Design Automation Co-Op (Jan-Dec 2027)

Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Electrical Engineering student to join our Ottawa design team as a Design Automation Co-Op. This position focuses on developing Python-based automation and optimization tools for RF circuit and electromagnetic design.

The successful candidate will work closely with experienced RF engineers to improve and accelerate design workflows. Projects may include developing optimization tools, automating circuit and electromagnetic simulation software, and generating parameterized RF structures such as inductors, baluns, and hybrid couplers.

The circuits and components supported by these tools are used in wireless devices and products that people rely on every day. This position provides an opportunity to combine software development, RF engineering, electromagnetic theory, mathematics, optimization, and machine learning while contributing tools that can be used directly by the design team.

This is a full-time, 12-month co-op position requiring onsite work in Ottawa (Jan - Dec 2027).

Responsibilities

• Develop Python code for RF circuit optimization and RF design automation.
• Automate design and simulation workflows involving tools such as Cadence Virtuoso, Spectre, Allegro APD, Ansys HFSS, and Keysight ADS.
• Create tools that generate parameterized RF structures such as inductors, baluns, and hybrid couplers.
• Develop software for launching simulations, processing results, and evaluating designs against performance targets.
• Build or apply optimization, statistical, and machine learning methods for design-space exploration and circuit tuning.
• Investigate practical applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in RF product development workflows.
• Use AI-assisted coding tools, where appropriate, to accelerate software development, testing, debugging, and documentation.
• Validate automated results using circuit and electromagnetic simulations.
• Apply good software-development practices, including version control, modular design, testing, and code review.
• Document code, technical decisions, and engineering workflows to support future use and scalability.
• Present project plans, demonstrations, technical findings, and progress updates to the design team.

Required Experience and Skills

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. program in Electrical Engineering.
• Strong Python programming skills.
• Solid understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals, including circuit analysis.
• Solid mathematical foundation, including linear algebra, complex numbers, and numerical or optimization methods.
• Familiarity with RF concepts and experience with at least one circuit simulation tool, such as ADS, Spectre, or similar software.
• Interest or experience in machine learning, numerical optimization, or scientific computing.
• Strong analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to learn unfamiliar engineering concepts and software tools.
• Ability to communicate technical results clearly and document software and workflows effectively.
• Ability to work full-time onsite in Ottawa for the entire 12-month co-op term.

Desired Experience and Skills

• Coursework or experience in electromagnetic theory, RF engineering, microwave engineering, or analog circuit design.
• Experience automating CAD, EDA, circuit simulation, or electromagnetic simulation workflows.
• Experience with tools such as Cadence Virtuoso, Spectre, Allegro APD, Ansys HFSS, or Keysight ADS.
• Familiarity with RF passive components such as inductors, baluns, couplers, or matching networks.
• Knowledge of numerical optimization, statistical modelling, surrogate modelling, or machine learning.
• Experience with Git or another version-control system.
• Experience with scientific Python libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, pandas, scikit-learn, or Matplotlib.
• Experience with automated testing, API integration, data processing, or software development in a team environment.
• Experience processing, visualizing, or interpreting circuit or electromagnetic simulation data.