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Entry Level Rf Design Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

... RF hardware and system design for consumer electronic products ... Hands-on experience in design, development, test and launch of high-volume consumer electronic ...

As an RF System Analyst, you will help define and verify the performance of our RF systems and ... and design from ADC to antenna and back. We value engineers who can dive deep into data ...

As an RF System Analyst, you will help define and verify the performance of our RF systems and ... and design from ADC to antenna and back. We value engineers who can dive deep into data ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Rf Design Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$42.1K

$133.9K

$208.3K

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

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level rf design engineer in Seattle, WA is $133,923.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,000.00 and $158,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level RF design engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level RF Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, especially in radio frequency theory, signal processing, and circuit design, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with tools such as MATLAB, ADS (Advanced Design System), and network analyzers, as well as knowledge of industry standards, is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help set candidates apart in collaborative engineering environments. These competencies ensure accurate design, troubleshooting, and efficient teamwork, which are crucial for successful development and deployment of RF systems.

What is an entry level RF design engineer?

Entry level RF (Radio Frequency) Design Engineers are professionals who are new to the field and assist in designing, developing, and testing RF circuits and systems used in wireless communication devices. They typically work under the guidance of senior engineers to create and optimize components such as antennas, transmitters, and receivers. These engineers use specialized software and equipment to analyze signal integrity, minimize interference, and ensure regulatory compliance. Their work is crucial in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

What are some common challenges an entry level RF design engineer might face when starting out, and how can they overcome them?

As an Entry Level RF Design Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as understanding complex simulation tools, interpreting test results, and troubleshooting signal integrity issues. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the steep learning curve, especially when working with advanced equipment and adhering to strict industry standards. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to seek mentorship from experienced team members, actively participate in project meetings to gain practical insights, and dedicate time to hands-on practice with simulation software. Building strong communication skills will also help you collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, such as hardware and software engineers.

What is the difference between Entry Level Rf Design Engineer vs RF Test Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Rf Design EngineerRF Test Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related; basic knowledge of RF principlesBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related; focus on testing and measurement skills
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, engineering teamsTesting labs, production lines, quality assurance teams
Industry UsageDesigning RF components, circuits, and systemsTesting and validating RF devices and systems

While both roles require a background in electrical engineering and knowledge of RF principles, the Entry Level Rf Design Engineer focuses on designing RF components and systems, whereas the RF Test Engineer specializes in testing and validating these devices. Both roles are essential in the RF industry but serve different stages of product development and quality assurance.

Infographic showing various Entry Level Rf Design Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $133,923 per year, or $64.4 per hour.

Silicon Photonics Design Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$145K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 71 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.
SILICON PHOTONICS DESIGN ENGINEER (RFIC ENGINEERING)
At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.
We are seeking a motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious photonics design engineer who will work alongside world-class cross-disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering). In this role, you will be developing cutting-edge next-generation PIC for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has not previously been available, affordable or reliable. Join us to help deliver cutting-edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design, analyze and simulate optical building blocks such as MZM and Microring modulators, Ge Photo diodes, dWDM filters, waveguides, couplers, dividers and polarization management circuitry in different integrated platforms such as silicon photonics and InGaAs/InP
  • Derive specifications for the Photonics IC systems and circuits
  • Design and model package optical interface including edge coupler and grating couplers
  • Familiar with RF, Analog and mixed signal circuits
  • Work with system architects, DSP, electro-optics, and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains
  • Perform IC floor planning and layout
  • Evaluate, characterize and measure electrical and optical building blocks of a high-speed optical link solution
  • Assist in the development of automated test lab equipment for lab measurements
  • Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing and qualification of the PIC circuits and systems
  • Experience using simulation tools such as Lumerical, COMSOL and HFSS

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science
  • 2+ years of photonics or electro-optical integrated circuit design

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering, computer engineering (with emphasis on electro-optics IC design), or applied physics
  • Experience using electrical simulation tools such as Spectre, ADS
  • Knowledge of advanced packaging for a co-package optics (CPO) solution
  • Electrical circuit design skills, and experience performing analysis and simulation linear/non-linear circuits such as high bandwidth modulator drivers, TIAs, CTLEs, filters, low noise and power amplifiers.
  • Experience working on wideband circuit designs supporting high speed Serdes links with more than 100Gbps data rate and BW exceeding 10s of GHz
  • Familiarity with high speed SerDes architecture and modulation schemes such as NRZ/ PAM4 and link protocols
  • Familiarity with optical and radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, high speed oscilloscopes and BERTs
  • Experience characterizing EIC/PIC performance for high speed optical Serdes

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $125,000.00 - $165,000.00
Level 2: $145,000.00 - $200,000.00
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.
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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US