Research Scientist – High-Frequency Signal Integrity (SI) at Mycronic in Macclesfield, GBR

Job description

• Do you want to be part of an organization on the cutting edge of technology?
• We're looking for talented people to join our motivated and friendly team. We have an open, collaborative, and flexible environment. You'll work alongside leading industry experts and take on challenging projects that bring tomorrow's electronics to life. If you want to make a difference, are an effective communicator, love a good challenge, and easily embrace change, your next career adventure awaits!
• RoBAT Ltd. is a subsidiary of Mycronic, a global technology leader with a market valuation of approximately £3 billion. Based at our headquarters in Macclesfield, Cheshire, we have a talented, multi-disciplined, dynamic team designing and manufacturing high-value robotic machines for testing PCBs (printed circuit boards). By joining RoBAT Ltd. you are part of any organization that is a growing and innovative company where your contributions will truly make a difference. You will have the ability to work in a hands-on role that offers a variety of challenges with a friendly and supportive team with a shared commitment to quality and excellence.
• This is an opportunity to join a new technology venture within an established engineering organisation.
• We are developing the next generation of PCB test equipment designed to transform the way circuit boards are validated in manufacturing. By combining innovative technologies and advanced automation, we aim to deliver a step change in test capability, efficiency, and quality while creating a future significant new business opportunity.
• The role
• Technical adviser to the business manager, requires an overarching view of whole system but with a more specific focus on Signal Integrity.
• We are seeking a Research Scientist to join a small, dedicated team and lead our next-generation high-frequency signal integrity initiatives. You will bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical implementation, with the ability to take lab level SI requirements (VNA SParameter limits) and apply them to real world production level environments.

Responsibilities

• Interpret customer needs into technical feasibility and lead the understanding of this to the technical team
• Design and execute testing protocols using Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs) and Time-Domain Reflectometers (TDRs).
• Develop advanced simulation workflows to analyse insertion loss, return loss, crosstalk, and jitter.
• Optimize physical architectures including microstrips, strip lines, vias, and high-density interconnects (HDI).
• Publish research findings and draft patent applications for novel techniques.

Requirements

• Education & Experience
• D. or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 3 years of academic or industrial research focused on signal integrity (SI).
• Simulation and Hardware Measurement: Proven experience with high-frequency lab equipment up to 50 GHz and beyond.
• Core Knowledge: Strong grasp of transmission line theory, S-parameters, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
• Experience with 112G/224G PAM4 signalling architectures.
• Knowledge of advanced PCB materials, substrate loss characteristics, and manufacturing limitations.
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for automated data analysis and simulation scripting.
• PCB manufacturing or electronic assembly
• Electrical testing of PCBs
• Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR)
• Signal integrity
• High-speed digital electronics
• Robotics and motion control
• Machine vision
• Precision metrology
• Automated test equipment (ATE)

Skills

Required

• Signal integrity (SI) research
• Transmission line theory
• S-parameters
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
• Simulation workflows
• Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs)
• Time-Domain Reflectometers (TDRs)

Preferred

• 112G/224G PAM4 signalling architectures
• PCB manufacturing or electronic assembly
• Electrical testing of PCBs
• Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR)
• High-speed digital electronics
• Robotics and motion control
• Machine vision
• Precision metrology

Benefits

• Define a category-leading product.
• Work with a highly experienced multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Influence technology strategy from day one.
• Join a start-up culture backed by an established engineering company.
• Competitive salary.
• Performance bonus.
• Pension scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Professional development and training.
• International exposure with customers and co-workers located around the globe.