Senior Principal RF Manager in Paignton

Join to apply for the Senior Principal RF Manager role at Oriole. We’re seeking a Senior Principal RF Manager to lead high-speed signal/RF interface design and verification for next-generation optical network platforms. You’ll own end-to-end RF architecture, compliance to OIF CEI specifications, simulation and modelling workflows (HFSS, S-parameter/IBIS), and partner/supplier technical engagement. This role blends hands-on technical leadership with strategic direction—ideal for someone who drives decisions through rigorous design, system-level thinking, and iterative, agile development practices. You will also champion innovation across teams, introducing new methodologies, tools, and design approaches that elevate performance and accelerate time-to-market.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the high-speed signal/RF interface design and verification across product lifecycle (concept → bring-up → validation) using ambitious design to refine architecture and converge quickly on design decisions.
• Ensure compliance with OIF Common Electrical Interface (CEI) specs and related standards across lanes and link budgets for modules and interface cards.
• Lead HFSS-based simulations, including transmission lines, transitions (vias, connectors), couplers, launch structures, and RF components.
• Develop and refine stack-up, routing, impedance targets, and de-embedding approaches for high-density boards.
• Define measurement plans and tolerance analyses to validate against spec and environmental/aging conditions.

RF Architecture, Design & Verification

• Collate and provide modelling inputs for optical network/system teams: generate/curate high-quality S-parameter (S4P) files and IBIS/IBIS-AMI models with proper documentation, corners, and validation checks.
• Promote innovative modelling automation and data-driven workflows that improve accuracy, repeatability, and productivity.

Test Structures & Evaluation

• Design and evaluate test structures to support product decisions and de-risk manufacturing.
• Create DOE plans, acceptance criteria, and analysis templates to accelerate iteration and convergence.
• Apply agile experimentation principles—rapid prototyping, short feedback loops, and adaptive test planning.

Supplier & Partner Engagement

• Lead supplier engagement for PCB materials (e.g., low-loss laminates), fabrication technologies (HDI, backdrilling, via-in-pad), and component selection (connectors, passives, RF components).
• Act as the technical interface to third-party development partners on RF requirements, verification methodologies, and deliverables.
• Introduce innovative approaches to supplier collaboration, enabling early risk visibility and accelerated co-development.

Team Collaboration & Electro-Mechanical Integration

• Collaborate with mechanical, packaging, optics, and firmware teams to co-optimize electromechanical designs (thermal relief, keepouts, connector placement, EMI/EMC mitigations).
• Contribute to DFM/DFT practices and testability of RF paths.

Leadership & Governance

• Provide technical mentoring to one to three direct reports and broader team members.
• Establish engineering standards, checklists, and review gates for RF design and verification.
• Report against deliverables and provide mitigation strategies.
• Own risk registers, mitigation plans, and clear communication of trade-offs to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 10–15+ years in RF/high-speed digital design (SerDes, PAM4/NRZ, up to 56–224G lanes) with a delivery track record.
• Deep expertise in electromagnetic simulation (HFSS) for transmission lines, launch/transition optimization, and component modelling.
• Strong knowledge of OIF-CEI electrical specs and compliance methodologies.
• Proficiency with S-parameter generation/processing (S4P), IBIS/IBIS-AMI, and model correlation to lab results.
• Hands-on experience with VNA, TDR, high-bandwidth scopes, and fixture/de-embedding techniques (TRL/SOLT, time gating).
• Experience collaborating with PCB fabricators on materials (e.g., Megtron, Tachyon, I-Speed), stack-ups, via strategies, and manufacturing constraints.
• Excellent communication skills for cross-functional leadership and partner engagement.
• Exposure to optical transceiver modules (QSFPDD/OSFP, Co-packaged Optics) and backplane/interconnect design.

Accelerating AI in a Low Carbon World – Oriole Networks is a photonic networking company, developing disruptive technologies for AI/ML and HPC networking that will revolutionise data centres.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Engineering and Information Technology

Industries: Computer Networking Products