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Entry Level Rf Communications Engineer Jobs in California

SpaceX

RF Software Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA

$145K - $175K/yr

... on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. As a RF software engineer on the ... Starshield team, you will be working on advanced development programs in support of US National ...

SpaceX

RF Software Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

... on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. As a RF software engineer on the ... Starshield team, you will be working on advanced development programs in support of US National ...

Hermeus

Avionics Electrical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Our team is responsible for the design, testing, and integration of GNC systems, electrical hardware, control software, power distribution, and RF communications. * The Electrical Engineer position ...

HEICO

RF Engineer

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

RF ENGINEER LOCATION: Chatsworth, CA SHIFT: Day (7:00 am - 5:30 pm; Monday thru Thursday) BASIC ... Excellent written and verbal communication * Knowledge of MS Office such as Word, Excel and Outlook.

Apple

Cellular RF Hardware Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$126K - $220K/yr

The Cellular RF Hardware Design Engineer will design, develop, and optimize radio frequency (RF) hardware circuits and systems for wireless communications devices. The engineer will be responsible ...

Hermeus

Avionics Electrical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

Our team is responsible for the design, testing, and integration of GNC systems, electrical hardware, control software, power distribution, and RF communications. * The Electrical Engineer position ...

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All JobsEntry Level Rf Communications Engineer JobsEntry Level Rf Communications Engineer Jobs in California

Entry Level Rf Communications Engineer information

See California salary details

$61.7K

$109.2K

$135.7K

How much do entry level rf communications engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level rf communications engineer in California is $109,243.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,300.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level RF Communications Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level RF Communications Engineer, you need a solid understanding of radio frequency principles, circuit design, and a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with RF simulation tools such as Keysight ADS, MATLAB, and network analyzers, as well as any relevant industry certifications, is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set candidates apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for developing reliable RF systems, collaborating on technical teams, and ensuring successful project outcomes in the fast-evolving communications industry.

What is the difference between Entry Level Rf Communications Engineer vs Radio Frequency Technician?

AspectEntry Level Rf Communications EngineerRadio Frequency Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; certifications like FCC licensesAssociate's degree or technical certification; FCC licensing often required
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and troubleshooting RF systems; office and lab settingsInstallation, maintenance, and repair of RF equipment; field and technical environments
Industry UsageTelecommunications, defense, aerospaceBroadcasting, telecommunications, military
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve RF technology, Entry Level Rf Communications Engineers focus on designing and testing RF systems, often requiring a degree and certifications. Radio Frequency Technicians primarily handle installation and maintenance of RF equipment, typically with technical training. Both roles are essential in telecommunications and related industries, but they differ in responsibilities and work environments.

What are some common challenges entry-level RF Communications Engineers face during their first year on the job?

Entry-level RF Communications Engineers often encounter challenges such as learning to use specialized test equipment, interpreting complex signal data, and troubleshooting interference issues in real-world environments. Adapting to fast-paced project timelines while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards is also common. New engineers typically work closely with senior team members and cross-functional teams, which helps them quickly develop both technical and communication skills. Overcoming these initial hurdles is a valuable part of the learning process and can set the foundation for future growth in the field.

What does an Entry Level RF Communications Engineer do?

An Entry Level RF Communications Engineer helps design, test, and maintain radio frequency (RF) systems and components, such as antennas, transmitters, and receivers. They often assist senior engineers in analyzing RF signals, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring systems meet performance standards. Their work supports wireless communication technologies used in industries like telecommunications, defense, and broadcasting. Typically, they also use specialized software and equipment to model and measure RF performance as part of a larger engineering team.
What are the most commonly searched types of Rf Communications Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Rf Communications Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Rf Communications Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Rf Communications Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Rf Communications Engineer jobs near you
RF Software Engineer (Starshield)

RF Software Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA

$145K - $175K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 59 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
RF SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)
Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. As a RF software engineer on the Starshield team, you will be working on advanced development programs in support of US National Security. You will work with a team of RF engineers, DSP engineers, software engineers, hardware engineers and end users to design and build RF capabilities for proliferated communications and remote sensing in low earth orbit. You will work in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment, where we are exploring unsolved problems and applying the SpaceX mindset of iterating rapidly to go from design and demo to operational capability at lightning pace.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Drive program-level decisions on RF system designs
  • Research novel solutions for unique large-scale satellite RF systems
  • Design, build, validate, and automate RF test benches for full characterization of custom RF designs, often involving vector network analyzers (VNA), vector signal generators (VSG), vector signal analyzers (VSA), spectrum analyzers, load pulls, RF power meters, high-speed oscilloscopes, and other common lab equipment
  • Design and build modular, scalable RF test infrastructure and test automation sequences in Python and C++ to support design validation, qualification, and production
  • Work in close collaboration with hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software engineers to design and validate RF systems
  • Create electromagnetic simulation models of hardware to design and evaluate performance

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of professional development experience in C/C++ or Python
  • 1+ years of professional experience with radio test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers
  • 1+ years of professional RF experience with antennas or communication systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
  • Experience with testing both active and passive RF devices such as filters, amplifiers, mixers, and upconverters/downconverters
  • Experience with common RF concepts such as gain, linearity, P1dB, ACLR, EVM, PAE, S-parameters, and input/output matching
  • Experience with software design principles, software architecture, design patterns, and unit/integration testing methodology
  • Experience with environmental test methodologies and equipment such as thermal chambers and temperature forcing systems
  • Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware such as network devices and lab instrumentation
  • Experience using Windows and Linux operating systems
  • Experience with configuration management and version control software
  • Active TS/SCI clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
RF Software Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
RF Software Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

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