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Contract Rf Design Engineer Jobs in Los Angeles, CA

Motorola

Senior RF Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$140K - $190K/yr

THE OPPORTUNITY Silvus is seeking a Senior RF Design Engineer reporting to the Director of RF ... S. federal contracts. * All employment is contingent upon the successful clearance of a background ...

Raytheon

Senior RF Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... 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. Effector RF Design ...

Raytheon

RF Design Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... 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. Effector RF Design ...

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All JobsContract Rf Design Engineer JobsContract Rf Design Engineer Jobs in Los Angeles, CA

Contract Rf Design Engineer information

See Los Angeles, CA salary details

$39.9K

$126.8K

$197.2K

How much do contract rf design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract rf design engineer in Los Angeles, CA is $126,802.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,100.00 and $149,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a contract RF design engineer do?

A Contract RF Design Engineer is a specialist hired on a temporary or project basis to design, develop, and optimize radio frequency (RF) circuits and systems. Their work typically involves tasks such as creating schematics, simulating RF performance, testing prototypes, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. They may work in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, defense, or consumer electronics, often collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver solutions that meet technical and regulatory requirements. Because they are contractors, their roles may be project-specific and vary in duration, focusing on providing expertise for particular phases of product development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract RF design engineer?

To thrive as a Contract RF Design Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, signal processing, and RF circuit design, often supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency with simulation tools like ADS, HFSS, or CST, as well as experience with spectrum analyzers and network analyzers, is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help engineers collaborate with teams and resolve complex technical challenges. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure reliable, high-performance RF systems that meet project specifications and timelines.

What are some common challenges faced by contract RF design engineers when working with clients on short-term projects?

Contract RF Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to different clients' processes, integrating with new teams, and understanding legacy design constraints in a limited timeframe. Additionally, they may need to troubleshoot complex RF issues with incomplete documentation or rapidly evolving project requirements. Strong communication and adaptability are essential, as contract roles frequently require efficient collaboration with cross-functional teams to meet tight deadlines and deliver high-quality solutions.

What is the difference between Contract Rf Design Engineer vs RF Systems Engineer?

AspectContract Rf Design EngineerRF Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, RF certificationsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, RF certifications
Work EnvironmentProject-based, contract roles in labs or officesFull-time, ongoing roles in R&D or product development
Industry UsageCommon in telecommunications, defense, aerospaceUsed across similar industries, often in system-level design

Contract Rf Design Engineers focus on designing RF components and circuits on a temporary basis, often for specific projects. RF Systems Engineers work on integrating RF components into complete systems, typically in permanent roles. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications but differ mainly in employment type and scope of responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Contract Rf Design Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA?

For Contract Rf Design Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Rf Design Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Rf Design Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA are:

Contract Rf Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Rf Design Engineer job openings in Los Angeles, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,802 per year, or $61 per hour.

Senior RF Design Engineer

DAS Technology Group

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 hours ago

Job description

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Advanced Defense Technology / RF Systems
Clearance Requirements: U.S. Citizenship required due to federal contracting
About the Company
Join a cutting-edge engineering team working on next-generation RF and microwave solutions that enable mission-critical defense applications. Our company designs high-performance, software-defined systems that push the boundaries of what's possible with RF power and intelligent signal control.
Role Summary
We're looking for an experienced RF Design Engineer to take ownership of the design, simulation, and testing of high-power RF amplifier modules. You'll work across the full development lifecycle-evaluating components, designing circuits, integrating off-the-shelf parts, and verifying system performance. If you're passionate about RF design and want to contribute to real-world solutions in national defense and security, this is the role for you.
What You'll Do
  • Design and simulate high-power RF amplifiers for CW and pulsed applications (sub-10GHz)
  • Evaluate and integrate off-the-shelf components such as MMICs, discrete transistors, splitters, and combiners
  • Guide PCB layout, schematic capture, and support board fabrication and bring-up
  • Perform bench testing using equipment such as VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and load pull setups
  • Optimize circuit performance for gain, efficiency, thermal stability, and impedance matching
  • Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, and systems engineering to ensure first-pass success
  • Develop test plans and support system/subsystem validation
  • Assist with manufacturing and process improvement initiatives
  • Interface with vendors to evaluate new components and capabilities

Qualifications
Required:
  • BS or MS in Electrical Engineering (RF/Microwave focus preferred)
  • 5+ years of experience in broadband high-power amplifier design (UHF to C-band or similar)
  • Proficiency with RF simulation tools (e.g., Keysight ADS, Cadence AWR)
  • Experience with schematic capture, PCB design collaboration, and RF circuit analysis
  • Familiarity with test and measurement equipment for RF components
  • Solid understanding of impedance matching techniques and power amplifier architectures
Preferred:
  • Experience with 3D EM modeling (e.g., HFSS, CST, Feko)
  • Exposure to RF filter design
  • Prior involvement in low-to-medium volume production environments (dozens to hundreds of units)
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced, highly collaborative engineering environment

Why Join Us?
  • Work on game-changing RF tech that makes a difference
  • Small team, big impact: your contributions matter
  • Flexible, dynamic engineering culture with strong mentorship
  • Competitive compensation and benefits

Ready to bring your RF design expertise to a high-impact team? Apply now and help shape the future of advanced defense systems.

Apply