Radio Frequency Rf Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are CARIAD, an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group. Our mission is to make the automotive experience safer, more sustainable, more comfortable, more digital, and more fun. To achieve that we are building the leading tech stack for the automotive industry and creating a unified software platform for over 10 million new vehicles per year. We're looking for talented, digital minds like you to help us create code that moves the world. Together with you, we'll build outstanding digital experiences and products for all Volkswagen Group brands that will transform mobility. Join us as we shape the future of the car and everyone around it.

​Role Summary:

The Sr Staff Hardware Engineer, Radio Frequency serves as a technical leader within CARIAD's Hardware Platform Development team, driving the design, validation, and optimization of advanced RF systems and circuits. This role demands deep expertise in RF architecture, antenna design and tuning, EMI/EMC mitigation, and complex system integration to enable robust, high-performance wireless communication across vehicle platforms.

As a senior technical authority, the Sr Staff Engineer not only leads, manages and delivers hands-on design and troubleshooting of high-quality, scalable solutions, but also sets direction for RF technology roadmaps, defines best practices, mentors cross-functional teams, and influences hardware architecture decisions. The role requires balancing innovation with reliability, ensuring compliance with global regulatory standards, while leading and guiding the development of next-generation connected mobility solutions at CARIAD.

Role Responsibilities:

• Technical Leadership & Strategy (40%)

  • Define and communicate technical direction and best practices for RF hardware design and validation across CARIAD's Hardware Platform Development team.
  • Shape and influence RF technology roadmaps and ensure alignment with long-term product and platform strategies.
  • Lead supplier engagement and evaluation of RF technologies, ensuring forward-looking adoption of next-generation solutions.
  • Act as the primary technical authority on RF architecture decisions, ensuring robust system integration and signal integrity.

  RF Design & Development (30%)

  • Drive design, simulation, and optimization of RF circuits, antennas, and transmission lines, setting benchmarks for high-frequency performance.
  • Establish design guidelines and mentor teams in advanced RF PCB layout practices, impedance matching, and antenna integration.
  • Proactively address challenges in noise reduction, power efficiency, and manufacturability, balancing performance with scalability.

  Testing, Validation & Compliance (20%)

  • Defines and leads quality testing methodologies, automation frameworks, and validation strategies to ensure reliable RF performance.
  • Oversee EMI/EMC mitigation approaches and ensure global regulatory compliance (FCC, CE, etc.).
  • Review and sign off on test plans, performance evaluations, and compliance results, setting the bar for engineering rigor.
  • Anticipate and guide teams through complex RF troubleshooting, establishing best practices for technical execution and enabling scalable problem-solving across projects.

  Mentorship & Cross-Functional Influence (10%)

  • Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, fostering technical growth in RF design, testing, and validation.
  • Collaborate with firmware, software, and system architecture teams to align RF integration with cross-functional roadmaps.
  Represent RF engineering in strategic discussions with stakeholders, ensuring technical feasibility informs product direction.

​General Skills:

• Analytical and conceptual thinking
• Experience in developing strategies for R&D
• Communication skills - interpersonal, presentation and written
• Integration - joining people, processes or systems
• Influencing and negotiation skills
• Strategic/visionary minded

​Required Specialized Skills:

• Subject matter expert for RF hardware design and system integration, setting technical direction for the Hardware Platform Development team.
• Strong understanding of RF circuit design, impedance matching, transmission line theory, and antenna design/tuning for wireless communication systems.
• Expertise with RF test equipment (network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters) and automated test methodologies.
• Specialized experience in PCB design for RF applications, including layout best practices for high-frequency circuits
• Familiarity with wireless communication standards (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE, 5G).
• Knowledge of EMI/EMC mitigation techniques for RF systems.
• Knowledge of embedded system software architecture, real-time operating systems, and web framework components and its interfaces
• Strong knowledge of connected HPC software components and its peripherals · Knowledge of connected vehicle infotainment and communication software systems.
• Programming languages C, C++, Java, HTML5, and script languages

​Desired Skills:

• Experience with RF simulation tools (e.g., ADS, HFSS, CST, or similar)
• Knowledge of low-noise amplifiers (LNA), power amplifiers (PA), and RF filters
• Experience in automated RF testing and scripting (Python, MATLAB)
• Background in automotive, aerospace, or IoT RF applications

​Workplace Flexibility:

• ​Travel to worldwide locations required, up to 20%

​Years of Relevant Experience:

• ​10+ years of radio frequency (RF) design, testing, and validation experience

​Required Education:

• ​Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a related field

​Desired Education:

• ​Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a related field

Compensation

Salary range is dependent on factors such as geographical differentials, credentials or certifications, industry-based experience, qualification and training. In the city of Mountain View, California, the salary range for this position is $182,310- $264,195.

CARIAD, Inc. provides performance based merits and annual bonus along with a competitive benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match and defined contribution plan, short and long term disability, basic life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment plans, maternity and non-primary caregiver leave, adoption assistance, employee referral program and vacation and paid holidays. We also offer a unique vehicle lease program that covers registration and insurance fees.

CARIAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

Employment with CARIAD Inc. is subject to export control and sanctions compliance. Some positions may involve access to technology and/or software source code subject to U.S. legal restrictions on release to certain foreign persons based on citizenship or permanent residence. To ensure compliance, applicants will be required to provide information for screening. Employment may be contingent on the outcome, including verification of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, or confirmation that a license, exemption, or exception applies. CARIAD retains the discretion to decline to obtain a required license in any case. By applying, you acknowledge and agree to participate in this process.