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Freelance Rf Design Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

RF Design Engineer

Thorofare, NJ ยท On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

We are looking for an RF Engineer who can design, simulate, and validate Sub-GHz and Wi-Fi/BLE radio systems and perform RF PCB layout. This is an end-to-end role spanning architecture, simulation ...

The Sr RF Engineer will significantly contribute to the design and development of hardware equipment to support antennas, phased array antennas, active electronic steerable phased array antennas, and ...

The Sr RF Engineer will significantly contribute to the design and development of hardware equipment to support antennas, phased array antennas, active electronic steerable phased array antennas, and ...

A world leader in their engineering industry for the last 50 years has an immediate opening for an ... Design and develop analog, digital and RF circuits to support our growing line of wired and ...

A world leader in their engineering industry for the last 50 years has an immediate opening for an ... Design and develop analog, digital and RF circuits to support our growing line of wired and ...

RF Design / Analog & Digital Design and Simulation * PCB Layout * Design Verification Testing and ... Education & Experience Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or ...

RF Design / Analog & Digital Design and Simulation * PCB Layout * Design Verification Testing and ... Education & Experience Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or ...

Lead and contribute to the design, analysis, and simulation of analog and digital RF circuits ... Apply sound RF engineering practices to support airborne communication and surveillance products ...

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Freelance Rf Design Engineer information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$15

$48

$133

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

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance rf design engineer in Philadelphia, PA is $48.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.52 and $62.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 most commonly searched types of Rf Design Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA? The most popular types of Rf Design Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Rf Design Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA? For Freelance Rf Design Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Rf Design Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Rf Design Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:
RF Design Engineer

RF Design Engineer

Checkpoint Systems, Inc.

Thorofare, NJ โ€ข On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

We are looking for an RF Engineer who can design, simulate, and validate Sub-GHz and Wi-Fi/BLE radio systems and perform RF PCB layout. This is an end-to-end role spanning architecture, simulation, PCB implementation, prototyping, lab validation, and certification (FCC/CE only - no carrier certification).
We build RF/RFID anti-theft technology solutions for apparel labeling, item tagging, and tag readers for retail and industrial environments. You will own the RF front end, antenna integration, controlled-impedance layout, and bring-up of complex PCBs used in our wireless products. You will work closely with electrical, mechanical, firmware, manufacturing, and test teams to deliver robust, manufacturable RF designs.
JOB DUTIES
RF System Design
  • Design Sub-GHz ISM (e.g., 850 - 950 MHz) and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi/BLE RF front ends.
  • Create link budgets, block diagrams, matching networks, power budgets, and specifications.
  • Component selection for PAs, LNAs, filters, switches, mixers, couplers, and RF shields.
  • Antenna evaluation and integration (chip, PCB trace, external, diversity).

RF PCB Design
  • Full ownership of RF zones on multilayer PCBs.
  • Define stack-up, controlled impedance routing, grounding, isolation, stitching, and keep-outs.
  • Work directly in Siemens PADS for schematics + layout (not just oversight).
  • Lead DFM/DFT reviews and coordinate with fabrication/assembly partners.

Simulation & Analysis
  • Use Dassault CST, Siemens HyperLynx, Keysight ADS, or similar tools for S-parameters, matching, stability, and radiation effects.
  • Perform EM analysis for antenna tuning and layout-dependent parasitics.
  • Support coexistence analysis between Sub-GHz and 2.4 GHz radios.

Lab Bring-Up & Validation
  • Use VNA, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, power meter, and oscilloscopes.
  • Conduct S11/S21 measurements, EVM checks, output power, sensitivity, desense analysis, and coexistence testing.
  • Tune antenna/matching networks and document all tuning steps.
  • Support environmental testing (temperature, vibration, humidity) as relevant to RF performance.

Compliance & Certification
  • Execute FCC/CE/UKCA and EMC/EMI requirements (no cellular carrier certification).
  • Work with external labs for testing; generate test reports and resolve findings/NCs.

Cross-Functional Support
  • Collaborate with FW for RF calibration/test flows.
  • Work with manufacturing on golden units, calibration constants, and test limit development.
  • Support field failure analysis and yield improvements during NPI.

โ€ข EDUCATION
  • B.S. or M.S. in EE or related field.
  • IPC CID certification (plus).

EXPERIENCE
  • 5-8+ years owning RF designs from concept โ†’ production.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES (KSA's):
  • Deep experience with Sub-GHz ISM radios and Wi-Fi/BLE coexistence.
  • Strong proficiency in RF layout, isolation, stack-up, and parasitic control.
  • Experience taking products through FCC/CE certification with minimal NCs.
  • Experience using Dassault CST, Siemens HyperLynx, Keysight ADS, Cadence AWR, Matlab, or EM simulation (antenna/matching).
  • High-volume manufacturing experience (DFM for HDI, low-loss laminates, shields).
  • Ability to mentor junior engineers and lead design reviews.
  • Familiarity with OTA, SAR, and EMC testing environments.
  • Work with Qualcomm/NXP/Nordic/TI/Silicon Labs chipsets.

Job Type: Full-Time - Exempt
Pay: $120,000.00-$140,000.00
Benefits:
  • 401 (k)
  • 401 (k) Matching
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Discount
  • Paid Time Off
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Health Savings Account

Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends as needed

Work Location: In office