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Power Amplifier Design Engineer Jobs in California

Skyworks

$22.50 - $42/hr

We are seeking a Winter/Spring Co-op Engineer to join our Advanced Development Team, a group of ... Design, simulate, and evaluate high-frequency amplifier and power amplifier building blocks using ...

New

Etched

Power Optimization Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$2.0K/mo

Work closely with Architects, Performance Engineers, Software Engineers, ASIC Design Engineers, and Physical Design teams to implement design for optimal power using advanced power management ...

Etched

Power Optimization Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$2.0K/mo

Work closely with Architects, Performance Engineers, Software Engineers, ASIC Design Engineers, and Physical Design teams to implement design for optimal power using advanced power management ...

Etched

Power Optimization Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$2.0K/mo

Work closely with Architects, Performance Engineers, Software Engineers, ASIC Design Engineers, and Physical Design teams to implement design for optimal power using advanced power management ...

Mini-Circuits

Principal Design Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$199 - $215/hr

Position Summary The Principal Design Engineer - MMIC is responsible for developing new MMIC ... Knowledge of power amplifier design techniques; 10+ years in GaAs and/or GaN; experience with other ...

Mini-Circuits

Principal Design Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$199K - $215K/yr

The Principal Design Engineer - MMIC is responsible for developing new MMIC products as defined by ... Knowledge of power amplifier design techniques. 10 years' + experience in designing power ...

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Power Amplifier Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$52

$71

$92

How much do power amplifier design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for power amplifier design engineer in California is $71.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66.44 and $73.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a power amplifier design engineer do?

A Power Amplifier Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing power amplifiers used in various electronic devices, such as wireless communication systems and audio equipment. They work with circuit design, simulation, prototyping, and performance analysis to ensure the amplifier meets required specifications for efficiency, linearity, and output power. These engineers often collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate amplifiers into larger systems and troubleshoot any issues that arise during development or production.

What are some common challenges power amplifier design engineers face when optimizing designs for efficiency and linearity?

Power Amplifier Design Engineers often encounter the challenge of balancing efficiency with linearity, especially in applications like wireless communications where both are critical. Achieving high efficiency can sometimes compromise linearity, leading to signal distortion. Engineers address this by selecting appropriate topologies, implementing linearization techniques, and carefully optimizing biasing and matching networks. Collaboration with system architects and RF layout engineers is also essential to ensure that the amplifier meets overall system requirements while maintaining manufacturability and reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a power amplifier design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Amplifier Design Engineer, you need a strong background in RF/microwave engineering, circuit design, and a relevant degree such as electrical engineering. Experience with simulation tools like ADS, Cadence, or HFSS and familiarity with PCB layout and test equipment are typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with teams and solving complex design challenges. These skills and qualifications ensure the creation of reliable, high-performance amplifiers critical to modern communication and electronic systems.

What is the difference between Power Amplifier Design Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectPower Amplifier Design EngineerRF Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, specialized in RF or analog circuit designBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, with focus on RF systems or communications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, manufacturing facilitiesDesign labs, field testing sites, communication system environments
Industry UsageConsumer electronics, telecommunications, aerospace, defenseWireless communications, satellite, radar, mobile networks

While both roles involve RF and analog circuit knowledge, Power Amplifier Design Engineers focus specifically on designing high-power amplification components, whereas RF Engineers work on broader RF system design, integration, and testing. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and specialization.

What are popular job titles related to Power Amplifier Design Engineer jobs in California?

For Power Amplifier Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Power Amplifier Design Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Power Amplifier Design Engineer jobs in California are:

Power Amplifier Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power Amplifier Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,022 per year, or $71.6 per hour.

High frequency PA design, Winter/Spring Engineering Co-op (Jan-June '27)

Skyworks

Newbury Park, CA • On-site

$22.50 - $42/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design, simulate, and evaluate high-frequency RF and power amplifier circuits using GaAs and InP technologies.

  • Perform RF characterization and measurement of devices and circuits, including analyzing performance metrics such as gain, output power, and efficiency.

  • Collaborate with engineering teams to develop and optimize RF solutions for operation above 15 GHz.

Job description

High frequency PA design, Winter/Spring Engineering Co-op (Jan-June '27)
Posting Start Date: 8/28/26
Job Location(s): Newbury Park
If you are looking for a challenging and exciting career in the world of technology, then look no further. Skyworks is an innovator of high-performance analog semiconductors whose solutions are powering the wireless networking revolution. Through our broad technology expertise and one of the most extensive product portfolios in the industry, we are Connecting Everyone and Everything, All the Time.
At Skyworks, you will find a fast-paced environment with a strong focus on global collaboration, minimal layers of management, and the freedom to make meaningful contributions in a setting that encourages creative thinking. We are excited about the opportunity to work with you and glad you want to be part of a team of talented individuals who together are changing the way the world communicates.
Requisition ID: 78287
Job Description:
Description
If you are looking for a challenging and exciting career in advanced RF and microwave technology, then look no further. Skyworks is an innovator of high-performance compound semiconductor solutions enabling next-generation communications, sensing, defense, and aerospace systems. At Skyworks, you will find a fast-paced environment with a strong focus on innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. Our engineers work on cutting-edge technologies that push the limits of performance at microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies.
We are seeking a Winter/Spring Co-op Engineer to join our Advanced Development Team, a group of device, process, and circuit design experts focused on developing state-of-the-art GaAs and InP technologies for high-frequency, high-power RF applications. This position provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the design, simulation, characterization, and optimization of RF/microwave integrated circuits and power amplifiers operating above 15 GHz while working alongside industry-leading experts.
Co-op duration: up to 6 months January - June 2027
Responsibilities
  • Design, simulate, and evaluate high-frequency amplifier and power amplifier building blocks using GaAs and InP technologies.
  • Develop and optimize RF circuit architectures for operation above 15 GHz, including microwave and millimeter-wave frequency bands.
  • Perform RF characterization and measurement of devices and circuits, including small-signal and large-signal testing.
  • Conduct performance analysis of amplifier metrics such as gain, output power, saturated power (Psat), P1dB, power-added efficiency (PAE), noise figure, linearity, and stability.
  • Support EM modeling, circuit simulations, and design verification using industry-standard CAD tools.
  • Analyze measured data and correlate results with simulation models to improve technology and circuit performance.
  • Collaborate with device engineers, process technologists, and system architects to develop next-generation high-performance RF solutions.

Required Experience and Skills
  • Currently working towards a PhD Degree in Electrical Engineering
  • Understands basic compound semiconductor physics and basic device fabrication processes
  • Strong background in RFIC and Microwave design
  • Knowledge in RF parameters (insertion loss, return loss, harmonics, IMD, IIP3, VSWR, NF, power gain). Hands-on RF characterization skill is a plus
  • Familiar with CAD tools including layout and circuit simulation
  • Knowledge and interest in AI tools for computer programming to drive automation in measurements / data analysis / simulation
  • Strong analytical and communication skills

Desired Experience and Skills
  • Research or industry experience in Compound Semiconductor RF/microwave power amplifier design above 15 GHz. Experience designing MMICs in GaAs or InP technologies.
  • Familiarity with high-power cellular and Wi-Fi systems or UAV communication links.
  • Experience with RF front-end architectures for long-range, high-throughput wireless communications.
  • Hands-on RF laboratory experience with measurement-to-model correlation and design optimization.
  • Understanding of thermal management, reliability, and ruggedized high-power RF system design.

The typical pay range for an Engineering intern across the U.S. is currently USD $26.00 - $47.50 per hour and for a Non-Engineering intern across the U.S. is currently USD $22.50 - $42.00 per hour. Starting pay will depend on level of education, the ultimate job duties and requirements, and work location. Skyworks has different pay ranges for different work locations in the U.S.
Skyworks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Skyworks strives to create an accessible workplace; if you need an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@skyworksinc.com.
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About Skyworks

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are empowering the wireless networking revolution, connecting people, places and things around the world. As the demand for ubiquitous, “always-on” connectivity increasingly expands, our innovative, high performance analog semiconductors are enabling breakthrough communication platforms from global industry leaders – changing the way we live, work, play and learn. Through our broad technology expertise and one of the most extensive product portfolios in the industry, we are Connecting Everyone and Everything, All the Time.

Industry

Construction

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Buffalo, NY, US

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