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Principal Rf Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary About the Role We are hiring a Principal RF Hardware Engineer to serve as a technical leader for the design and architecture of our wireless products. In this role, you will own the RF ...

In your first 6 months, you will work with a multidisciplinary team of antenna, RF, field programmable gate array (FPGA), digital signal processing (DSP), software, mechanical, and electrical ...

Technical oversight responsibilities for less-senior engineers * Working across domains on complex projects * Architecting and requirements definition for complex RF products * Team leadership ...

We have multiple openings for a Microwave/RF Engineer to apply commercial and in-house simulation ... Advanced experience as a project manager of principal investigator for electromagnetics-related ...

Technical oversight responsibilities for less-senior engineers * Working across domains on complex projects * Architecting and requirements definition for complex RF products * Team leadership ...

We have multiple openings for a Microwave/RF Engineer to apply commercial and in-house simulation ... Advanced experience as a project manager of principal investigator for electromagnetics-related ...

Wehave multiple openings for a Microwave/RF Engineer to apply commercial and in-house simulation ... Advanced experience as a project manager of principal investigator for electromagnetics-related ...

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Principal Rf Engineer information

See California salary details

$73K

$145.3K

$209.7K

How much do principal rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal rf engineer in California is $145,292.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,900.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Principal RF Engineer?

As a Principal RF Engineer, you can expect to spend your days designing and optimizing RF circuits and systems, conducting simulations and testing prototypes, and troubleshooting performance issues. You’ll frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware designers, software engineers, and project managers, to ensure seamless integration of RF components within larger systems. Additionally, you may mentor junior engineers, review technical documentation, and contribute to strategy discussions for new product initiatives. This dynamic role combines technical expertise with leadership and teamwork, offering both hands-on and strategic responsibilities.

What is a Principal RF Engineer job?

A Principal RF Engineer is a senior-level engineering professional responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing radio frequency (RF) systems and components. They lead complex RF projects, analyze system performance, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. This role typically involves mentoring junior engineers, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and solving technical challenges related to wireless communication, antenna design, or signal propagation. Principal RF Engineers work in industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, and defense to enhance wireless networks and communication systems.

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

To excel as a Principal RF Engineer, extensive knowledge of radio frequency (RF) design, system integration, and a degree in electrical engineering or related field are essential. Experience with RF simulation tools (such as HFSS, ADS, or CST), familiarity with spectrum analyzers, and relevant certifications like the IEEE Wireless Communication certification are commonly expected. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, leadership, and clear communication skills help drive projects and support multidisciplinary collaboration. These attributes ensure successful RF system development, effective project leadership, and seamless integration of complex technologies in demanding environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Rf Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Principal Rf Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Principal Rf Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Principal Rf Engineer job openings:
Principal RF Subsystems Engineer

Principal RF Subsystems Engineer

Raytheon

San Diego, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Raytheon rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-06-15

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-AZ-TUCSON-M02 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG M02

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:

Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date

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 Effector RF Team at Raytheon is seeking a talented Principal Engineer to join our team in Tucson, AZ.

The candidate will be responsible for contributing to the architecture, analysis, design, and implementation of RF subsystems and sensors within missile products. The selected candidate will be expected to provide technical expertise, lead small teams, and work with the Engineering organization to establish technology roadmaps, enable modernization, and contribute to general innovation. In addition, the candidate will interface with government personnel and program leadership on a regular basis. The candidate will be responsible for providing expertise, leadership, and subject matter support to RF projects and team members.

This position is an onsite role, located in Tucson, AZ.

What You Will Do

  • Specify, design, and test advanced RF sensors and subsystems across frequencies from MHz through millimeter-wave.

  • Decompose system-level requirements into detailed RF component requirements.

  • Measure RF components/sensors/subsystems, including performance in chamber and range environments.

  • Perform modeling and analysis of link budgets, RF cascades, electromagnetic emissions (EME), antenna patterns, phase noise, receiver sensitivity, transmitter power, spurious signals, modulation, isolation, and ADC characteristics.           

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM)

  • A minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience, or an advanced degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience to include any combination of the following:

    • Design, integration, and/or test of RF subsystems

    • Design, integration, and/or test of RF sensors

    • Experience interacting across engineering disciplines (e.g. Systems, Mechanical, SW, Algorithms, etc.) to define RF subsystem requirements and evaluate performance

  • Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date with the ability to obtain special program access after start.   

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Knowledge of RF component technologies, including circuit card assemblies (CCAs), waveguides, planar/printed antennas, RF modules, and/or monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs).

  • Experience performing Link Budget analyses.

  • Understanding of antenna patterns and RF measurements with antennas and electronics.

  • Experience in concepts such as phase noise, mixer conversion spurs, automatic gain control (AGC), sensitivity, intermodulation distortion (IMD), bit error rate, instantaneous bandwidth, adjacent channel interference, and ADC measurements/calculations (Nyquist and SFDR).

  • Familiarity with equipment such as Spectrum Analyzers, Network Analyzers, Signal Generators, and Arbitrary Waveform Generators (ARB Generators).

  • Understanding of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic vulnerability (EMV) along with mitigation strategies in RF systems.

  • Excellent written communication and oral presentation skills.

What We Offer

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

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Learn More & Apply Now!

This position requires a security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm

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 107,500 USD - 204,500 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.

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