SI Interconnect Co-op

Your Job

As an SI Interconnect Intern, you will work at the intersection of mechanical design and electrical performance. You will support the development of next-generation interconnect solutions (such as USB-C, HFM, and HS-Max) by using advanced 3D electromagnetic (EM) simulation tools and high-frequency lab equipment. Your goal is to ensure that Molex products maintain signal integrity across demanding automotive and data center environments.

Our Team

Molex CMS Networking team is a leader in Interconnect in providing connectivity solutions in Automotive industry in the area of high speed. In this role, you aren't just placing components; you are designing the components that make modern technology possible. You will gain exposure to:

• Automotive high-speed links (Self-driving car data backbones).
• Automotive Ethernet, Ser, Deser and other systems
• Complex Material Science (How different plastics and plating affect signals).

What You Will Do

3D EM Simulation & Modeling

• Full-Wave Modeling: Assist in creating high-fidelity 3D models of connectors and cable terminations using Ansys HFSS or CST Studio Suite.
• Virtual Prototyping: Run simulations to extract S-parameters and identify impedance discontinuities within the connector pin-field and mating interface.
• Optimization: Perform "what-if" analyses on mechanical variables (e.g., pin geometry, plastic dielectric constants, shield spacing) to optimize return loss and crosstalk.

• High-Frequency Measurement: Use Vector Network Analyzers (VNA) and Time Domain Reflectometers (TDR) to characterize physical prototypes up to 20 GHz or higher.
• Fixture De-embedding: Learn and apply de-embedding techniques (like AFR or TRL) to remove the effects of test boards, isolating the performance of the connector itself.
• Correlation: Compare lab measurement data against simulation models to validate accuracy and refine simulation methodologies.

• Aggressor-Victim Analysis: Use Ansys HFSS to perform "discovery" simulations identifying the most significant crosstalk contributors within a high-density pin array.
• NEXT/FEXT Modeling: Extract Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT) and Far-End Crosstalk (FEXT) S-parameters to determine the isolation levels between differential pairs.
• ICN Calculation: Calculate Integrated Crosstalk Noise (ICN) and Power Sum Crosstalk to evaluate total noise interference against IEEE 802.3 or OIF-CEI limit lines.
• Pin-Map Optimization: Based on crosstalk discovery, provide recommendations for optimized signal-to-ground ratios and pin-mapping (e.g., G-S-S-G patterns) to shield sensitive high-speed lines.

• Multi-Port Measurements: Utilize 4-port or 8-port Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs) to measure real-world crosstalk in physical prototypes and connector mating interfaces.
• Time Domain Analysis: Use TDR/TDT to locate the exact physical location of a crosstalk "hotspot" within a connector body or cable transition.
• Correlation: Document discrepancies between simulated crosstalk and measured crosstalk, investigating factors such as manufacturing tolerances in pin-to-pin spacing or plating consistency.

• Scripting: Utilize Python or MATLAB to automate the processing of large Touchstone sNp file datasets.
• Compliance Testing: Analyze simulation and test results against industry standards such as IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet), USB4, or USCAR-2 specifications.

• Technical Reports: Prepare professional SI reports summarizing performance vs. specifications for internal design reviews.
• Cross-Functional Support: Interface with Mechanical Engineers to explain how physical design changes impact electrical performance.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• Currently pursuing a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or Physics with coursework focused in Electromagnetics, Microwave Engineering, or Circuit Theory.
• Strong desire to understand the "why" behind signal degradation.
• Ability to translate complex EM concepts into actionable design advice for mechanical teams.

What Will Put You Ahead

• Understanding of transmission line theory, characteristic impedance and S-parameters.
• Exposure to Ansys HFSS, ADS, or Cadence Sigrity.
• Basic proficiency in programming such as Python (NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib) or MATLAB.
• Basic experience with oscilloscopes or VNAs is a significant plus.

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.

Hiring Philosophy

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here.

Who We Are

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Our Benefits

Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.

Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.

Equal Opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here, aqui, or tu).