RF Frequency Synthesis Architect

About Tacit

We are an early-stage, deep tech startup based in San Francisco, developing innovative hardware that rethinks human-computer interaction. We are backed by General Catalyst, Khosla Ventures, and Greylock Partners, with a founding team from Stanford, BrainGate, Oculus, and Tesla. While we can’t reveal too much just yet, our team is tackling cutting-edge engineering challenges to bring revolutionary products to life.

About the role

We are seeking an RF Frequency Synthesis Architect to design and advance our next generation RF signal synthesis architectures. The ideal candidate has strong expertise in PLLs, synthesizers, oscillators, LO generation, phase-noise optimization, and low-power frequency-generation techniques, with experience spanning RFIC, package, module, and integrated RF hardware platforms.

What you'll do

• Design and develop power efficient advanced RF frequency synthesis architectures.

• Improve phase noise, jitter, spurs, harmonics, frequency stability, spectral purity, and power efficiency.

• Evaluate and compare PLL, VCO, DCOs, oscillator, LC resonator and alternative frequency-generation approaches across power, phase noise, tuning agility, integration complexity, and scalability.

• Conduct RF simulation, modeling, and system-level tradeoff analysis.

• Support architecture selection, component evaluation, debugging, validation, and prototype integration.

• Guide implementation across RFIC, package, laminate, module, and dense RF hardware integration environments.

• Collaborate with RF, hardware, firmware, and systems teams to optimize RF performance.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Microwave Engineering, or related field.

• 5+ years of experience in RF frequency synthesis, or advanced RF system design.

• Strong understanding of:

  • Frequency synthesis architectures

  • PLL and VCO design

  • Oscillator theory

  • RF/microwave fundamentals

  • Phase-noise and jitter optimization

• Experience with RF design and simulation tools such as: ADS, Cadence, AWR, LTspice, CST or HFSS.

• Experience with RFIC/IC design and SoC, package, module, or dense RF hardware integration.

• Strong analytical, debugging, and system-level problem-solving skills.

Strong candidates may have

• Experience with alternative frequency-generation techniques beyond conventional PLL-based synthesis, including injection-locked oscillators (ILO), digitally assisted synthesis, DDS-based approaches, Delay-Line oscillator, open loop, oscillator-based, ADPLL/DCO architectures, or hybrid frequency-generation techniques.

• Experience with radar, sensing technologies, or mixed-signal systems.

• Experience developing novel RF architectures or advanced low power wide band signal-generation techniques.

• Publications, patents, or research contributions related to RF frequency synthesis or oscillator technologies.

Compensation Range

$150,000 - $200,000/year

Benefits

• Competitive equity package

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Company size: 20-30 people

• Unlimited PTO

• Visa sponsorship

• 3% 401k matching