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Rf Engineer I Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RF Engineer (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

RF Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year RF Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may ...

RF Engineer (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

RF Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year RF Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may ...

About the Role: As an RF Engineer on Relativity's Interplanetary Program, you will own the ... i.e. DSN, KSAT, etc.) through hardware bring-up, environmental qualification, integrated testing ...

RF Engineer (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

RF Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year RF Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may ...

About the Role: As an RF Engineer on Relativity's Interplanetary Program, you will own the ... i.e. DSN, KSAT, etc.) through hardware bring-up, environmental qualification, integrated testing ...

Sr. RF Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

As an Sr. RF Engineer at Xona, you'll be designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing RF ... S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other ...

Lead RF Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

As a Lead RF Engineer at Xona, you'll be designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing RF ... S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other ...

As an RF engineer on the Starshield team, you will be working on advanced development programs in ... S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S ...

PRINCIPAL RF ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S ...

Senior RF Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline. * Minimum of 5 years of experience in RF design and ... Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 ...

RF Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline. * Minimum of 1 year of experience in RF design and ... Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 ...

The Engineering team is seeking an RF Engineer who will provide technical leadership to resolve ... 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants that require ...

RF Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$99K - $220K/yr

The impact you'll make As a RF Engineer at Lam, you play a crucial role in designing, building, and troubleshooting cutting-edge radio frequency (RF) solutions for power delivery and plasma ...

The Engineering team is seeking an RF Engineer who will provide technical leadership to resolve ... 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants that require ...

Showing results 21-40

Rf Engineer I information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$116.1K

$180.6K

How much do rf engineer i jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf engineer i 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 an RF engineer I?

RF Engineers, or Radio Frequency Engineers, are professionals who design, implement, and maintain systems that use radio waves for communication. They work with devices and systems such as cell phones, wireless networks, radar, and satellite communications. RF Engineers are responsible for optimizing signal quality, minimizing interference, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Entry-level RF Engineers, such as RF Engineer I, typically assist in testing, troubleshooting, and supporting projects under the supervision of senior engineers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RF engineer I?

To thrive as an RF Engineer I, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, understanding of radio frequency principles, and a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with simulation tools like HFSS or CST, RF test equipment, and industry standards such as FCC regulations is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are crucial for problem-solving and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure reliable RF system design, troubleshooting, and efficient project execution in telecommunications and wireless industries.

What are some common challenges RF engineer I professionals face when working on wireless network deployment projects?

RF Engineer I professionals often encounter challenges such as managing signal interference, ensuring optimal coverage in diverse environments, and adapting to rapidly evolving technology standards. Collaboration with site acquisition teams, field technicians, and network planners is crucial to address these issues efficiently. Additionally, balancing project deadlines with regulatory and safety compliance can be demanding, but it provides valuable experience in troubleshooting and cross-functional teamwork.

What is the difference between Rf Engineer I vs Rf Engineer II?

AspectRf Engineer IRf Engineer II
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field; some certifications preferredBachelor's or higher; more experience and certifications often required
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised tasks, team collaborationMore independent, complex project involvement
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in telecommunications, wireless, and RF design firmsSame industries, with increased responsibilities
Typical Search & ComparisonOften searched with Rf Engineer II to understand career progressionHigher-level roles, more experience needed

Rf Engineer I is an entry-level position requiring foundational knowledge and basic tasks, while Rf Engineer II involves more complex responsibilities, greater independence, and often requires additional experience or certifications. The progression from I to II reflects increased expertise and project scope within the same industry.

How much does an RF engineer I earn?

An RF Engineer I typically earns between $60,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on location, education, and experience. Entry-level positions often require knowledge of RF design, testing tools, and industry standards.

Is RF engineering in demand?

RF Engineer I roles are in demand due to the growth of wireless communication, 5G networks, and IoT devices. Employers seek professionals skilled in RF design, testing, and troubleshooting, often requiring knowledge of tools like spectrum analyzers and certifications such as FCC licensing. The field offers steady job opportunities in telecommunications, defense, and electronics industries.

What job categories do people searching Rf Engineer I jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Rf Engineer I jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Rf Engineer I jobs?

Cities in California with the most Rf Engineer I job openings:

Infographic showing various Rf Engineer I job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,139 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

RF Engineer (Starship)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
RF ENGINEER (STARSHIP)
The Starship RF team revolutionizes communications and navigation in orbital flight and space travel, opening access for humankind to establish new frontiers in space and ultimately become a multi-planetary species. Become a part of this fast moving and world class development team, work with super smart and motivated engineers, build some of the most advanced electronics ever flown at cost and rate previously considered unthinkable in the space industry, and achieve truly audacious goals. If you're ready for a challenge and want to make our civilization multi-planetary, then you've come to the right place!
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design, develop, analyze, and validate RF systems for communication and sensing - from concept through production
  • Analyze antenna pattern coverage, link budgets, co-site interference, multiple access, etc.
  • Derive hardware specifications for RF systems and blocks, working across disciplines to understand constraints
  • Develop and support simulation and data review infrastructure for RF systems
  • Verify end-to-end performance and compatibility through analysis and test, ensuring compliance with spectrum licensing and regulations
  • Conduct or participate in customer and/or program technical review or flight readiness presentations
  • Lead and conduct troubleshooting and root cause system level performance anomalies

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or in a STEM discipline
  • 1+ years of experience RF engineer
  • 1+ years professional experience with radio test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and network analyzers
  • 1+ years of programming experience in Python, C++, or Matlab

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree in electrical engineering with focus on signal processing, communication and navigation systems, or RF design
  • Experience with link budget analysis, power flux density, dilution of precision, doppler, etc
  • Experience with digital communication theory and testing, Bit Error Rate, EVM and System Noise Figure
  • Experience with testing antennas in far-field or near-field measurement chambers
  • Experience with basic RF concepts such as impedance matching, smith chart, power handling metrics (IIP2, IMD), RF filter design, and transmission line theory
  • Experience with revision control systems such as Git and SVN, and familiar with Linux terminal
  • Experience with linear and non-linear RF module or lineup simulation using tools such as AWR or ADS
  • Competency with simulation/modeling software development including testing and continuous integration
  • Competency with schematic/layout design
  • Knowledge of digital communication systems including spread spectrum, forward error correction, and modulation types such as FSK, BPSK, QPSK, QAM, and PCM/FM
  • Excellent communication and documentation skills, and ability to collaborate with other engineering disciplines

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical milestones

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
RF Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year
RF Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US