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Freelance Rf Design Engineer Jobs in Compton, CA

Apex

RF Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$128K - $177K/yr

Design RF test architectures and signal chain configurations for transmitter and receiver ... Partner closely with RF design engineers, avionics teams, and systems engineers to debug anomalies ...

Relativity Space

Senior RF Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

As an RF Engineer on Relativity's Interplanetary Program, you will own the architecture, design, development, testing, and operation of next-generation high-reliability RF systems that enable deep ...

Relativity Space

Senior RF Engineer

Long Beach, CA

As an RF Engineer on Relativity's Interplanetary Program, you will own the architecture, design, development, testing, and operation of next-generation high-reliability RF systems that enable deep ...

Astrolab

Senior RF Electrical Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

As a Sr. RF Avionics Engineer, you will be responsible for a wide scope of communications system and component design, build, test, and operations on lunar surface missions. The ideal candidate has ...

Astrolab

Senior RF Electrical Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

$169K - $187K/yr

As a Sr. RF Avionics Engineer, you will be responsible for a wide scope of communications system and component design, build, test, and operations on lunar surface missions. The ideal candidate has ...

Raytheon

Senior RF Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to ... Design and test experience in high frequency circuits ranging from baseband to millimeter wave is ...

Raytheon

RF Mechanical Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA

The Effector RF Design Department is seeking talented engineers with the skills and passion to develop complex Radio Frequency (RF) systems, subsystems and components, including antennas, RF circuit ...

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Freelance Rf Design Engineer information

See Compton, CA salary details

$15

$48

$134

How much do freelance rf design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance rf design engineer in Compton, CA is $48.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.66 and $62.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Rf Design Engineer vs Rf Design Engineer?

AspectFreelance Rf Design EngineerRf Design Engineer
CredentialsTypically holds relevant engineering degrees, certifications optionalRequires engineering degree, often with industry certifications
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, remote or on-siteFull-time, employed by a company, on-site or hybrid
Employer & Industry UsageServes multiple clients across industries like telecom, aerospaceWorks for a single employer, primarily in telecommunications or electronics

Freelance Rf Design Engineers work independently on various projects, offering flexibility and diverse experience. Rf Design Engineers are typically employed full-time within companies, focusing on ongoing development. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but differ mainly in employment status and work setup.

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

To thrive as a Freelance RF Design Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, RF circuit theory, and experience with wireless communication systems, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Proficiency with RF simulation and design tools like HFSS, ADS, or CST, as well as familiarity with PCB design software, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for successful project delivery and client interactions. These skills and qualifications are essential to design reliable RF systems, meet client specifications, and maintain competitiveness in a project-based environment.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance RF Design Engineers when working with multiple clients simultaneously?

Freelance RF Design Engineers often juggle projects for several clients at once, which can present challenges such as managing different project timelines, adapting to varied technical requirements, and ensuring clear communication across diverse teams. Balancing priorities and staying organized are crucial to delivering quality work within tight deadlines. Additionally, freelancers need to quickly familiarize themselves with each client's unique tools and processes, making adaptability and proactive problem-solving essential skills for success in this role.

What are Freelance RF Design Engineers?

Freelance RF Design Engineers are independent professionals who specialize in designing, testing, and optimizing radio frequency (RF) circuits and systems for various applications, such as telecommunications, wireless networks, and broadcasting. Unlike salaried employees, they work on a contract or project basis for different clients, providing their expertise on-demand. Their responsibilities often include creating schematics, selecting components, running simulations, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Freelance RF Design Engineers need strong technical skills, up-to-date knowledge of RF technologies, and the ability to manage projects independently.
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Rf Design Engineer jobs in Compton, CA? For Freelance Rf Design Engineer jobs in Compton, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Compton, CA are hiring for Freelance Rf Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Compton, CA with the most Freelance Rf Design Engineer job openings:
Freelance Rf Design Engineer jobs near you
RF Test Engineer

RF Test Engineer

Apex

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$128K - $177K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.
For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.
Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.
We'd love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.
About the Role
Apex Space is seeking an RF Test Engineer to own system-level verification and performance testing of spacecraft communications hardware, with a primary focus on S-band TT&C and X-band payload systems. This role sits at the intersection of RF design, spacecraft integration, and hardware test, supporting development from early bring-up through spacecraft-level validation and environmental test campaigns.
You'll work closely with RF, avionics, software, AIT, and systems engineering teams to develop scalable RF test infrastructure, execute integrated verification campaigns, debug complex hardware issues, and help ensure our communications systems perform reliably in flight-like environments. This is a highly hands-on role focused on building, operating, and improving RF test systems for rapidly scaling spacecraft programs.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop and execute system-level RF test strategies for spacecraft communications hardware and payloads.
  • Design RF test architectures and signal chain configurations for transmitter and receiver characterization, including loopback, end-to-end, and over-the-air test setups.
  • Lead RF performance verification activities across development, qualification, and production hardware.
  • Support spacecraft integration and environmental test campaigns including thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, vibration, EMI/EMC, and full vehicle integration testing.
  • Partner closely with RF design engineers, avionics teams, and systems engineers to debug anomalies, root cause failures, and drive hardware improvements.
  • Develop automated test scripts, infrastructure, and data collection tools to improve test efficiency and repeatability.
  • Coordinate RF test execution alongside AIT, environmental, and production teams to support aggressive spacecraft build schedules.
  • Define and maintain RF test procedures, verification plans, calibration methods, and test documentation.
  • Support design reviews, test readiness reviews, qualification campaigns, and customer-facing verification activities.
  • Specify, integrate, and maintain RF test equipment and lab infrastructure including analyzers, signal generators, channel emulators, antennas, and chamber assets.
  • Contribute to the development of scalable RF verification frameworks and long-term test infrastructure as Apex production volume grows.

Requirements:
  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline. M.S. preferred.
  • 5+ years of hands-on RF test engineering experience, including experience with aerospace, satellite, or communications hardware.
  • Strong understanding of RF fundamentals, transmitter/receiver architectures, modulation schemes, and link-level testing.
  • Hands-on experience with RF measurement equipment including vector signal analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, noise figure analyzers, and related RF lab equipment.
  • Experience developing automated test software, scripting, or RF test infrastructure (Python preferred).
  • Experience supporting hardware bring-up, integration, debug, and environmental testing activities.
  • Ability to troubleshoot RF hardware and system-level issues down to the board, subsystem, or interface level.
  • Strong understanding of RF verification methodologies, test execution, and production test practices.
  • Experience writing clear test procedures, verification plans, and technical reports.
  • Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced hardware development environments with high ownership and autonomy.
  • Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Nice to Haves:
  • Experience with spacecraft communications systems, TT&C architectures, or payload RF systems.
  • Familiarity with GEVS, MIL-STD, ECSS, CCSDS, or EMI/EMC testing standards.
  • Experience supporting spacecraft-level integration and environmental qualification campaigns.
  • Experience with channel emulators, anechoic chamber testing, or over-the-air RF validation.
  • Familiarity with production test scaling, automated validation systems, or high-rate hardware manufacturing environments.
Why Join Apex?
Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.
What We Offer For Full-time Employees:
  • Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create
  • Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
  • Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
  • Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
  • 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
  • Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day
  • Vibrant community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family
  • Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self
  • World-class Playa Vista office with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life
  • Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference

Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, 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.

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