and collaborative achievements, reflecting the operational oversight expected.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for experienced RFIC Design Managers in Switzerland, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between CHF 140,000 and CHF 190,000 annually. This estimate considers the high cost of living in Switzerland, the specialized technical expertise required, and the leadership responsibilities involved. Factors such as specific experience, qualifications, and the exact location within Switzerland could influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Robust medical, dental, and vision coverage, often with options for enhanced plans.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Employer-matched contributions to a pension or retirement savings fund, typical in Swiss employment.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, public holidays, and potential for additional paid time off for professional development or personal needs.
• Performance Bonuses: Eligibility for annual performance-based bonuses tied to individual, team, and company achievements.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, including training, certifications, and attendance at industry conferences.
• Relocation Assistance: Support for international candidates relocating to Switzerland, which may include moving expenses and temporary housing.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plans: Potential for participation in Nokia's employee stock programs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours in Switzerland are typically 40-42 hours per week. While the role is on-site, Nokia likely offers a degree of flexibility in daily work schedules to accommodate team collaboration and individual work styles, provided business needs and project deadlines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary and benefits have been estimated based on typical Swiss employment standards for senior engineering management roles in the tech sector, reflecting local market conditions and Nokia's likely offerings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Telecommunications Equipment & Services. Nokia is a global leader in developing and deploying critical network infrastructure, enabling the digital transformation of industries and societies. Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees globally). This indicates a well-established organization with structured processes, extensive resources, and a significant global presence. Founded: 1865. Nokia has a long and rich history, evolving from its origins in pulp milling to become a major player in telecommunications, demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to innovation over time.

Team Structure:

• RFIC Design Team: Likely composed of engineers with specialized skills in analog/RF IC design, circuit simulation, layout, and verification. The team size would depend on project scope but typically ranges from 5-15 engineers for specialized groups.
• Reporting Structure: The RFIC Design Manager would likely report into a Director or VP of Engineering, overseeing a specific product line or technology area within the broader R&D organization.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: The team collaborates extensively with system architects, firmware engineers, software developers, test engineers, product marketing, and manufacturing teams to ensure cohesive product development.

Methodology:

• Agile/Scrum Principles: While not explicitly stated, modern engineering organizations often adopt agile methodologies for iterative development and rapid feedback loops.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using simulation data, test results, and performance metrics to inform design choices and problem-solving approaches.
• Stage-Gate Process: Product development may follow a structured stage-gate process, ensuring rigorous review and validation at key milestones.
• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages ongoing optimization of design processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency and product quality.

Company Website: https://www.nokia.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context provides a foundation for understanding the operational environment. Nokia's scale and history suggest a mature engineering operation with established processes, requiring leaders to navigate complex organizational structures and drive efficiency through collaboration and data.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Management/Leadership role within the engineering operations and product development function. It sits at the intersection of technical specialization and people management, requiring both deep technical understanding and strong leadership acumen. Reporting Structure: The Manager will report to a higher-level engineering director or vice president. They will lead a team of individual contributors (RFIC Design Engineers). This structure requires effective communication upwards and strong team management downwards. Operations Impact: The RFIC Design Manager has a direct impact on the performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of Nokia's high-speed communication products. Successful RFIC designs are critical for meeting product specifications, enabling new features, and maintaining Nokia's competitive position in the market. Their leadership directly influences the team's ability to deliver these critical components efficiently.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Leadership Expansion: Transition to a principal engineer role or a broader technical management position overseeing multiple design teams or technology areas.
• Product Line Management: Move into roles focused on the strategic direction of specific product lines, leveraging deep technical understanding.
• R&D Management Progression: Advance into higher levels of R&D management, potentially leading larger engineering departments or entire business units within Nokia.
• Specialized Expertise Development: Deepen expertise in emerging areas like advanced silicon photonics integration, next-generation modulation schemes, or AI-driven design optimization.
• Industry Engagement: Represent Nokia at industry conferences, contributing to standards bodies and shaping future technology directions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis highlights the strategic importance of this role within Nokia's R&D operations and outlines clear pathways for professional advancement, emphasizing both technical and leadership growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Professional office environment, likely within Nokia's R&D centers or corporate campuses. Expect a structured yet collaborative workspace designed for engineering and technical teams. Office Location(s): Switzerland. Specific locations might include major technology hubs where Nokia has a significant presence. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Access to meeting rooms, project rooms, and common areas designed to facilitate team discussions and cross-functional collaboration.
• Advanced Tools & Technology: State-of-the-art design and simulation tools, high-performance computing resources, and potentially access to lab facilities for testing and validation.
• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for direct interaction with the design team for technical reviews, problem-solving sessions, and mentorship. Interaction with other engineering disciplines and product management is also a key aspect. Work Schedule: Primarily an on-site role, adhering to standard business hours. While core hours are expected for team synchronicity, there may be flexibility to manage personal schedules, provided project deliverables and team coordination are maintained. This allows for focused work periods essential for complex design tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description focuses on the practical aspects of an on-site role in a large technology company, emphasizing collaboration, access to resources, and the typical structure of an engineering team's workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.
• Technical Interviews: Multiple rounds focusing on RFIC design principles, high-speed circuit design, CMOS/silicon photonics knowledge, and problem-solving abilities. These may involve whiteboarding or technical Q&A.
• Leadership & Management Interview: Assessment of leadership style, team management experience, mentoring approach, and conflict resolution skills.
• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the potential direct supervisor to evaluate technical depth, strategic thinking, and alignment with team goals.
• Cross-functional Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key collaborators (e.g., System Architects, Product Managers) to gauge collaboration skills and understanding of the broader product lifecycle.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (Director/VP) for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership in Design: Focus on how you led teams to achieve design goals, emphasizing your role in problem-solving, decision-making, and mentoring.
• Quantify Achievements: Use specific metrics for performance improvements (e.g., "reduced noise by 3dB," "increased data rate by 10%," "improved power efficiency by 15%").
• Showcase Process Adherence: Demonstrate understanding and application of structured design methodologies, simulation best practices, and verification strategies.
• Present System Context: Explain how your RFIC designs contributed to the overall performance and objectives of the optical communication systems.
• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss the technical details of your most significant projects in depth, including trade-offs and design choices.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical design challenges or troubleshooting scenarios typical of high-speed RFIC development. Think about potential issues with drivers, TIAs, or control loops.
• Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing underperforming team members, resolving technical disagreements, prioritizing projects, and motivating a team.
• Strategic Thinking: Consider how you would approach developing a new RFIC technology roadmap, managing resources, and staying ahead of industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process section provides tactical advice tailored to a management role in a technical field, emphasizing both technical depth and leadership capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• EDA Suites: Cadence Virtuoso, Spectre, Analog Design Environment (ADE), ADS (Advanced Design System), Synopsys, or similar for schematic capture, simulation, layout, and physical verification.
• Simulation & Modeling: SPICE simulators, electromagnetic (EM) simulators (e.g., HFSS, Momentum), behavioral modeling tools.
• Layout Tools: Cadence Virtuoso Layout Suite, or equivalent for IC layout and physical design.
• Verification Tools: Tools for functional verification, timing analysis, and design rule checking (DRC) / layout versus schematic (LVS).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Tools for analyzing simulation results, test data, and performance metrics (e.g., MATLAB, Python with libraries like NumPy/Pandas, JMP).
• Reporting & Dashboarding: Tools for creating technical reports and potentially dashboards to communicate team progress and design performance (e.g., Microsoft Excel, specialized reporting tools).

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project for task tracking, workflow management, and project scheduling.
• Version Control Systems: Git or similar for managing design files and code.
• Team Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Confluence for internal communication and knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Specific tools are crucial for operations roles. This section lists the typical EDA and project management tools expected for an RFIC Design Manager, providing candidates with a clear picture of the technology environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to high-quality design, rigorous verification, and efficient project delivery.
• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging novel approaches to solve complex technical problems and push the boundaries of communication technology.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support are paramount.
• Customer Focus: Understanding and addressing the needs of internal stakeholders (product management, system engineering) and ultimately the end customer by delivering high-performance products.
• Continuous Learning: A dedication to staying updated with the latest technologies, tools, and methodologies in RFIC design and optical communications.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with teams across R&D, product management, marketing, and manufacturing to ensure alignment and smooth product transitions.
• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and honest communication within the team and with stakeholders, including constructive feedback.
• Process-Oriented: Emphasizing well-defined processes for design, review, and problem-solving to ensure consistency and predictability.
• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Creating a culture where experienced engineers mentor junior members, and knowledge is shared freely to elevate the team's collective capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style highlight the operational ethos expected within Nokia's engineering teams, emphasizing performance, innovation, and teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the accelerating demands for higher bandwidth, lower latency, and improved power efficiency in optical communications requires constant learning and adaptation.
• Complex Design Integration: Ensuring seamless integration of RFICs with digital components, optical modules, and system-level architectures presents significant technical hurdles.
• Talent Acquisition & Retention: Attracting and retaining top RFIC design talent in a competitive market requires a strong leadership presence and a compelling work environment.
• Global Project Coordination: Managing projects and teams that may span different geographical locations and time zones adds complexity to communication and workflow.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to internal and external courses on cutting-edge RFIC design techniques, new semiconductor technologies, and advanced simulation methodologies.
• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to attend leading conferences (e.g., IEEE MTT-S, CSIC) to gain insights into emerging trends, network with peers, and present research.
• Leadership Development Programs: Nokia likely offers structured programs for developing management and leadership skills, focusing on strategy, people management, and operational excellence.
• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Opportunities to collaborate with and learn from experts in silicon photonics, signal processing, system architecture, and software development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges and growth opportunities provides candidates with a realistic outlook on the role and its developmental potential within Nokia's operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Strategy: "How would you approach designing a new high-speed driver for a 400Gbps optical link, considering trade-offs between speed, power, and linearity?" Focus on outlining a structured design process, simulation steps, and key performance targets.
• Team Management Strategy: "Describe a time you had to manage a team through a challenging project with tight deadlines. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" Be ready to discuss leadership, delegation, motivation, and problem-solving.
• Process Improvement Strategy: "If you identified inefficiencies in your team's design verification process, how would you go about implementing improvements?" Discuss methodologies like root cause analysis, stakeholder buy-in, and phased implementation.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Nokia's Role in 5G/6G: "How do you see RFIC design contributing to the advancement of future communication networks like 6G?" Show an understanding of Nokia's market position and technological vision.
• Team Dynamics: "What are the key elements of a high-performing RFIC design team, in your opinion?" Discuss collaboration, communication, technical expertise, and a shared sense of purpose.
• Impact Measurement: "How would you measure the success of your team and the impact of your RFIC designs on Nokia's product portfolio?" Focus on quantifiable metrics related to performance, yield, cost, and time-to-market.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly define the problem, your team's approach (including your managerial role), the solutions implemented, and the measurable results.
• Highlight Leadership Actions: Explicitly state your contributions as a leader – how you guided the team, made critical decisions, resolved conflicts, or fostered innovation.
• Visual Aids: Use diagrams, charts, and graphs to illustrate circuit schematics, simulation results, and performance comparisons. Keep slides clean and focused.
• Concise Storytelling: Practice presenting your key projects within a defined timeframe, ensuring clarity and impact. Be prepared to answer detailed technical questions about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section offers targeted advice for preparing for interviews, covering strategic questions, company knowledge, and effective portfolio presentation, all critical for a management role in operations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link.
• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights leadership experience, RFIC design expertise, team management accomplishments, and familiarity with relevant EDA tools and technologies. Quantify achievements wherever possible.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate specific examples of successful RFIC designs, team projects, and process improvements that showcase your leadership and technical capabilities. Be ready to discuss these in detail.
• Research Nokia: Understand Nokia's current product portfolio, strategic goals in optical communications, and recent technological advancements. Familiarize yourself with their company values and culture.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common behavioral and technical questions, focusing on demonstrating leadership, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of RFIC design principles and operations. Practice articulating your portfolio projects clearly and concisely.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.