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Contract Rf Design Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Checkpoint Systems, Inc.

RF Design Engineer

Thorofare, NJ · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

We are looking for an RF Engineer who can design, simulate, and validate Sub-GHz and Wi-Fi/BLE radio systems and perform RF PCB layout. This is an end-to-end role spanning architecture, simulation ...

Lockheed Martin

Senior RF Engineer

Moorestown, NJ · On-site

The Sr RF Engineer will significantly contribute to the design and development of hardware equipment to support antennas, phased array antennas, active electronic steerable phased array antennas, and ...

Lockheed Martin

Senior RF Engineer

Moorestown, NJ

The Sr RF Engineer will significantly contribute to the design and development of hardware equipment to support antennas, phased array antennas, active electronic steerable phased array antennas, and ...

Mackenzie Health Care

RF Engineer

Lansdale, PA · On-site

A world leader in their engineering industry for the last 50 years has an immediate opening for an ... Design and develop analog, digital and RF circuits to support our growing line of wired and ...

Mackenzie Health Care

RF Engineer

Lansdale, PA · On-site

A world leader in their engineering industry for the last 50 years has an immediate opening for an ... Design and develop analog, digital and RF circuits to support our growing line of wired and ...

Coherent Corp.

Hardware Design Engineer

Horsham, PA · On-site

RF Design / Analog & Digital Design and Simulation * PCB Layout * Design Verification Testing and ... Education & Experience Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or ...

Coherent

Hardware Design Engineer

Horsham, PA · On-site

RF Design / Analog & Digital Design and Simulation * PCB Layout * Design Verification Testing and ... Education & Experience Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or ...

Coherent

Senior Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Horsham, PA · On-site

$103.10K - $141.50K/yr

Perform post-layout simulations and verification, including optical, RF, and electro-optic ... Electronics / IC design * Packaging engineering * Optical system engineering * Test engineering

pcg

Design Engineer

Ashburn, VA

PCI is seeking an experienced Design Engineer for its PCI Washington, DC 566 operations based in ... contract requirements are understood before modeling begins. * Create 3D models utilizing Revit.

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Contract Rf Design Engineer information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$37.3K

$118.8K

$184.7K

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

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract rf design engineer in Philadelphia, PA is $118,750.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,400.00 and $140,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract RF Design Engineer, and why are they important?

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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Rf Design Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA? The most popular types of Rf Design Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Rf Design Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA? For Contract Rf Design Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Rf Design Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Rf Design Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:
Contract Rf Design Engineer jobs near you
RF Design Engineer

RF Design Engineer

Checkpoint Systems, Inc.

Thorofare, NJ • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

We are looking for an RF Engineer who can design, simulate, and validate Sub-GHz and Wi-Fi/BLE radio systems and perform RF PCB layout. This is an end-to-end role spanning architecture, simulation, PCB implementation, prototyping, lab validation, and certification (FCC/CE only - no carrier certification).
We build RF/RFID anti-theft technology solutions for apparel labeling, item tagging, and tag readers for retail and industrial environments. You will own the RF front end, antenna integration, controlled-impedance layout, and bring-up of complex PCBs used in our wireless products. You will work closely with electrical, mechanical, firmware, manufacturing, and test teams to deliver robust, manufacturable RF designs.
JOB DUTIES
RF System Design
  • Design Sub-GHz ISM (e.g., 850 - 950 MHz) and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi/BLE RF front ends.
  • Create link budgets, block diagrams, matching networks, power budgets, and specifications.
  • Component selection for PAs, LNAs, filters, switches, mixers, couplers, and RF shields.
  • Antenna evaluation and integration (chip, PCB trace, external, diversity).

RF PCB Design
  • Full ownership of RF zones on multilayer PCBs.
  • Define stack-up, controlled impedance routing, grounding, isolation, stitching, and keep-outs.
  • Work directly in Siemens PADS for schematics + layout (not just oversight).
  • Lead DFM/DFT reviews and coordinate with fabrication/assembly partners.

Simulation & Analysis
  • Use Dassault CST, Siemens HyperLynx, Keysight ADS, or similar tools for S-parameters, matching, stability, and radiation effects.
  • Perform EM analysis for antenna tuning and layout-dependent parasitics.
  • Support coexistence analysis between Sub-GHz and 2.4 GHz radios.

Lab Bring-Up & Validation
  • Use VNA, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, power meter, and oscilloscopes.
  • Conduct S11/S21 measurements, EVM checks, output power, sensitivity, desense analysis, and coexistence testing.
  • Tune antenna/matching networks and document all tuning steps.
  • Support environmental testing (temperature, vibration, humidity) as relevant to RF performance.

Compliance & Certification
  • Execute FCC/CE/UKCA and EMC/EMI requirements (no cellular carrier certification).
  • Work with external labs for testing; generate test reports and resolve findings/NCs.

Cross-Functional Support
  • Collaborate with FW for RF calibration/test flows.
  • Work with manufacturing on golden units, calibration constants, and test limit development.
  • Support field failure analysis and yield improvements during NPI.

• EDUCATION
  • B.S. or M.S. in EE or related field.
  • IPC CID certification (plus).

EXPERIENCE
  • 5-8+ years owning RF designs from concept → production.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES (KSA's):
  • Deep experience with Sub-GHz ISM radios and Wi-Fi/BLE coexistence.
  • Strong proficiency in RF layout, isolation, stack-up, and parasitic control.
  • Experience taking products through FCC/CE certification with minimal NCs.
  • Experience using Dassault CST, Siemens HyperLynx, Keysight ADS, Cadence AWR, Matlab, or EM simulation (antenna/matching).
  • High-volume manufacturing experience (DFM for HDI, low-loss laminates, shields).
  • Ability to mentor junior engineers and lead design reviews.
  • Familiarity with OTA, SAR, and EMC testing environments.
  • Work with Qualcomm/NXP/Nordic/TI/Silicon Labs chipsets.

Job Type: Full-Time - Exempt
Pay: $120,000.00-$140,000.00
Benefits:
  • 401 (k)
  • 401 (k) Matching
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Discount
  • Paid Time Off
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Health Savings Account

Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends as needed

Work Location: In office

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