1

Freelance Rf Design Engineer Jobs in Sacramento, CA

Lead an RF & Microwave Design Engineering team in the design and development of frequency converters, synthesized frequency sources, solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs), Direct-RF converters, and ...

Manages a variety of Engineering functions including drafting, RF design, document control and/or similar engineering support activities. Ensures the timely, thorough, and accurate completion of all ...

Lead an RF & Microwave Design Engineering team in the design and development of frequency converters, synthesized frequency sources, solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs), Direct-RF converters, and ...

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: • Lead an RF & Microwave Design Engineering team in the design and development of frequency converters, synthesized frequency sources, solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs ...

... design and development, oceanographic research, deepwater oil and gas exploration and production ... You'll collaborate with skilled technicians and engineers, contributing directly to the reliability ...

... design and development, oceanographic research, deepwater oil and gas exploration and production ... You'll collaborate with skilled technicians and engineers, contributing directly to the reliability ...

... design and development, oceanographic research, deepwater oil and gas exploration and production ... You'll collaborate with skilled technicians and engineers, contributing directly to the reliability ...

... design and manufacturing of high-efficiency lightweight millimeter-wave and near-THz RF power ... We are looking for electrical engineers specializing in power electronics to play key roles in ...

Test Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

... design and manufacturing of high-efficiency lightweight millimeter-wave and near-THz RF power ... A Test engineer at Elve is responsible for the characterization of the performance of Elve products ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Rf Design Engineer information

See Sacramento, CA salary details

$15

$50

$140

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

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance rf design engineer in Sacramento, CA is $50.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.87 and $65.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance RF design engineer?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance RF design engineer?

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 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 Sacramento, CA?

The most popular types of Rf Design Engineer jobs in Sacramento, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Rf Design Engineer jobs in Sacramento, CA?

For Freelance Rf Design Engineer jobs in Sacramento, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Rf Design Engineer jobs in Sacramento, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Rf Design Engineer jobs in Sacramento, CA are:

What cities near Sacramento, CA are hiring for Freelance Rf Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Sacramento, CA with the most Freelance Rf Design Engineer job openings:

Director of Engineering

Kratos Defense

Folsom, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Kratos Defense & Security Solutions rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Kratos Microwave, Inc., a Kratos' company, is looking for a Director of Engineering to work onsite at their Folsom, CA location.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms, and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies, and commercial enterprises.

At Kratos, we encourage an entrepreneurial spirit balanced with discipline. We work hard, and take care of our customers, employees and families. Recognized as thought leaders in our industry, we are motivated by creating and delivering innovative solutions to our nation and global customers. We proactively build trusted relationships with our peers, partners and customers, and take ownership for our actions—always striving to do the right thing.

Kratos offers medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability insurance, 401(k) savings plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), paid time off, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and more.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

Manages a variety of Engineering functions including drafting, RF design, document control and/or similar engineering support activities. Ensures the timely, thorough, and accurate completion of all Engineering projects. Oversees the preparation of new and modified designs. Ensures documentation packages are complete. Maintains part and project number assignments, drawing reproduction, and customer documentation. Selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the function.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Lead an RF & Microwave Design Engineering team in the design and development of frequency converters, synthesized frequency sources, solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs), Direct-RF converters, and complex multi-function assemblies (MFAs) for aerospace and defense applications. Products will include frequency converters, synthesizers, Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs), switched filter banks, tunable filters, and integrated transmit/receive (T/R) assemblies.
• Manage personnel development, new business bids & proposals, and the successful design, development, and production release / transition to production of new products.
• Manage employee development & operational improvements of the RF, Microwave, & Mixed Signal design group in support of company goals & objectives. Participate in recruiting & team development.
• Technical responsibilities include leading the design of RF architectures and systems using chain analysis and frequency planning tools such as VSS.
• Design of RF components using MWO, CST, HFSS, Sonnet, SPICE, etc.
• Evaluation and selection of devices that are suitable for the applications & operating environment, meeting customer requirements. This includes the design and selection of LNAs, PAs, filters, mixers, frequency multipliers, isolators, couplers, phase locked oscillator, and synthesizers.
• Perform trade studies for noise figure, power compression, linearity, and isolation.
• Perform hardware layout, component evaluation, prototype construction, and test.
• Prepare test methods and specifications, analyze and test hardware to verify performance.
• Lead both internal and external PDR, CDR, and MRR design reviews, generating and delivering presentations to our internal leadership team and to customers.
• Provide guidance on technology trends and help drive innovation to maintain our leading edge technical capabilities relative to competitors.

Supervisory Responsibility:
This position has supervisory responsibilities.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
• Extensive experience with devices, circuitry, and systems operating at RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave frequencies.
• Ability to design circuitry for high frequency receivers, transmitters, and signal generation. Experience with design tools such as MWO, ADS, CST, HFSS, Sonnet, SPICE, & Altium.
• Knowledge of signal routing, mechanical layout, and packaging technologies for devices and subassemblies.
• Ability to conceptualize initial component and system designs with block diagrams and cascade analyses.
• Ability to lead project team execution of assembly, test, debug, and optimization.
• Ability to organize results for design reviews and customer presentations.
• Ability to communicate clearly with excellent verbal, written, & presentation skills.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• Requires a minimum of 15 years of directly relevant experience in the RF & Microwave industry at microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies with a Bachelor's or Master's degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience with Mixed Signal & Direct-RF / Direct-to-Digital products a plus.
• Previous experience managing & developing technical employees.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to find creative and innovative solutions.
• Strong lab skills using test equipment, and ability to tune and align circuitry.
• Must be proficient with RF design software such as Cadence/AWR's Microwave Office and/or ADS.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Office and/or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to travel 15-20% for customer meetings and cross-site collaboration.
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, mouse, phones, use tools/equipment).

Travel Requirements: Yes, as required.

#LI-BI1Kratos
Base Annual Salary Range: $200,000.00 - $240,000.00


What Kratos Defense & Security Solutions employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom