1

Junior Rf Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... to junior engineers * Help establish antenna design standards, workflows, and best practices across the organization Technical Requirements: * Antenna and RF Fundamentals * Strong background in ...

... to junior engineers * Help establish antenna design standards, workflows, and best practices across the organization Technical Requirements: * Antenna and RF Fundamentals * Strong background in ...

... to junior engineers * Help establish antenna design standards, workflows, and best practices across the organization Technical Requirements: * Antenna and RF Fundamentals * Strong background in ...

Design, develop, and maintain software for RF and VLF communication systems supporting U.S. Navy ... Provide technical direction, mentorship, and training to junior engineers. * Interface regularly ...

Design, develop, and maintain software for RF and VLF communication systems supporting U.S. Navy ... Provide technical direction, mentorship, and training to junior engineers. * Interface regularly ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Junior Rf Engineer information

See California salary details

$33.1K

$70.9K

$108.1K

How much do junior rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior rf engineer in California is $70,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Junior RF Engineers during their first year on the job?

Junior RF Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex signal issues, adapting to rapidly changing technology, and interpreting technical documentation. They may also find it challenging to balance hands-on fieldwork with desk-based analysis and to communicate technical findings to non-technical team members. Gaining proficiency in industry-standard software tools and learning to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams are also common hurdles that, once overcome, contribute significantly to professional growth.

What are Junior RF Engineers?

Junior RF Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in the design, testing, and maintenance of radio frequency (RF) systems and equipment. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers and help with tasks such as signal analysis, equipment troubleshooting, and network optimization. Their responsibilities may include collecting data, performing basic simulations, and supporting the development of wireless communication systems. This role is an excellent starting point for those looking to build a career in RF engineering and telecommunications.

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

To thrive as a Junior RF Engineer, you need a solid understanding of radio frequency principles, circuit design, and telecommunications, typically with a degree in electrical or electronics engineering. Familiarity with tools like spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, RF simulation software (e.g., CST, HFSS), and knowledge of industry standards are highly valued. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate system design, troubleshooting, and collaboration essential to the successful deployment and maintenance of RF systems.

What is the difference between Junior Rf Engineer vs RF Technician?

AspectJunior Rf EngineerRF Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field; some certificationsTechnical diploma or associate degree; specialized training
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and development in labs or officesFieldwork, installation, and maintenance at sites
Employer & Industry UsageTelecom, aerospace, defense companiesTelecom providers, network service companies

The main difference is that Junior Rf Engineers focus on designing and testing RF systems, often requiring a degree and some certifications, while RF Technicians handle installation and maintenance tasks in the field with more technical training. Both roles are essential in the telecom and RF industry but serve different functions based on skills and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rf Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Rf Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Junior Rf Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Junior Rf Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Junior Rf Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,859 per year, or $34.1 per hour.
Sr. Principal Radar / RF Electrical Subsystems Engineer

Sr. Principal Radar / RF Electrical Subsystems Engineer

Raytheon

San Diego, CA • On-site

$147K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Raytheon rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 516 rated manufacturers


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-05-13

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-AZ-TUCSON-9022 ~ 9022 S Rita Rd ~ BLDG 9022

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.

The Advanced Effector Guidance Systems (AEGS) Department within Raytheon Hardware Engineering provides Electrical Systems Engineering to develop Electronic Systems solutions for products across the Raytheon portfolio. Our core electrical engineering responsibilities include architecture, requirements, integration, and test. Our core electrical engineering technologies include RF/RADAR, Navigation/IMU/GPS, Data Link/Communication, Digital, and Power. We partner with several Electrical Product Team departments that provide the detailed design of our electrical products as well as systems teams.

The Advanced Effectors Guidance Systems department is seeking a Sr Principal Radar / RF-focused Electrical Subsystems Engineer with deep experience in RF subsystem design, radar development, and RF seeker integration. This role emphasizes the architecture, modeling, design, and integration of advanced radar-based guidance subsystems and supporting RF front-end and back-end components. You will drive subsystem requirements, conduct performance modeling, and decompose radar and RF functional needs into implementable hardware architectures.

What You Will Do

  • Develop and architect radar and RF subsystem solutions, including front-end RF chains, antennas, high-speed digitizing paths, and signal-processing-critical interfaces.

  • Perform modeling, analysis, and simulation of RF and radar subsystem performance, including ultra-wideband (UWB) and high-power-density architectures.

  • Evaluate hardware designs, subsystems, and components for radar seekers and related RF systems.

  • Generate and document subsystem-level requirements, interface definitions, test plans, and verification artifacts.

  • Conduct technical peer reviews and serve as subject matter expert for radar/RF integration topics.

  • Support lab testing, field test events, and root-cause failure analysis for radar and RF subsystems.

  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical excellence across the organization.

  • Collaborate regularly with program leadership, functional management, suppliers, and customers.

  • May support multiple programs simultaneously and travel domestically and internationally as required.

  • Build and leverage cross-functional networks to solve complex technical challenges.

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and 10 years of prior relevant experience (advanced degrees substitute per policy).

  • Experience with electrical hardware development.

  • Experience in developing RF electrical subsystems, radar hardware, or RF seeker architectures.

  • Experience in subsystem or systems engineering, requirement development, and validation.

  • RF Modeling experience in HFSS and/or CST.

  • Experience with high-power-density RF architectures and thermal/electrical trade-space management.

  • Experience with high-speed digitizing and high-bandwidth memory systems.

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Hands-on experience with missile radar or RF seeker subsystems.

  • Background in detailed design, troubleshooting, and integration of radar/RF components.

  • Experience or knowledge of adaptive radar resolution-improvement techniques.

  • Deep understanding of S-parameters and impedance-matching techniques.

  • Experience with systems engineering and architecture.

  • Experience working with missile systems or high-reliability products.

  • Knowledge of mixed-signal electronics.

  • Familiarity with ultra-wide-bandwidth microwave components and design approaches.

  • Ability to manage cross-functional teams and drive suppliers.

  • Strong understanding of thermal, electrical, and microwave physics dependencies.

  • Knowledge of DoD/DoW hardware development processes.

  • Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).

What We Offer

Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

This position is located in Tucson, AZ and is eligible for relocation assistance.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 132,400 USD - 251,600 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

Privacy Policy and Terms:

Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms


What Raytheon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom