Technical Lead, Signal Integrity

Your Job

As an SI Interconnect Engineer, you will work at the intersection of mechanical design and electrical performance. You will support the development of next-generation interconnect solutions (such as USB-C, HFM, and HS-Max) by using advanced 3D electromagnetic (EM) simulation tools and high-frequency lab equipment. Your goal is to ensure that Molex products maintain signal integrity across demanding automotive and data center environments.

 

Our Team

Molex CMS Networking team is a leader in Interconnect in providing connectivity solutions in Automotive industry in the area of high speed. In this role, you aren't just placing components; you are designing the components that make modern technology possible. You will gain exposure to:

• Automotive high-speed links (Self-driving car data backbones).
• Automotive Ethernet, Ser, Deser and other systems
• Complex Material Science (How different plastics and plating affect signals).

 

What You Will Do

3D EM Simulation & Modeling

• Full-Wave Modeling: Assist in creating high-fidelity 3D models of connectors and cable terminations using Ansys HFSS or CST Studio Suite.
• Virtual Prototyping: Run simulations to extract S-parameters and identify impedance discontinuities within the connector pin-field and mating interface.
• Optimization: Perform "what-if" analyses on mechanical variables (e.g., pin geometry, plastic dielectric constants, shield spacing) to optimize return loss and crosstalk.

Lab Validation & Characterization

• High-Frequency Measurement: Use Vector Network Analyzers (VNA) and Time Domain Reflectometers (TDR) to characterize physical prototypes up to 20 GHz or higher.
• Fixture De-embedding: Learn and apply de-embedding techniques (like AFR or TRL) to remove the effects of test boards, isolating the performance of the connector itself.
• Correlation: Compare lab measurement data against simulation models to validate accuracy and refine simulation methodologies.

Crosstalk Simulation & Discovery (Pre-Silicon/Pre-Layout)

• Aggressor-Victim Analysis: Use Ansys HFSS to perform "discovery" simulations identifying the most significant crosstalk contributors within a high-density pin array.
• NEXT/FEXT Modeling: Extract Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT) and Far-End Crosstalk (FEXT) S-parameters to determine the isolation levels between differential pairs.
• ICN Calculation: Calculate Integrated Crosstalk Noise (ICN) and Power Sum Crosstalk to evaluate total noise interference against IEEE 802.3 or OIF-CEI limit lines.
• Pin-Map Optimization: Based on crosstalk discovery, provide recommendations for optimized signal-to-ground ratios and pin-mapping (e.g., G-S-S-G patterns) to shield sensitive high-speed lines.

Crosstalk Validation (Lab/Post-Layout)

• Multi-Port Measurements: Utilize 4-port or 8-port Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs) to measure real-world crosstalk in physical prototypes and connector mating interfaces.
• Time Domain Analysis: Use TDR/TDT to locate the exact physical location of a crosstalk "hotspot" within a connector body or cable transition.
• Correlation: Document discrepancies between simulated crosstalk and measured crosstalk, investigating factors such as manufacturing tolerances in pin-to-pin spacing or plating consistency.

Data Analysis & Automation

• Scripting: Utilize Python or MATLAB to automate the processing of large Touchstone sNp file datasets.
• Compliance Testing: Analyze simulation and test results against industry standards such as IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet), USB4, or USCAR-2 specifications.

Documentation & Collaboration

• Technical Reports: Prepare professional SI reports summarizing performance vs. specifications for internal design reviews.
• Cross-Functional Support: Interface with Mechanical Engineers to explain how physical design changes impact electrical performance.

 

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• B.E/B.Tech in Electronics/Electrical Engineering, or pursuing a M.S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or Physics with coursework focused in Electromagnetics, Microwave Engineering, or Circuit Theory.
• 7-10 Years experience in Signal Integrity using Ansys HFSS or CST.
• Strong desire to understand the "why" behind signal degradation.
• Ability to translate complex EM concepts into actionable design advice for mechanical teams.

 

What Will Put You Ahead

• Understanding of transmission line theory, characteristic impedance and S-parameters.
• Exposure to Ansys HFSS, ADS, or Cadence Sigrity.
• Basic proficiency in programming such as Python (NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib) or MATLAB.
• Basic experience with oscilloscopes or VNAs is a significant plus.