Staff Communication Systems Engineer

The Communication Systems (ComSys) group at MaxLinear designs and develops advanced signal processing and communication algorithms that power Wireless, Wireline, and Optical Communication ICs. As a Communication Systems Staff Engineer, you will be responsible for architecture definition, algorithm development, and system-level validation of high‑performance communication systems, working closely with RTL, firmware, RF, and validation teams to take concepts from theory to silicon.

• Design and analyze DSP and digital communication algorithms for broadband, datacom, and optical communication systems
• Develop bit‑accurate system models using C++ / MATLAB / Octave and validate performance against standards and requirements
• Translate algorithmic concepts into specifications suitable for RTL and firmware implementation
• Perform system‑level simulations including channel models, RF impairments, and PHY/MAC interactions
• Support labs bring‑up, characterization, and debug using spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and evaluation platforms
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and participate in architecture reviews and design tradeoffs

• Strong foundation in Digital Signal Processing and Digital Communications
• Hands‑on experience translating concepts into C++ / MATLAB / Octave simulations
• Proficiency with Linux environments and scripting tools
• Familiarity with RTL/Firmware constraints and system‑to‑implementation handoff
• M.S. with 2-4 years of relevant experience, or PhD with strong applied research background

Preferred Experience

• Modem design (wired, wireless, or optical)
• Resampling, filtering, and signal conditioning
• Error‑correction coding (e.g., LDPC, Turbo, RS)
• PHY/MAC interaction or MAC protocol design
• QoS mechanisms in packet‑switched networks
• RF Impairment and calibration algorithms - blind algorithms for tracking these impairments, like BSS
• Python‑based modeling (NumPy, SciPy, scripting)

MaxLinear is a global, NASDAQ-traded company (MXL) where the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. We are a fabless system-on-chip product company, striving to improve the world’s communication networks for everyone through our highly integrated radio-frequency (RF), analog, digital, and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions for access and connectivity, wired and wireless infrastructure, and industrial and multi-market applications.

We hire the best people in the industry and engage them in some of the most exciting opportunities that connect the world we live in today. Our growth has come from innovative, bold approaches to solving some of the world’s most challenging communication technology problems in the most efficient and effective manner.

MaxLinear began by developing the world’s first high-performance TV tuner chip using standard CMOS process technology. Others said we couldn’t achieve the extremely high-performance requirements using CMOS, but we proved them wrong and achieved enduring global market leadership with our designs. Since then, we’ve developed a full line of products that drive 4G and 5G infrastructure; enable data center, metro and long-haul optical interconnects; bring 10Gbit to the home; power the IoT revolution; and enable robust and reliable communication in harsh industrial environments. Over the years, we’ve expanded through organic growth and through several acquisitions that have perfectly complemented our existing portfolio and enabled us to deliver complete end-to-end solutions in our target markets. One such example was the acquisition of Intel’s Home Gateway Platform Division that added Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Broadband Gateway Processor SoC technology to our connected home portfolio creating a complete and scalable platform of connectivity and access solutions to fully address our customers’ needs.

Our headquarters are in Carlsbad, near San Diego, California. We also have major design centers in Irvine and San Jose, California; Valencia, Spain; Bangalore, India; Munich, Germany; Israel; and Singapore.

We have approximately 1,200 employees, a substantial majority of whom have engineering degrees and include masters and Ph.D. graduates from many of the premiere universities around the world. Our employees thrive on innovation, outstanding execution, outside-the-box thinking, nimbleness, and collaboration. Together, we form a high-energy business team that is focused on building the best and most innovative products on the market.