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Contract Rfic Design Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

3M HEALTHCARE

Senior RFIC Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$166 - $229/hr

NXP is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior RFIC Design Engineer to contribute to the development of cutting-edge RF integrated circuits for wireless communication systems. Job ...

SkyGig

RFIC Design Intern

San Jose, CA

We are seeking a motivated RFIC Design Engineer Intern to support the development, simulation, and validation of RF integrated circuits for next-generation wireless and satellite communications ...

SkyGig

RFIC Design Intern

San Jose, CA · On-site

We are seeking a motivated RFIC Design Engineer Intern to support the development, simulation, and validation of RF integrated circuits for next-generation wireless and satellite communications ...

Qorvo, Inc.

Staff RFIC Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$144K - $187K/yr

Switch/LNA/RF IC Design Engineer, the design of GaAs/SOI/SiGe/CMOS based switch and LNA or RFIC's for Front End Modules. Responsibilites: * Work with Marketing, internal and external module designers ...

Qorvo, Inc.

Staff Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$144K - $187K/yr

Overview As a Staff RFIC Design Engineer, you will play an important role in designing and developing Silicon RFICs integrated into RF Front-End Modules (FEMs) for next-generation 5G NR and 6G ...

Western Digital

Staff RFIC Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$119K - $159K/yr

We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage ... Designer will be responsible for the design of high performance analog and mixed-signal circuit ...

Apple Inc.

RFIC Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$175 - $308.50/hr

In this role, you will be part of an RFIC design team and perform the tests, debugging, and ... RF calibration programming. * Synchronize radio register settings between the simulation ...

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Contract Rfic Design Engineer information

What is a contract RFIC design engineer?

Contract RFIC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit) Design Engineers are specialists who design and develop integrated circuits that operate at radio frequencies, typically for wireless communication devices. Working on a contract basis, they may be hired by companies to complete specific projects or to provide expertise on a temporary basis. Their responsibilities include circuit design, simulation, layout, testing, and optimization of RFICs to meet performance, cost, and timeline requirements. Contract RFIC Design Engineers often collaborate with teams of hardware and software engineers to ensure seamless integration of RFICs within larger systems. They are also expected to stay updated on the latest technologies and design tools in the RF and semiconductor industries.

What are some common challenges faced by contract RFIC design engineers when working with multiple clients or projects simultaneously?

Contract RFIC Design Engineers often juggle multiple projects and clients, which can lead to challenges in balancing differing technical requirements, project timelines, and communication styles. Coordinating with various teams, adapting to distinct design flows, and managing version control across projects demand strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Successfully navigating these challenges helps ensure timely delivery of high-quality RFIC designs, while also building a reputation for reliability and adaptability in the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract RFIC design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract RFIC Design Engineer, you need expertise in RF/microwave circuit design, semiconductor physics, and familiarity with industry standards, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Mastery of EDA tools like Cadence, ADS, and experience with simulation and layout software are critical, along with knowledge of relevant test equipment. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication set top engineers apart in collaborative and deadline-driven environments. These skills ensure the delivery of high-performance, reliable RFIC solutions that meet project specifications and industry demands.

What is the difference between Contract Rfic Design Engineer vs RFIC Design Engineer?

AspectContract RFIC Design EngineerRFIC Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, specialized in RFIC designSame as Contract RFIC Design Engineer
Work EnvironmentProject-based, often freelance or temporary roles in various companiesFull-time employment within a company or research lab
Industry UsageCommon in consulting, contract work, or short-term projectsStandard role in semiconductor and telecommunications industries

Both roles require similar technical skills and educational background, but Contract RFIC Design Engineers typically work on short-term projects and are hired on a contractual basis, whereas RFIC Design Engineers are usually full-time employees with ongoing responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rfic Design Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA?

The most popular types of Rfic Design Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Rfic Design Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA?

For Contract Rfic Design Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Rfic Design Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Rfic Design Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Contract Rfic Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Contract Rfic Design Engineer job openings:

Contract Rfic Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Rfic Design Engineer job openings in Santa Clara, 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.

Senior RFIC Design Engineer

3M HEALTHCARE

San Jose, CA • On-site

$166 - $229/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

NXP is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior RFIC Design Engineer to contribute to the development of cutting-edge RF integrated circuits for wireless communication systems.

Job Responsibilities
  • Design, simulate, and verify RFIC blocks such as LNAs, PAs, Mixers, VCOs, PLLs, and frequency synthesizers for various wireless standards (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G).
  • Perform detailed transistor-level circuit design and optimization for performance, power, and area.
  • Conduct extensive pre-layout and post-layout simulations using industry-standard tools (e.g., Cadence Virtuoso, SpectreRF, HFSS).
  • Collaborate with system architects, digital design engineers, and test engineers to define specifications and ensure seamless integration.
  • Develop and implement innovative circuit architectures and design techniques to meet challenging performance requirements.
  • Participate in layout supervision and review, ensuring adherence to design intent and manufacturing process rules.
  • Debug and characterize RFIC prototypes in the lab, identifying and resolving performance issues.
  • Generate comprehensive design documentation, including design specifications, simulation reports, and test plans.
  • Stay abreast of the latest advancements in RFIC design methodologies and technologies.
Job Qualifications
  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in RF/Microwave circuits.
  • 5+ years of industry experience in RFIC design in CMOS processes.
  • Strong theoretical understanding of RF/microwave fundamentals and analog circuit design.
  • Proficiency with RFIC design tools such as Cadence Virtuoso, SpectreRF, EM simulators (e.g., HFSS, Momentum), and MATLAB.
  • Hands-on experience with RF lab equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes).
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully tape-out and characterize complex RFICs.
  • Experience with various analog and RF block designs including LNAs, PAs, Mixers, VCOs, PLLs, and frequency synthesizers.
  • Familiarity with various wireless communication standards (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G, UWB).
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Base salary range for this position is as mentioned below per year. We also provide competitive benefits, incentive compensation, and/or equity for certain roles.

Company benefits include health. dental, and vision insurance. 401(k), and paid leave.

Please note that the base salary range (OR hourly rate) is a guideline, and individual total compensation may vary based on a number of factors such as qualifications, skill level, work location, and other business and organizational needs.

This base pay range is specific to California and is not applicable to other locations.

A reasonable estimate of the base salary range as of the date of this posting is:$166,200 to $228,500 annually

NXP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer regardless of age, color, national origin, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, status as a disabled veteran and/or veteran of the Vietnam Era or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, NXP will provide reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified disabled individuals.

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