ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Microwave Rf Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Master's degree in electrical engineering with emphasis in microwave/RF engineering * 1+ years of professional experience in a relevant field * Experience modeling RF and channel impairments such as ...

Mercury Systems

Senior RF Engineer

Oxnard, CA · On-site

Mercury Systems Signal Technologies group has a great opportunity for an electrical RF Engineer ... Develop functional specifications for sub-assemblies and integrated microwave assemblies

SpaceX

RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA

$145K - $175K/yr

Master's degree in electrical engineering with emphasis in microwave/RF engineering * 1+ years of professional experience in a relevant field * Experience modeling RF and channel impairments such as ...

HEICO

RF Engineer

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

RF ENGINEER LOCATION: Chatsworth, CA SHIFT: Day (7:00 am - 5:30 pm; Monday thru Thursday) BASIC ... Basic working knowledge of RF/Microwave laboratory test equipment for testing of circuit and ...

Kyocera

Senior RF/MW Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Tuition reimbursement General Description of Position The Microwave RF Engineer is responsible for the development, testing, and validation of mmWave and RF technologies, actively contributing ...

SpaceX

Principal RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$210K - $300K/yr

Master's degree in electrical engineering with emphasis in microwave/RF engineering * Experience modeling RF and channel impairments such as multipath, phase noise, group delay, fading and nonlinear ...

Kyocera

Senior RF/MW Engineer

San Diego, CA

$90K - $130K/yr

Tuition reimbursement General Description of Position The Microwave RF Engineer is responsible for the development, testing, and validation of mmWave and RF technologies, actively contributing ...

SpaceX

Sr. RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA

$165K - $230K/yr

Master's degree in electrical engineering with emphasis in microwave/RF engineering * 5+ years of professional experience in a relevant field * Experience modeling RF and channel impairments such as ...

SpaceX

Sr. RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$165K - $230K/yr

Master's degree in electrical engineering with emphasis in microwave/RF engineering * 5+ years of professional experience in a relevant field * Experience modeling RF and channel impairments such as ...

Reach

RF Microwave Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

As a Microwave Engineer, you will be a key part of Reach's RF engineering team and develop state of the art systems that are integral to Reach's wireless power beaming capability. Your technical know ...

HEICO

RF Engineer III

Camarillo, CA · On-site

The RF Engineer III is a technical expert that will lead as a project engineer for RF products ... Minimum 5 years experience in the RF/Microwave industry * Demonstrated RF/MW oscillator design ...

SpaceX

Principal RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$210K - $300K/yr

Master's degree in electrical engineering with emphasis in microwave/RF engineering * Experience modeling RF and channel impairments such as multipath, phase noise, group delay, fading and nonlinear ...

Reach

RF Microwave Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

As a Microwave Engineer, you will be a key part of Reach's RF engineering team and develop state of the art systems that are integral to Reach's wireless power beaming capability. Your technical know ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsMicrowave Rf Engineer JobsMicrowave Rf Engineer Jobs in California

Microwave Rf Engineer information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$116.1K

$180.6K

How much do microwave rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for microwave rf engineer in California is $116,139.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,200.00 and $137,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Microwave Rf Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Microwave RF Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electromagnetic theory, circuit design, and RF/microwave components, typically with a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with simulation tools like HFSS, ADS, or CST, as well as hands-on experience with network analyzers and spectrum analyzers, is often required, and certifications such as FCC or IEEE membership can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the accurate design, testing, and optimization of high-frequency systems critical to telecommunications, defense, and wireless industries.

What is a Microwave RF Engineer job?

A Microwave RF Engineer designs, develops, and tests high-frequency circuits and systems used in wireless communication, radar, and satellite applications. They work with components such as amplifiers, filters, antennas, and waveguides to ensure optimal signal performance. Their role involves simulation, prototyping, troubleshooting, and optimizing RF and microwave systems to meet performance and regulatory standards.

What does a typical workday look like for a Microwave RF Engineer?

As a Microwave RF Engineer, your workday often involves a blend of design, simulation, and hands-on testing of RF and microwave circuits and systems. You’ll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams such as hardware engineers, project managers, and manufacturing staff to ensure prototypes meet performance specifications and project deadlines. Expect to use specialized software for modeling and spend time in the lab troubleshooting, tuning, and validating hardware using advanced test equipment. Regular meetings to review designs, address technical challenges, and document results are also a key part of the role. This dynamic environment enables continuous learning and the development of innovative solutions in high-frequency technology.

What are popular job titles related to Microwave Rf Engineer jobs in California? For Microwave Rf Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Microwave Rf Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Microwave Rf Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Microwave Rf Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Microwave Rf Engineer job openings:
Microwave Rf Engineer jobs near you
RF Engineer (Starshield)

RF Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 59 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.
RF ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)
Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. As an RF engineer on the Starshield team, you will be working on advanced development programs in support of US National Security. You will work with a team of fellow RF engineers, DSP engineers, software engineers, hardware engineers and end users to design and build RF capabilities for proliferated communications and remote sensing in low earth orbit. You will work in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment, where we are exploring unsolved problems and applying the SpaceX mindset of iterating rapidly to go from design and demo to operational capability at lightning pace.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Drive program-level decisions on RF system designs
  • Research novel solutions for unique large-scale satellite RF systems
  • Work in close collaboration with hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software engineers to design and validate RF systems
  • Responsible for development and full life cycle support of RF hardware spanning PCBA board testing and defect detection, full functional testing of an assembled unit, and resolving on-orbit vehicle anomalies
  • Create electromagnetic simulation models of hardware (antennas, filters, PCB layout) to design and evaluate performance
  • Modify electrical schematics and mechanical drawings for flight applications as they relate to reliability and manufacturability

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, or electrical engineering
  • 1+ years of experience RF engineering:
    • Experience with modeling/analysis tools/software such as HFSS, CST, ADS, MATLAB, C/C++, and/or Python
    • Experience with RF test equipment such as VNA, spectrum analyzer, etc.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree in electrical engineering with emphasis in microwave/RF engineering
  • 1+ years of professional experience in a relevant field
  • Experience modeling RF and channel impairments such as multipath, phase noise, group delay, fading and nonlinear distortion
  • Experience designing RF systems including radio astronomy, SIGINT, ELINT, radar, or wireless communications
  • Experience with basic principles of antenna theory
  • Experience with software-defined radios and frameworks, such as GNU Radio
  • Understanding of link budgets and analysis related to communications and remote sensing systems
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret SCI clearance

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
RF Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year
RF Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year
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. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.
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, stock options, 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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
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.

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply