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Power Amplifier Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Elve Inc

Amplifier Design Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

The amplifier design engineer at Elve will be responsible for the design and optimization of RF power amplifiers together with a team of engineers and technical experts. This role encompasses the ...

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Power Amplifier Design Engineer information

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

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for power amplifier design engineer in the United States is $72.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67.31 and $74.52 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.

More about Power Amplifier Design Engineer jobs

What states have the most Power Amplifier Design Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Power Amplifier Design Engineer jobs include:

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

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

Power Amplifier Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power Amplifier Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $150,999 per year, or $72.6 per hour.

Amplifier Design Engineer

Elve Inc

Davis, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 18 hours ago

Job description

Who is Elve?

Elve, Inc is a deep-tech startup in Davis, CA, specializing in the design and manufacturing of high-efficiency lightweight millimeter-wave and near-THz RF power amplifiers. Our groundbreaking technology enables 100x faster wireless internet access in urban settings and remote locations, revolutionizing the future of wireless connectivity well beyond 5G. We are looking for an amplifier design engineer to play a pivotal role in developing our innovative products. If you are passionate about RF design, eager to tackle challenges in high-frequency circuits, and want to work in a dynamic team environment, we can’t wait to meet you!

Job Description

The amplifier design engineer at Elve will be responsible for the design and optimization of RF power amplifiers together with a team of engineers and technical experts. This role encompasses the complete design process, from conceptualization to prototyping and testing. Key responsibilities include conducting simulations, designing RF components, and selecting appropriate materials for high-frequency applications. The engineer will collaborate closely with manufacturing and test teams to ensure the successful integration of designs into production. Opportunities include hands-on work with cutting-edge technology, involvement in process improvements, and tackling engineering challenges directly. This is a full-time salaried position, ideal for someone looking to make a substantial impact in the RF sector.

Work Environment

May be a combination of the following but not limited to:

  • Manufacturing facility
  • ISO 5 - ISO 7 Cleanroom
  • Laboratory
  • Machine shop
  • Warehouse
  • Office

Requirements

Must have:

  • Proficiency in RF/microwave design and simulation software (e.g., HFSS, CST)
  • Experience in designing and characterizing vacuum RF power amplifiers (e.g., TWT)
  • Solid understanding of amplifier architectures and circuit theory
  • Strong analytical skills to analyze circuit performance and troubleshoot issues
  • Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (e.g., network analyzers, oscilloscopes)
  • Detail-oriented with excellent problem-solving abilities
  • Great communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment
  • Self-motivated and adaptable

Good to have:

  • Experience with high-frequency circuit design and fabrication techniques
  • Knowledge of thermal management in RF applications
  • Familiarity with design for manufacturability (DFM)
  • Experience with in-depth modeling and simulation of RF components
  • Familiarity with testing protocols for RF amplifiers

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field with at least 6 years of relevant engineering experience in vacuum amplifier device design
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field with at least 4 years of relevant engineering experience in vacuum amplifier device design
  • Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field with at least 2 years of relevant engineering experience in vacuum amplifier device design
  • Basic hands-on tools experience

Benefits

Benefits Include:

  • Competitive salary
  • Health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
  • Vacation time
  • A taste of the start-up life
  • Exposure to cutting-edge technology in vacuum electronics, materials science, and additive manufacturing.
  • Rubbing shoulders and brainstorming with multiple Ph.D. and masters-level engineers

What it’s like to work at Elve

We are a small team (for now!) on a mission to bring the next generation of high-speed wireless connectivity to a billion people worldwide. That kind of impact is not going to be achieved with incremental improvements- we are gunning for orders of magnitude advances in production capability, cost, size, and power in the mm-wave RF amplifier market. We ask “dumb” questions all the time because we always have something to learn. We work really hard, make sure to get good sleep, handle conflict intentionally, and expect great things from each other.