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Entry Level Rf Communications Engineer Jobs in California

Impulse Space

RF Test Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Support testing and characterization of modulated RF waveforms and communication links * Work with RF and embedded software engineers to debug and validate wireless hardware performance * Develop and ...

Raytheon

RF Mechanical Engineer II

San Jose, CA

The Effector RF Design Department is seeking talented engineers with the skills and passion to ... This is an entry-level Mechanical Engineer position for an individual with educational experience ...

Raytheon

RF Mechanical Engineer II

San Diego, CA

The Effector RF Design Department is seeking talented engineers with the skills and passion to ... This is an entry-level Mechanical Engineer position for an individual with educational experience ...

Raytheon

RF Mechanical Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA

The Effector RF Design Department is seeking talented engineers with the skills and passion to ... This is an entry-level Mechanical Engineer position for an individual with educational experience ...

Icarus

Senior RF Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$120K - $220K/yr

Design, build, and fly RF and communications systems for long-endurance stratospheric aircraft * Own RF subsystems end to end: architecture, link budgets, component selection, integration, test, and ...

idexcel

RF Test Engineer

San Diego, CA

Solid understanding of RF principles, RF engineering tools and cellular radio building blocks ... Ability to communicate clearly, organize effectively and document work thoroughly. Strong written ...

Icarus

Senior RF Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120K - $220K/yr

Design, build, and fly RF and communications systems for long-endurance stratospheric aircraft * Own RF subsystems end to end: architecture, link budgets, component selection, integration, test, and ...

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 ...

Icarus

Senior RF Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$120K - $220K/yr

Design, build, and fly RF and communications systems for long-endurance stratospheric aircraft * Own RF subsystems end to end: architecture, link budgets, component selection, integration, test, and ...

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 ...

Motorola

RF Design Engineer

San Diego, CA

$100K - $150K/yr

... and MIMO communications systems, is reshaping mesh network technology for mission-critical ... THE OPPORTUNITY Silvus is seeking a RF Design Engineer who will report to the Director of RF ...

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

RF Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

... and MIMO communications systems, is reshaping mesh network technology for mission-critical ... THE OPPORTUNITY Silvus is seeking a RF Design Engineer who will report to the Director of RF ...

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

RF Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

... and MIMO communications systems, is reshaping mesh network technology for mission-critical ... THE OPPORTUNITY Silvus is seeking a RF Test Engineer who will report to the Director of RF ...

Motorola

RF Test Engineer

San Diego, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

... and MIMO communications systems, is reshaping mesh network technology for mission-critical ... THE OPPORTUNITY Silvus is seeking a RF Test Engineer who will report to the Director of RF ...

Inversion

RF Test Engineer I

Vista, CA · On-site

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical results ... an RF Test Engineer II level. Level II candidates should possess the applicable qualifications ...

K2 Space

RF Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

You will be working alongside the Electrical and RF Engineering teams to interface with Avionics ... Experience with the practical application of serial and ethernet communications * Understanding of ...

Apple

Product RF Design Engineer

San Diego, CA

$142K - $263K/yr

... wireless communications. Description Product RF Design Engineers should have a broad-based ... knowledge in RF architecture, design, integration and manufacturing. They have deep theoretical and ...

Inversion

RF Test Engineer I

Los Angeles, CA

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical results ... an RF Test Engineer II level. Level II candidates should possess the applicable qualifications ...

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All JobsRf Communications Engineer 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 Jul 19, 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
Infographic showing various Entry Level Rf Communications Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,243 per year, or $52.5 per hour.
RF Test Engineer

RF Test Engineer

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Description
As an RF Test Engineer at Impulse Space, you will support the development, integration, and testing of wireless spacecraft and ground communication systems. You will work closely with RF, embedded, software, and mechanical engineers to develop test infrastructure, automate validation workflows, and help characterize system performance across a range of communication hardware.
This role is focused on RF test automation, fixture development, and hands-on testing of wireless systems and modulated communication waveforms. 

Responsibilities
  • Design and support RF test fixtures and supporting test infrastructure
  • Develop Python software and scripts for automated RF testing, instrumentation control, and data collection
  • Operate and integrate common RF lab equipment including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, power meters, and software defined radios
  • Support testing and characterization of modulated RF waveforms and communication links
  • Work with RF and embedded software engineers to debug and validate wireless hardware performance
  • Develop and document RF test procedures for engineering and production environments
  • Support RF hardware bring-up, integration, troubleshooting, and system-level validation testing
  • Assist with system-level RF testing including coexistence (CoEx), desense, and over-the-air (OTA) test activities
  • Collaborate across hardware, software, and manufacturing teams to improve test coverage and reliability

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related technical field
  • 2+ years of experience writing Python for test automation, data analysis, or hardware validation
  • Familiarity with RF lab equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and network analyzers
  • Understanding of RF fundamentals and wireless communication systems
  • Exposure to modulated waveforms and RF measurement techniques
  • Familiarity with RF system parameters such as channel power, EVM, Es/N0, C/N0, modulation quality, and bandwidth
  • Experience documenting test procedures or validation results
  • Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills
  • Comfortable working hands-on in a lab environment

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Experience developing automated test systems or RF test fixtures
  • Familiarity with SDR platforms or GNU Radio
  • Experience testing wireless communication systems or digital modulation schemes
  • Familiarity with embedded Linux, microcontrollers, or FPGA-based systems
  • Experience with beamforming, phased arrays, or multi-antenna RF systems
  • Familiarity with satellite communication protocols such as CCSDS or DVB-S2
  • Experience with RF production, integration, environmental, or OTA testing
  • Experience working in a fast-paced development environment

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.  
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space 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.