Electrical Engineer, Analog/RF Layout Engineer

Who we are:

Arena is on a mission to accelerate hardware innovation that powers human progress. Our name is inspired by Theodore Roosevelt's 'Citizenship in a Republic' speech. To us, entering the Arena means committing fully and accepting the risk of failure in pursuit of an audacious, worthy cause. We believe the future belongs to those brave enough to build it.

Our team of 50 combines AI engineering, applied physics and Electrical Engineering expertise with deep experience in enterprise deployments. We're headquartered in NYC with presences in San Francisco and Los Angeles, backed by $62M from Initialized, Founders Fund, Goldcrest Capital, Fifth Down Capital, and Shield Capital.

If you're ready to do the most important work of your career, join us in the Arena.

What we do:

At Arena, we're building foundational intelligence for modern hardware. Our AI platform Atlas operationalizes physics-grounded intelligence to verify, debug, and optimize hardware across its lifecycle. Atlas is already trusted globally by the world's most advanced hardware companies, including AMD and Bausch & Lomb, for applications across R&D, integration testing, production assembly, and field repair.

About the role:

As an Electrical Engineer specializing in Analog/RF Layout, you will focus on real-world analog and RFIC development and develop/verify product features that feed into Atlas-based acceleration. Your work will include layout of ICs in advanced CMOS and BiCMOS process nodes, starting with building blocks and going all the way to IC topcell-level verification. You will be part of tapeouts that target high-performance analog/RFICs with validated design flows — all in pursuit of redefining hardware innovation.

How you will contribute:

Build test automation capabilities for Atlas - Lead test plan strategy and methodology definition for new modules and features within Atlas, owning the quality bar from component level to full system, with a focus on product performance, safety, reliability, risk mitigation, FMEA coverage, and schedule.

Bring PCB design expertise - Work with tools like Altium and Cadence OrCAD to support integrations and workflows into Atlas.

Support Design Teams - Work with Engineering Design teams on DFT (design for test) and participate in Design Reviews.

Build test automation hardware platforms - Design and implement next generation test automation hardware systems to facilitate fast and repeatable testing of product. Assist in purchasing, build, integration and final commissioning of functional testers.

Develop test procedures and automation scripts -  Implement automated validation from component level to system level using Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, and similar tools

Perform hands-on testing - Take measurements in the lab, analyze test data, and communicate results clearly to drive design and product improvements

Automate test workflows at scale  -  Convert best-practice test automation processes into reusable templates and Atlas features in close partnership with our software engineering team

Support forward-deployed engineering - Embed with customers when needed to diagnose real hardware issues, understand their processes and workflows, and feed learnings back into the platform

Travel domestically and internationally (up to 25% of your time)

Work in person at Arena's NYC headquarters when not traveling

You Have:

• 5+ years of professional experience as an test automation electrical engineer working in industry, ideally at a frontier hardware or aerospace company
• Test automation expertise — Serve as the domain expert and primary collaborator with software engineering and ML teams working on building AI systems that understand EE
• Experience with computer hardware communication bus protocols: USB, I2C, I2S, CSI, Ethernet, SPI, PCIe, HDMI, CAN, serial comms, etc
• PCBA Design Expertise - Experience with PCB design tools such as Altium and Cadence ORCAD.
• Measurement Expertise -Experience with analog, mixed-signal, high-speed and RF measurements including Network Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers, Signal Generators, Oscilloscopes, Power Meters etc.
• Strong communication — You can explain complex physical behavior clearly, write structured technical reports, and align cross-functional teams around root causes and next steps.

Benefits & Perks Include:

• 100% of the monthly premium for Aetna medical insurance, plus vision and dental coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Unlimited PTO
• Lunch every day from local restaurants via Sharebite
• Relocation support provided 

The base salary range for this position is $130,000 - $175,000 yr. However, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to base salary, we also offer competitive equity and benefits packages.

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.