Hardware Applications Engineer at NXP Semiconductors in San Jose, CA

Location: San Jose, CA. Seeking local candidates only.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with IC design, systems, FW, and test teams to translate field issues and customer requirements into product improvements and new features.
• Review customer schematics and layouts for signal‑integrity and power‑integrity best practices (impedance control, terminations, return paths, via design, reference plane strategy).
• Assist board‑level bring‑up and validation using oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers; generate test reports and recommendations.
• Develop automation scripts to support the evaluation and testing of NXP reference designs and evaluation boards
• Participate in on‑site or remote debug support for complex customer issues.
• Develop and maintain application collateral: reference designs, layout guidelines, design checklists, characterization reports, application notes, training materials.
• Support demo setup preparation for trade shows and provide FAE training

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer/Electrical Engineering
• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a Hardware Applications Engineer, Hardware Design Engineer, or Systems Validation Engineer. Ideal candidate will have no more than 5 years experience for this role.
• Familiarity with high-speed data communication protocols and interfaces, including Ethernet networking and switching, MIPI CSI-2, and display protocols (DP/eDP).
• Strong understanding of high‑speed SerDes fundamentals, including channel loss, reflections, return loss, insertion loss, ISI, jitter, equalization, and clocking.
• Hands‑on experience using lab equipment, including high‑bandwidth oscilloscopes, TDR, VNA, BERT, protocol analyzers, logic analyzers, and related tools.
• Experience with high-speed signal PCB design considerations, including layer stack‑up, routing constraints, differential pairs, reference planes, decoupling, and power delivery.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex technical topics to both expert and non‑technical audiences.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with global, cross‑functional teams (design, systems, test, marketing, and field applications).

The base salary range for this position is as mentioned below per year. We also provide competitive benefits, incentive compensation, and/or equity for certain roles. Company benefits include health. dental, and vision insurance. 401(k), and paid leave. Please note that the base salary range (OR hourly rate) is a guideline, and individual total compensation may vary based on a number of factors such as qualifications, skill level, work location, and other business and organizational needs. This base pay range is specific to California and is not applicable to other locations. A reasonable estimate of the base salary range as of the date of this posting is: $114,400 to $157,300 annually

More information about NXP in the United States...

NXP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer regardless of age, color, national origin, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, status as a disabled veteran and/or veteran of the Vietnam Era or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, NXP will provide reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified disabled individuals.

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