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Rf Engineer Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tacit

RF Hardware Intern (Fall 2026)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$40 - $60/hr

While we can't reveal too much just yet, our team is tackling cutting-edge engineering challenges ... Each intern will own a focused project area and work closely with RF and validation engineers to ...

MaxLinear, Inc.

AI Intern

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Bachelors of Science, Computer Science, Engineering or similar in progress; Masters student ... frequency (RF), analog, digital, and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions for access and ...

Skyworks

PA IC Design (Summer/Fall Co-Op)

Newbury Park, CA · On-site

$22.50 - $42/hr

Hands-on experience in the lab using a network analyzer and other RF instruments * Understanding in HBT technology The typical pay range for an Engineering intern across the U.S. is currently USD $26 ...

MaxLinear, Inc.

AI Intern

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Bachelors of Science, Computer Science, Engineering or similar in progress; Masters student ... frequency (RF), analog, digital, and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions for access and ...

Astranis

Antenna Intern (Fall 2026)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As an Antenna Intern, you will work closely with mechanical, thermal, and payload system engineers ... Work with vendors to design and procure antenna and RF components and validate their performance ...

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Rf Engineer Intern information

What does an RF engineer intern do?

An RF (Radio Frequency) Engineer Intern assists with designing, testing, and optimizing wireless communication systems, such as cellular networks, Wi-Fi, and radio transmitters. They typically support senior engineers in conducting signal analysis, troubleshooting hardware issues, and collecting field data. Interns often use specialized software tools to model and simulate RF circuits and help document technical findings. This role provides practical experience in the fundamentals of RF technology and network infrastructure.

What types of projects and tasks can an RF engineer intern expect to work on during their internship?

As an RF Engineer Intern, you can expect to assist with tasks such as testing and troubleshooting RF circuits, collecting and analyzing signal data, supporting the optimization of wireless networks, and helping with equipment calibration. You'll typically work under the guidance of senior engineers and collaborate closely with both hardware and software teams. This hands-on experience provides exposure to industry-standard RF tools and technologies, and offers a valuable opportunity to learn about the real-world challenges of designing and maintaining RF systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RF engineer intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an RF Engineer Intern, you need a foundational understanding of radio frequency theory, circuit design, and a relevant degree in electrical or telecommunications engineering. Familiarity with simulation tools such as MATLAB, HFSS, or CST, and basic lab equipment like spectrum analyzers and network analyzers is highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate RF design, troubleshooting, and successful collaboration on engineering projects.

What is the difference between Rf Engineer Intern vs Rf Engineer?

AspectRf Engineer InternRf Engineer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in Electrical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, with relevant certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in labs or on-site at telecom or electronics companiesFull-time professional role, involving design, testing, and deployment of RF systems
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with RF testing, data collection, and learning under supervisionDesigning RF components, troubleshooting, and optimizing wireless systems

The main difference between an Rf Engineer Intern and an Rf Engineer lies in experience and responsibilities. Interns are in learning roles, assisting with tasks, while Rf Engineers are fully responsible for RF system design and implementation. Internships serve as a stepping stone toward becoming a professional RF Engineer.

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

The most popular types of Rf Engineer jobs in California are:

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

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

Rf Engineer Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rf Engineer Intern 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.

RF Hardware Intern (Fall 2026)

Tacit

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$40 - $60/hr

Internship

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

About Tacit
We are an early-stage, deep tech startup based in San Francisco, developing innovative hardware that rethinks human-computer interaction. We are backed by General Catalyst, Khosla Ventures, and Greylock Partners, with a founding team from Stanford, BrainGate, Oculus, and Tesla. While we can't reveal too much just yet, our team is tackling cutting-edge engineering challenges to bring revolutionary products to life.
About the role
We're seeking motivated RF Hardware interns to contribute to the development and validation of RF systems for our cutting-edge sensing technology. Depending on your experience, interests, and the needs of the team, your work may focus on exploring new RF architectures or on validating and improving the performance of existing RF systems.
Projects may involve prototyping new circuit concepts, evaluating RF components and system architectures, bringing up RF transceiver and evaluation hardware, developing automated measurement infrastructure, or characterizing hardware performance across devices, builds, and operating conditions.
For this fall, the primary focus areas are (a) systematic, per-build characterization of our RF signal chain against expected performance, and (b) bring-up of RF transceiver evaluation hardware, combining embedded firmware work with RF exploration.
Each intern will own a focused project area and work closely with RF and validation engineers to turn experimental results into engineering recommendations.
This role offers hands-on experience across RF hardware, embedded firmware, test automation, and data analysis, along with collaborative learning, technical mentorship, and direct involvement in product development within a dynamic startup environment.
This position is primarily for a fall-start internship.
What you'll do
Depending on your project area, you may:
  • Run systematic, per-build characterization of the RF signal chain: execute defined test sets across all RF blocks and compare measured results against datasheet-based expected performance, flagging typical vs. atypical behavior
  • Bring up RF transceiver evaluation hardware: radio configuration and control, RF performance exploration, and integration into our measurement infrastructure
  • Prototype and evaluate RF components, circuits, and sensing architectures
  • Design and assemble evaluation boards, test fixtures, and PCB prototypes
  • Characterize RF signal-chain components such as amplifiers, mixers, filters, switches, couplers, and antennas
  • Investigate architectural tradeoffs involving sensitivity, bandwidth, noise, power consumption, size, and system complexity
  • Develop test methods to characterize RF system performance, repeatability, and reliability
  • Measure parameters such as gain, loss, sensitivity, noise, linearity, frequency response, and device-to-device variation
  • Build automated test setups using Python, laboratory instruments, and embedded hardware
  • Develop validation procedures and test coverage for new hardware revisions
  • Investigate performance limitations and support root-cause analysis
  • Contribute to embedded firmware (C/C++) used for hardware bring-up, radio configuration, test control, calibration, and diagnostics
  • Analyze experimental data and compare results against simulations, component specifications, and system requirements
  • Document test procedures and clearly present engineering findings, tradeoffs, and recommendations
Requirements
  • Currently enrolled in (or completing) an MS or PhD program in Electrical Engineering, RF & Applied Electromagnetics, Microwave & Wireless Engineering, or a closely related field
  • Available for a fall-start internship, onsite in San Francisco
Strong candidates may have
  • Experience with RF circuits, wireless systems, antennas, or microwave engineering
  • Familiarity with RF concepts such as S-parameters, impedance matching, gain, noise figure, compression, phase noise, and link budgets
  • Experience using RF laboratory equipment such as a VNA, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, oscilloscope, or power meter
  • Experience with embedded C/C++ on microcontrollers, including peripheral interfaces such as SPI/I2C/UART and register-level device configuration
  • Experience with Python for measurement automation and data analysis, or with PCB design
  • Experience with Altium Designer or another PCB design tool
  • Experience with analog or mixed-signal design at the system or PCB level
  • Experience bringing up COTS RF transceivers, radio modules, or SDR platforms
  • Familiarity with RF simulation tools such as ADS, HFSS, CST, or similar tools
  • Experience automating measurements or analyzing experimental data
  • Strong hands-on debugging and problem-solving skills
  • Independent work ethic, flexibility, and resourcefulness
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Comfort working in a fast-moving startup environment and excitement about building and testing hardware independently
Compensation Range
$40-$60/hr

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