At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our RF Systems team to analyse and validate advanced wireless products.
- Company: Qualcomm, a leader in wireless technology innovation.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to cutting-edge RF technologies.
- Other info: Collaborate with experienced engineers in a dynamic lab environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact on real-world wireless systems while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Studying towards a Master's in Electrical or Communications Engineering with RF interest.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
We are looking for a creative, hands-on and self-motivated intern to join our Cambridge RF Systems team for a summer placement. The successful candidate will work on RF system analysis, system and cell validation and performance optimization for advanced wireless products, with particular focus on WLAN and Bluetooth radio systems. The project will provide exposure to the complete RF development process, from system-level modelling and performance analysis through to laboratory measurements and silicon bring-up/debug.
The internship may involve analysis of key RF performance metrics such as transmit power, EVM, spectral performance, receiver sensitivity, gain, noise, frequency accuracy, LO performance and RF impairments. MATLAB and/or Python will be used for data analysis, modelling and automation. A significant part of the placement will involve practical RF measurements in our Cambridge RF laboratory using state-of-the-art RF test equipment. The intern will have the opportunity to compare measured silicon performance against system expectations, investigate performance limitations and contribute to the development of measurement and debug methodologies.
Skills / Experience
- Good understanding of analogue/RF circuits and basic communication-system concepts.
- Familiarity with RF concepts such as gain, noise, modulation, frequency response and signal spectra.
- Experience with MATLAB, Python or a similar technical computing environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Interest in practical laboratory-based engineering.
Desirable but not essential:
- Knowledge of wireless communication systems such as WLAN, Bluetooth, cellular or similar technologies.
- Familiarity with concepts such as EVM, IQ imbalance, LO leakage, phase noise, receiver sensitivity and RF calibration.
- Experience using RF laboratory equipment such as spectrum analysers, signal generators, vector signal analysers or oscilloscopes.
- Experience with automated data analysis or measurement scripting.
Responsibilities
This is a summer placement of fixed duration. The successful candidate will work under the guidance of experienced RF Systems engineers and will contribute to an active wireless RF development project. Typical activities may include:
- LO/TX/RX such as measuring TX Power, LO Phase Noise/Spurs or Receive NF and comparing against expected system behaviour.
- Performing system-level modelling and RF performance analysis.
- Developing Python or MATLAB scripts for measurement automation, data processing and visualization.
- Supporting debug, RF calibration, characterization and validation activities.
- Documenting measurement methods, results, conclusions and recommendations so that the work can be reused by the wider engineering team.
The placement will provide practical experience of RF system engineering and the development and validation of complex wireless products, while working alongside experienced RF, analogue, digital and validation engineers.
Education Requirements
Currently studying towards Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Communications Engineering or a closely related discipline. Students with particular interest in RF engineering, wireless communications, signal processing or RF measurement and validation are encouraged to apply.
FY27 Intern - RF Systems & Cell Validation Engineering - 6 months, Cambridge employer: Qualcomm
Qualcomm Technologies International Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to extensive training and development opportunities while working in a vibrant EMEA region that encourages strategic partnerships and impactful sales initiatives. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your contributions and supports your career aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FY27 Intern - RF Systems & Cell Validation Engineering - 6 months, Cambridge
✨Get Involved in Engineering Societies
Join local engineering societies or student chapters; they often have networking events and workshops tailored for internship seekers. It's a great way to meet professionals and get insider tips on which companies, like Qualcomm, are hiring!
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Make the most of your university's career fairs! These events often feature companies looking specifically for interns, and they give us the chance to make a direct impression on recruiters from places like Qualcomm. Bring your best elevator pitch and showcase your enthusiasm!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure to create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing any relevant projects you’ve worked on, whether it's uni assignments or personal projects. This visual representation will help you stand out during interviews or casual chats with engineers from Qualcomm!
✨Leverage Internships to Build Skills
Don't just aim for any internship; seek out those that allow you to learn and grow. Even roles at startups can offer hands-on experience that's invaluable. We should focus on companies like Qualcomm that may have rotational internship programmes, providing us with diverse experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace FY27 Intern - RF Systems & Cell Validation Engineering - 6 months, Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In the engineering world, we want to see your technical skills front and centre. When you’re crafting your CV, highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or software you’ve used. If you’ve got experience with CAD programs or any engineering software, make sure to mention that to grab our attention!
Tailor Your Motivation in the Cover Letter:This internship is all about learning and growth, so let us know why you're excited about this opportunity at Qualcomm. Your cover letter should reflect your passion for engineering and willingness to learn — share what makes us the perfect place for you to dip your toes into the industry!
Include Relevant Academic Projects:If you've completed any engineering projects, whether in class or on your own time, showcase those in your application. We love to see practical experience, even if it’s from school! Detail what you did, what techniques you used, and any challenges you faced. This shows us you can apply your knowledge in real-world situations.
Keep it Clear and Concise:When you're applying for an internship, we know it can be tempting to cram every detail into your CV or cover letter. But keep it clear and to the point! One page for your CV is usually enough — highlight the most relevant bits and make sure your passion for engineering shines through without any fluff.
How to prepare for a job interview at Qualcomm
✨Brush Up on Technical Fundamentals
For an engineering internship like the one at Qualcomm, it’s essential to have a solid grasp of core principles. Expect technical questions that test your understanding of basic engineering concepts. We recommend revising key topics relevant to the role and finding some example problems to solve ahead of time.
✨Show Your Passion for Engineering
During the interview, we should communicate our enthusiasm for engineering and the specific area you're applying to. Share any projects, coursework, or experiences that fuelled your interest. Companies like Qualcomm often look for candidates who not only have the skills but also a genuine passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Be ready for situational questions that probe your problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. You might be asked how you would approach a specific engineering challenge or design a solution to a hypothetical problem relevant to the industry. Think through a few scenarios before going in, as these can really demonstrate your thought process.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Internships often involve collaboration, so we should be prepared to discuss our experiences working in teams. Have examples ready where you've worked as part of a group on projects, whether in a school setting or during co-curricular activities. This will show Qualcomm that we understand the importance of collaboration in engineering.
