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Power Amplifier Design Engineer Jobs in California

Strong career interest in power amplifier design and RF/microwave engineering * Familiar with amplifier modes of operation: Class A, AB, C, E, F and load modulation techniques such as Doherty PA ...

Staff Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$144K - $187K/yr

As a Staff Power Amplifier (PA) Design Engineer, you will be involved in the design and development of high-efficiency and high-linearity Cellular Power Amplifiers (PAs) and RF Front-End Modules ...

As a Staff Power Amplifier (PA) Design Engineer, you will be involved in the design and development of high-efficiency and high-linearity Cellular Power Amplifiers (PAs) and RF Front-End Modules ...

RF Design Project Engineer Job Location: Torrance, CA Salary: $110,000-$175,000/yr DOE Stellant ... Design power amplifier matching networks using non-linear models. * Support production builds on ...

RF Design Project Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$110K - $175K/yr

RF Design Project Engineer Job Location: Torrance, CA Salary: $110,000-$175,000/yr DOE Stellant ... Design power amplifier matching networks using non-linear models. * Support production builds on ...

New

Senior PA Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$116 - $151/hr

Overview As a Staff Power Amplifier (PA) Design Engineer, you will be involved in the design and development of high-efficiency and high-linearity Cellular Power Amplifiers (PAs) and RF Front-End ...

New

RF Design Project Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$110K - $175K/yr

RF Design Project Engineer Job Location: Torrance, CA Salary: $110,000-$175,000/yr DOE Stellant ... Design power amplifier matching networks using non-linear models. * Support production builds on ...

Senior PA Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

As a Staff Power Amplifier (PA) Design Engineer, you will be involved in the design and development of high-efficiency and high-linearity Cellular Power Amplifiers (PAs) and RF Front-End Modules ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 23, 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:

Infographic showing various Power Amplifier Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,022 per year, or $71.6 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Our Hardware Team is seeking an RF Design Engineer. You would be responsible for designing and developing highly selective receive chains and 2-20 watt transmit chains for VHF, UHF, L, and S-band handheld and vehicular radios. TrellisWare's products are engineered to provide robust and reliable communication in congested and contested RF environments. TrellisWare is looking for RF engineers who can combine the latest integrated components alongside custom-designed discrete filters and amplifiers, balancing transmit power, battery life, spurs and harmonics, receive selectivity, noise figure, and overall size to produce cutting-edge radios.

The essential duties and responsibilities include:

  • System-level RF design, including component selection and cascade analysis, using AWR Microwave Office
  • Component level design, leveraging integrated solutions but primarily focused on custom discrete filters and amplifiers
  • RF schematic entry (and ideally PCB layout) using Altium toolchain
  • Generate required design documentation.
  • Validate and debug product performance through test and analysis at the component, module and system level.
  • Collaborate with Product Management and Operations to carry development from prototype to production.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and work experience requirements are:

  • Minimum Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field of study required.
  • 5 years of experience with MSEE or 7 years of experience with BSEE as a RF/Wireless Design Engineer.

To be considered for this position, you would need to meet, at a minimum, the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed here:

  • RF cascade analysis and optimization for both noise figure and performance in strong interference environments
  • Filter synthesis and design, especially for low-loss, high power filters using lumped elements
  • Schematic entry and PCB layout experience (ideally using Altium tools)
  • Linear RF simulation (ideally using AWR Microwave Office)
  • Hands-on experience with RF circuit bring-up, troubleshooting, optimization, and high-volume production

An exceptional candidate would also possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • Discrete amplifier design experience, particularly at 1 W and above
  • Understanding of both the features and limitations of integrated RF transceivers
  • Experience with non-linear simulations, including simulated load-pull analysis
  • Understanding of frequency conversion, frequency synthesizers, and PLL design up to 3 GHz with tight packaging constraints.
  • Experience with EM Solvers such as HFSS, Momentum, Analyst or AXIEM (preferred).
  • Work independently, demonstrate initiative and interact with a variety of engineering development teams.
  • Demonstrate strong documentation skills and proficiency with PC office applications.
  • Demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong collaborative drive and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong initiative, proactive work ethic and prioritization skills.
  • Sound judgement and analytical problem-solving skills.
  • Effective execution and decision making.
  • Champion of change and promotes innovation.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable those with qualified disabilities.

  • Able to frequently sit, stand, walk, use hands to fingers, handle or feel, reach within hands and arm's length, stoop, kneel, and crouch, talk and hear.
  • Regularly required to sit for extended periods of time; frequently required to use office equipment such as PC, printer, telephone, etc.
  • Able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Additional requirements are:

  • U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency

Note: Many of TrellisWare's positions require a security clearance or the ability to obtain one. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.