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Antenna Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Role Specter is hiring an Antenna and RF Hardware Design Engineer to own the antenna and RF hardware design that sets the ceiling on our deployment range, capacity, and sectorization geometry.

RF Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

The Role Specter is hiring an Antenna and RF Hardware Design Engineer to own the antenna and RF hardware design that sets the ceiling on our deployment range, capacity, and sectorization geometry.

Lead Antenna Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA

$108K - $143K/yr

As the Lead Antenna Engineer at Impulse , your core responsibility will be to lead a team designing ... You will own the antenna design lifecycle from initial design inception through prototype and ...

Lead Antenna Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

Lead Antenna Engineer Department: Avionics Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach ... You will own the antenna design lifecycle from initial design inception through prototype and ...

Lead Antenna Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

You will own the antenna design lifecycle from initial design inception through prototype and ... Architect and implement engineering processes to streamline antenna development, verification, and ...

Design of antennas for communications and sensors, in VHF through Ka-band * Build and ... Antenna Engineer/Senior: $ 160,000.00 - $225,000.00/per year Your actual level and base salary will ...

Design of antennas for communications and sensors, in VHF through Ka-band * Build and ... Antenna Engineer/Senior: $ 160,000.00 - $225,000.00/per year Your actual level and base salary will ...

Design of antennas for communications and sensors, in VHF through Ka-band * Build and ... Antenna Engineer/Senior: $ 160,000.00 - $225,000.00/per year Your actual level and base salary will ...

The Role You will be responsible for the design & validation of radio-frequency (RF) and microwave ... team of antenna, RF, field programmable gate array (FPGA), digital signal processing (DSP ...

NFC RF Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

As an NFC Hardware Design Engineer, you will contribute to the architecture, design, and ... System EE/Integration, Product Design, Antenna Design etc.) * Communicate with outside vendors to ...

Senior Antenna Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

In this role, you will design, simulate, fabricate, tune, optimize, and test antennas, while ... Engineering or equivalent * 6+ years of Antenna simulation, fabrication, and test experience

NFC RF Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$184K - $324K/yr

As an NFC Hardware Design Engineer, you will contribute to the architecture, design, and ... System EE/Integration, Product Design, Antenna Design etc.) Communicate with outside vendors to ...

Showing results 41-60

Antenna Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$40K

$110K

$162.3K

How much do antenna design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for antenna design engineer in California is $110,039.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $137,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an antenna design engineer do?

An Antenna Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing antennas for various communication systems, such as wireless networks, satellites, and mobile devices. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software and simulation tools to create antenna models and optimize their performance. Their role also involves collaborating with other engineers to ensure the antenna meets technical requirements, regulatory standards, and fits within the constraints of a given product or system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an antenna design engineer?

To thrive as an Antenna Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electromagnetics, RF engineering, and antenna theory, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with simulation tools like CST Microwave Studio, HFSS, or MATLAB, as well as experience with measurement equipment such as network analyzers, is essential. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and convey complex technical findings. These skills ensure innovative antenna solutions, efficient project execution, and reliable performance in communication systems.

What are some common challenges faced by antenna design engineers when working on projects with tight deadlines?

Antenna Design Engineers often face challenges such as rapidly iterating prototypes, managing electromagnetic interference issues, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards within limited timeframes. Balancing performance requirements with constraints like size, weight, and cost can add complexity, especially when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams such as RF engineers and product designers. Effective communication, strong project management skills, and a solid understanding of simulation tools are essential for overcoming these challenges and delivering high-quality designs on schedule.

What is the difference between Antenna Design Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectAntenna Design EngineerRF Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, specialized in antennas or RFBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, RF or Communications focus
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, simulation software, prototype testingTesting labs, signal analysis, system integration
Industry UsageTelecommunications, aerospace, defenseWireless communications, radar, satellite systems

Both roles require strong electrical engineering backgrounds, but Antenna Design Engineers focus specifically on antenna structures and radiation patterns, while RF Engineers work on overall radio frequency systems and signal integrity. They often collaborate but have distinct specializations within wireless and communication industries.

How much do antenna design engineers make?

Antenna design engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in high-tech industries or research environments.

What are popular job titles related to Antenna Design Engineer jobs in California?

For Antenna Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Antenna Design Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Antenna Design Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Antenna Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Antenna Design Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Antenna Design Engineer jobs in CA?

For Antenna Design Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Antenna Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,039 per year, or $52.9 per hour.

Principal Antenna and Radome Engineer

Raytheon

San Diego, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and detailed design of antenna or radome hardware and requirements

  • Work with interdisciplinary engineering teams including thermal, structural, mechanical, and systems

  • Analyze simulation and test data to verify performance to requirements


RTX rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-08-10

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-AZ-TUCSON-M02 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG M02

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.

The Effector RF Design Antenna & Radome team at Raytheon is seeking a talented Engineer to join our team in Tucson, AZ.

The candidate will be responsible for leading and shaping antenna, radome, and antenna measurement system technology within the Company. The selected candidate will also be expected to lead teams, provide technical oversight, delegate tasks, and work with the Engineering organization to establish technology roadmaps, enable modernization, and contribute to general innovation. In addition, the candidate will work with government personnel and programs, and define and refine requirements to validate hardware compliance. The candidate will be responsible for providing guidance, coaching, mentoring, and training to other employees across the business within the candidate’s areas of expertise.

This position is an onsite role, located in Tucson, AZ.

What You Will Do:

  • Development and detailed design of antenna or radome hardware and requirements

  • Work with interdisciplinary engineering teams including thermal, structural, mechanical, systems, etc.

  • Work with antenna or radome manufacturing suppliers

  • Analyze simulation and test data to verify performance to requirements

Qualifications You Must Have:

  • Typically requires a Bachelor’s in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience to include any combination of the following:

    • Experience leading antenna or radome designs through concept trades/studies, preliminary design, final design, and / or qualification.

    • Experience with antenna or radome simulation and modeling with tools such as HFSS, CST, FEKO, SENTRi, PMM, and / or GRASP.

    • Experience with antenna, radome, or sensor measurements within near or far field systems

Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date with the ability to obtain special program access after start.

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • Master of Science (MS) or PhD in Electrical Engineering

  • Strong experience managing and presenting technical data to stakeholders and customers.

  • Strong experience designing and delivering conformal antenna designs

  • Excellent communication skills; both verbal and written

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive multiple technical execution plans

  • Strong interpersonal skills working in a team environment with positive interaction

  • Demonstrated ability to put forth and drive technical execution plans

  • Knowledgeable of management processes, such as IPDS, EVMS, etc.

  • Experience presenting to Failure Review Board (FRB), Engineering Review Board (ERB), Change Control Board (CCB), Manufacturing Review Board (MRB), etc.

  • Knowledge of near-field-to-far-field processing algorithms

  • Familiarity with complex threat environments and battlefields

  • Experience designing seeker, datalink, flight termination, GPS and telemetry antenna systems

  • Experience designing complex multi-layer radomes

  • Background as a Cost Account Manager or Integrated Product Team Lead

  • Proficiency with Python, MATLAB and/or other scientific programming languages

  • Proficiency with high performance computing (HPC) environments and schedulers such as SLURM

What We Offer

Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Learn More & Apply Now!

This position requires a security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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About RTX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing, it services, aerospace product and parts manufacturing and engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Waltham, MA, US

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