Circuit Engineer Position for Mixed-Signal CMOS & MEMS Job in Ardmore 73401, Oklahoma Us
This individual will be part of a team working on developing an exciting new approach to infrared focal plane arrays (FPAs). These FPAs are based on a new type of micromachined infrared sensor with incorporated nanostructures that improve the performance of uncooled FPAs by an order of magnitude. Initially infrared detectors will be developed and fabricated in small arrays on a plain silicon wafer and packaged with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) devices in a vacuum bottle. Larger arrays will be developed using the exact approach used for these small arrays. The larger array will be a monolithic silicon device/MEMS with infrared detectors, readout circuits, signal conditioning circuits, timing generation circuits, TV-type video generation circuits and video drivers for LCD panels. Those larger arrays will be devices made using standard CMOS foundry processes with a few MEMS steps added to complete the 3D detector structures. The starting point for these larger arrays will be a complex mixed-signal CMOS device with submicron portions of detectors. Portions of the 3D detector elements in the nano region must be mapped into and fabricated as part of the CMOS process.
The CMOS Circuit Engineer will review elements used in the existing prototype detector and work with a recent PhD engineer on developing circuit detailed analog models in versions of SPICE and Cadence as needed. Processes used to make the prototype detector are non-standard in both materials and processing steps but the circuit functions are generally independent of materials. A parallel position at Amethyst of a device-process engineer will be redeveloping the device and processes to fit standard CMOS foundry processes. The CMOS Circuit Engineer will work with that device-process engineer to make models of the sensor device and used those models to design the interface circuits. Initial devices will be made using a CMOS foundry and the CMOS Circuit Engineer is expected to be familiar with circuit performance of foundry processes of 120nm and smaller at one or more MOSIS foundries. This project is expected to result in technological, performance and cost breakthroughs for uncooled far-infrared, mid-infrared and near-infrared sensors providing advantages in mass market production.
The ideal candidate will bring 15+ years of fast paced company experience in analog and mixed-signal circuit design and device development. Simulations using Cadence and one or more versions of SPICE along with deep experience in foundry processes at 90nm, 65nm or smaller are essential. Knowledge and experience with production of analog and mixed-signal CMOS semiconductors related to low-noise circuits and ultra low-power circuits is important. This candidate is expected to provide guidance to recent engineering graduates based on extensive practical CMOS production experience as well as circuit testing. He/She will also be responsible for guiding less experienced PhD engineers at Amethyst Research Inc. (Amethyst) in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Amethyst is a world leader in high-performance infrared sensors and has sensor-related contracts with government agencies. Amethyst has specialized semiconductor equipment on site to invent, develop, analyze and test leading-edge infrared materials and processes. These advanced materials will not be used in this new infrared focal plane array.
This position is for a CMOS Circuit Engineer based at Amethyst to lead development on multiple contracts. The candidate must be able to interface well with various customers and provide quality technological presentations and reports. Candidates should have knowledge of CMOS camera sensors along with some experience with 90nm-65nm foundry processes and device libraries and be able to design circuits that can be readily produced in major foundries.
Tasks may include the following:
· Quickly understand unusual devices and 3D structures and map that device to a CMOS circuit model.
· Be able to direct the design of small signal COTS detector interface circuits using discrete chips in a prototype.
· Perform detailed analog and mixed-signal CMOS circuit design using SPICE and Cadence EDA tools.
· Oversee the design/development of EDA/CAD masks and quickly troubleshoot prototypes and correct circuit issues.
· Develop approaches to convert prototypes to production sensors using CMOS substrates from 3rd party suppliers
· Create detailed specifications of sensor and sensor interfaces suitable for foundry price quotes.
Basic Qualifications:
· Required Education: BS with 15+ years of company experience with at least10+ years analog/mixed-signal CMOS circuit along with understanding of CMOS foundry processes such as TSMC or Chartered.
· Hands on experience in CMOS company for circuit and device design, development and testing with responsibility to lead or be the sole developer of a CMOS product that has achieved production with high yield.
· Foundry relationship management for production and yield improvement.
· Knowledge of analog and CMOS camera foundry processes and device libraries at TSMC, UMC, Chartered and IBM.
· Able to interface with experts in device-process design, optical design, MEMS design and MEMS production
· Prior success to create quality proposals, reports and presentations suitable to win government contracts
· Track record presenting technological information to groups and communicating orally and in written form.
· US citizenship and no impediments to obtain a US government Dept. of Defense security clearance.
Additional Qualifications Desired:
· Developed mixed-signal CMOS and MEMS processes-devices-circuits currently in mass production
· Knowledge of infrared sensing techniques, focal plane arrays and low-noise electronics
· Knowledge of production and test processes for microstructures and device characterization
· Participated in the design of a CMOS camera chip used in a digital camera.
· A prior US government security clearance.
Submit CV or resume to careers@amethystresearch.com
www.amethystresearch.com