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Contract Wireless Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RFIC - PLL Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$171K - $302K/yr

The wireless RFIC team architects, designs, and validates radio transceivers integrated into ... As Sr. RFIC - PLL Design Engineer within the Wireless Radio team, you will be at the center of a ...

Description As a RFIC Design Engineer, you are going to be responsible for providing RFIC solutions ... The wireless RFIC team architects, develop, and validates radio transceivers integrated into ...

RFIC - PLL Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$171K - $302K/yr

The wireless RFIC team architects, designs, and validates radio transceivers integrated into ... As Sr. RFIC - PLL Design Engineer within the Wireless Radio team, you will be at the center of a ...

RFIC Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$171K - $302K/yr

Description As a RFIC Design Engineer, you are going to be responsible for providing RFIC solutions ... The wireless RFIC team architects, develop, and validates radio transceivers integrated into ...

RFIC - PLL Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$171K - $302K/yr

The wireless RFIC team architects, designs, and validates radio transceivers integrated into ... As Sr. RFIC - PLL Design Engineer within the Wireless Radio team, you will be at the center of a ...

... integrated engineering team spanning RF/Analog architecture and design, Systems/PHY/MAC ... You will develop signal processing intensive design for wireless communication SoCs with diverse ...

... integrated engineering team spanning RF/Analog architecture and design, Systems/PHY/MAC ... You will develop signal processing intensive design for wireless communication SoCs with diverse ...

Description As a RFIC Design Engineer, you are going to be responsible for providing RFIC solutions ... The wireless RFIC team architects, develop, and validates radio transceivers integrated into ...

RFIC - PLL Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$171K - $302K/yr

The wireless RFIC team architects, designs, and validates radio transceivers integrated into ... As Sr. RFIC - PLL Design Engineer within the Wireless Radio team, you will be at the center of a ...

... integrated engineering team spanning RF/Analog architecture and design, Systems/PHY/MAC ... You will develop signal processing intensive design for wireless communication SoCs with diverse ...

... engineering team. Develop MAC layer design for wireless communication SoCs, including creating microarchitecture and other documents based on system-level requirements, and writing area- and power ...

... engineering team! Develop MAC layer design for wireless communication SoCs, including creating microarchitecture and other documents based on system-level requirements, and writing area- and power ...

... aspects of wireless silicon development, emphasizing highly energy-efficient design and new ... All of this is driven by a world-class vertically integrated engineering team spanning RF/Analog ...

... aspects of wireless silicon development, emphasizing highly energy-efficient design and new ... All of this is driven by a world-class vertically integrated engineering team spanning RF/Analog ...

... aspects of wireless silicon development, emphasizing highly energy-efficient design and new ... All of this is driven by a world-class vertically integrated engineering team spanning RF/Analog ...

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Contract Wireless Design Engineer information

See salary details

$73K

$129.5K

$249K

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

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract wireless design engineer in the United States is $129,511.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,000.00 and $134,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Contract Wireless Design Engineer, you need a strong background in RF engineering, wireless network design, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools such as Atoll, iBwave, TEMS, and knowledge of LTE/5G standards, along with certifications like CWNA or CCNA Wireless, are typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top candidates apart. These skills ensure the delivery of robust wireless solutions that meet client specifications and industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by Contract Wireless Design Engineers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Contract Wireless Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to different client requirements, staying up-to-date with rapidly evolving wireless technologies, and ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure. Managing these challenges requires strong communication with clients, ongoing education on the latest industry standards, and effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Building a robust professional network and maintaining clear documentation can also help streamline project transitions and maintain high-quality deliverables.

What are Contract Wireless Design Engineers?

Contract Wireless Design Engineers are professionals who design and optimize wireless communication networks, such as cellular, Wi-Fi, or IoT systems, on a temporary or project-specific basis. They typically work with companies needing specialized wireless solutions, handling tasks like site surveys, network planning, radio frequency (RF) design, and troubleshooting. These engineers often use sophisticated simulation tools and collaborate with other engineers to ensure optimal network performance, coverage, and reliability. Their contract status means they are hired for specific projects or periods rather than as permanent staff.

What is the difference between Contract Wireless Design Engineer vs Contract RF Engineer?

AspectContract Wireless Design EngineerContract RF Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, certifications like CWNE or RF-relatedBachelor's in Electrical or Electronics Engineering, RF certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, client sites, telecom companiesTesting labs, field sites, telecom providers
Industry UsageWireless network design, 4G/5G, LTE, Wi-FiRF testing, signal analysis, network optimization

The Contract Wireless Design Engineer primarily focuses on designing wireless networks and systems, while the Contract RF Engineer specializes in RF testing, signal analysis, and troubleshooting. Both roles require similar technical credentials and often work within telecom environments, but their core responsibilities differ in the design versus testing aspects of wireless technology.

More about Contract Wireless Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Wireless Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Contract Wireless Design Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Wireless Design Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Wireless Design Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Wireless Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Wireless Design Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Wireless Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Wireless Design Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Contract Wireless Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,511 per year, or $62.3 per hour.
RFIC - PLL Design Engineer

RFIC - PLL Design Engineer

Apple

Irvine, CA • On-site

$171K - $302K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Would you like to join Apple’s growing wireless silicon development team? The wireless RFIC team architects, designs, and validates radio transceivers integrated into complex wireless SoCs. Our wireless organization is responsible for all aspects of wireless silicon development that transform the user experience at the product level, all of which is driven by a best-in-class vertically integrated engineering team spanning RF/Analog architecture and design, Systems/PHY/MAC architecture and design, VLSI/RTL design and integration, Emulation, Design Verification, Test and Validation, and FW/SW engineering. As Sr. RFIC - PLL Design Engineer within the Wireless Radio team, you will be at the center of a wireless SoC design group with a critical impact on getting Apple’s state-of-the-art wireless connectivity solutions into hundreds of millions of products.
Description
As a RFIC-PLL Designer, you are going to contribute to providing analog and digital PLL solutions for wireless SoC and driving them to mass production for Apple’s Wireless Connectivity products.","responsibilities":"Design and develop analog and digital PLL building blocks: VCO, DCO, MMD, PFD, Filter, TDC and so on.
Design and develop analog and digital PLL top levels.
Design and develop LOGEN building blocks and top level.
Work with cross-functional teams including platform architecture, wireless design, RF HW and SW to define radio features enabling wireless innovation.
Work closely with RF Systems in block level and top-level specifications of the PLL, LOGEN, as well as TX and RX line ups, and proper distribution of spec margins in the chain.
Contribute to feasibility studies and trade-off analysis
Contribute to design starting from concept, architecture and topology to actual transistor-level design and verification
Work through Co-Existence scenarios and design to meet requirements.
Oversee layout, floor planning and verification of the design toward a successful tape-out.
Collaborate closely with RFIC test engineers in the bring up, debug and optimization of the chip throughout the productization.
Provide design versus silicon measurements correlation, and compliance with specification for a volume production.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. degree
Hands on experience in modeling, analysis and design of noise/spur cancellation techniques in PLLs.
Familiarity with various RF transceiver architectures and their trade-offs, system specifications and ability to work with system architects to translate system requirements into circuit requirements at IC level.
Familiarity with timing analysis tools (Nanotime, Primetime).
Direct experience in designing and bringing into mass production of wireless transceivers in deep sub-micron RFCMOS technology.
Demonstrated capability to work with digital design group for an optimum partition between digital and analog and contribute to providing comprehensive timing requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
BS and 10 + years of relevant industry experience.
Experienced in design and development of Analog and Digital PLLs and LOGEN for high performance applications.
Hands on experience in designing PLL building blocks: TDC, Digital Filters, Sigma Delta Modulators, Pre-scalers, MMD, DCO/VCOs and PFD/CP.
Deep understanding of analog, mixed-signal and RF circuit design concepts. This includes LNAs, PAs, mixers, baseband filters, VGAs and calibration methods associated with high performance wireless systems.
Experienced in Cadence Virtuoso, Spectre RF, Matlab, EM simulation (EMX, HFSS) and similar tools.
Familiarity with mixed-signal mode verification methodology (SystemVerilog, AMS).
Extensive experience in PLL and LOGEN silicon characterization and debug.
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $171,600 and $302,200, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976