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Radio Frequency Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Radio Frequency Engineer

Simi Valley, CA ยท On-site

$74 - $138/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Radio Frequency Engineer Full Time Simi Valley, CA, US Salary Range: $74,000.00 To $138,000.00 Annually Job Title: Accoiate, Radio Frequency Engineer Job Location: Simi Valley, CA (This position is ...

Radio Frequency Engineer

Simi Valley, CA ยท On-site

$74K - $138K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Associate, Radio Frequency Engineer Job Location: Simi Valley, CA (This position is 100% onsite) Business Unit: Datron Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked ...

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Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Supports engineering projects and assists with the development, maintenance, and improvement of products, systems, and processes. * Contributes to project planning and execution within assigned areas ...

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Radio Frequency Engineer information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$116.1K

$180.6K

How much do radio frequency engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for radio frequency 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 is a radio frequency engineer?

Radio Frequency Engineers are specialized professionals who design, implement, and maintain systems that use radio waves for communication. They work on technologies such as wireless networks, cellular phones, satellite communications, and radar. Their responsibilities include optimizing signal strength, preventing interference, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. These engineers play a crucial role in enabling reliable wireless connectivity in various industries.

What does a radio frequency engineer do?

As a radio frequency engineer (RF engineer), you install and maintain devices that transmit and receive radio waves. You may select which type of device to install in a given area, help design wireless networks, and provide technical support for existing systems. Radio frequency engineering is a specialized focus of electrical engineering and uses many of the same techniques and principles, so some engineers switch between the two fields as necessary for each job. Other details of this position depend on the employer. For example, installing radio devices for the military often involves getting a security clearance and maintaining heavily-secured transmission systems, while urban jobs may require finding ways to filter out excess noise and problems in each frequency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a radio frequency engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Radio Frequency Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, RF circuit design, and signal processing, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools like vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and simulation software such as CST or HFSS is crucial, along with relevant certifications like FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help in troubleshooting complex issues and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital for designing, optimizing, and maintaining reliable RF systems in dynamic environments.

What are some typical challenges radio frequency engineers face when working on large-scale wireless network deployments?

Radio Frequency Engineers often encounter challenges such as mitigating interference from other wireless devices, ensuring signal coverage in complex environments (like dense urban areas or inside buildings), and adhering to regulatory constraints on spectrum usage. Collaborating closely with site engineers, network planners, and field technicians is essential to address these issues efficiently. Staying current with evolving technologies and optimizing existing infrastructure for capacity and reliability are also ongoing parts of the role.

What is the difference between Radio Frequency Engineer vs Wireless Communications Engineer?

AspectRadio Frequency EngineerWireless Communications Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, RF certificationsBachelor's in Electrical/Communications Engineering, wireless certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning RF systems, testing, fieldworkDeveloping wireless networks, system integration
Industry UsageTelecom, aerospace, defenseTelecom, mobile networks, IoT

Both roles involve working with wireless signals and require similar technical skills and certifications. However, Radio Frequency Engineers focus more on RF system design and testing, while Wireless Communications Engineers concentrate on developing and optimizing wireless network systems. The choice depends on your specific interests within wireless technology.

How much does a radio frequency engineer earn?

A radio frequency engineer's salary varies based on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually. Senior engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in telecommunications and defense sectors.

Is radio frequency engineering in demand?

Radio frequency engineering is in demand due to the ongoing expansion of wireless communication networks, including 5G and IoT technologies. RF engineers are needed to design, test, and optimize radio systems, often requiring knowledge of signal processing, spectrum management, and relevant certifications. The field offers opportunities in telecommunications, defense, and aerospace industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Radio Frequency Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Radio Frequency Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Radio Frequency Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Radio Frequency Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Radio Frequency Engineer jobs in CA?

For Radio Frequency Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Radio Frequency Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,139 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

Radio Frequency Engineer

Lumbee Tribe Holdings, Inc.

Oceanside, CA โ€ข On-site

$105K - $120K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

sition Title

Radio Frequency Engineer

Position Classification

Exempt

Position Type

This position may be full-time or part-time and is scheduled to work standard business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Overtime is not expected for this role.

Work Location

Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA), Camp Pendleton, CA

Position Description

The Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer provides RF and transmission engineering expertise for developmental test and evaluation of the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) program in support of Program Manager Light Armored Vehicles (PM LAV). The individual delivers expert engineering services for the integration, configuration, and troubleshooting of radio assets and transmission paths supporting test events for both vendor solutions, and assesses RF performance across static, mobile, and afloat test scenarios. This position provides dedicated, non-overlapping coverage operating from the System Integration Laboratory (SIL) in order to protect vendor proprietary data and ensure unbiased analysis.

Essential Position Functions

  • Five years' demonstrated radio frequency or communications engineering experience supporting tactical radio systems, waveforms, or transmission systems.
  • Deliver expert engineering services for the integration, configuration, administration, and troubleshooting of radio assets, transmission paths, and associated communications systems supporting test events for both vendor solutions.
  • Configure and operate radio assets within a man-portable, deployable SIL environment supporting essential MAGTF C2 software applications.
  • Conduct RF performance analysis and assessment during static, mobile, and afloat test scenarios, including link performance, transmission path characterization, and interference identification.
  • Perform root cause analysis of RF and transmission-related test incidents and provide engineering recommendations for resolution.
  • Conduct technical assessments and integration evaluations of emerging radio and communications technologies for use with the LAV Family of Vehicles and ARV to determine feasibility, suitability, and operational relevance.
  • Provide RF engineering input to test plans, test cases, test procedures, and test and evaluation architecture diagrams.
  • Support the delivery and installation of Mobile MAGTF Test Suites to vendor sites, providing appropriate engineering and system expertise during installation.
  • Enter all Test Incident Reports (TIRs) into the designated tracking system within 24 hours of identification, and submit trip reports within 5 business days of trip completion.
  • Proficiency with RF test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and power meters.
  • CompTIA Security+ or equivalent DoD IAT Level II certification (desired).
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field (desired).
  • Experience with military tactical radio systems and MANET waveforms (desired).
  • Working knowledge of spectrum management and frequency authorization processes (desired).

Competencies for the role

The Radio Frequency Engineer demonstrates advanced expertise in RF and transmission engineering applied to tactical communications systems under test. This role requires strong diagnostic and analytical skills, proficiency with RF test instrumentation, the ability to characterize and troubleshoot link and transmission performance in laboratory, vehicle, and afloat environments, and the discipline to maintain strict separation of competing vendor data while supporting both vendor teams.

Physical Requirements for the role

This position requires the ability to work at a computer for extended periods, including viewing monitors, using keyboards, and operating standard office and test equipment. The role also requires the ability to enter, occupy, and perform test duties within small vehicle passenger compartments during static, mobile, and afloat scenarios while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), including body and head protective gear. The individual must be able to stand and walk for extended periods, work in field and shipboard conditions, and lift and carry equipment up to 40 pounds, including man-portable server and radio components associated with the System Integration Laboratory and Mobile MAGTF Test Suites.

Reports To

Assigned Program Manager

Supervisory responsibilities

None

Work Environment

The work environment for this position includes a professional office setting, a System Integration Laboratory (SIL), and field and vehicle test environments. Test execution occurs during static, mobile, and afloat scenarios, including duties performed inside small vehicle passenger compartments where the individual will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as body and head protective gear. The role involves regular use of computers and related technology and frequent collaboration with technical and non-technical team members, including Government and vendor personnel. Work is generally performed during normal business hours, and the environment supports adherence to established cybersecurity, safety, and organizational policies. Due to the requirement to protect vendor proprietary data, the individual will be assigned to a designated vendor team or headquarters element and shall maintain strict non-disclosure between competing vendor solutions.

Security Clearance Requirements

Secret. Technical tasks associated with this position require access to classified information up to the Secret level. The individual shall not divulge information regarding files, data processing activities or functions, identifications, passwords, or other knowledge gained to anyone not authorized access to such information, and shall abide by all Government rules, procedures, and standards of conduct.

Travel Requirements

Travel is anticipated to be approximately 25% - 30% within the Continental United States. CONUS travel is currently forecast at twice per quarter at approximately two weeks per trip and must be preapproved in writing by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). Travel includes vendor site visits and the delivery and installation of Mobile MAGTF Test Suites. No travel outside the Continental United States is anticipated.

Compensation

Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Lumbee Holdings is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Lumbee Holdings reserves the right to share applications and related candidate information with its subsidiaries, affiliates, teaming partners, subcontractors, and prime contractors for purposes of evaluating candidates for this and other current or future openings.

Note: This summary is not intended to be a complete description of all benefits. Employees will receive detailed information about benefit plan terms, conditions, and eligibility during onboarding. These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work involved for this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this job.