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Rf Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Samara Aerospace

Senior RF Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$5.2K/wk

Samara Aerospace is seeking a Senior RF Engineer to join our growing engineering team. In this role, you will own the full lifecycle of RF systems development-from requirements definition and ...

Samara Aerospace

Senior RF Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$5.2K/wk

Samara Aerospace is seeking a Senior RF Engineer to join our growing engineering team. In this role, you will own the full lifecycle of RF systems development-from requirements definition and ...

Abbott

Senior RF Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

The Senior RF Engineer; oversees design and testing of the RF communications hardware within Abbott's cardiac implantable medical devices. Leads development of the product PCB layout, RF antenna ...

Abbott

Senior RF Engineer

Sylmar, CA · On-site

The Senior RF Engineer; oversees design and testing of the RF communications hardware within Abbott's cardiac implantable medical devices. Leads development of the product PCB layout, RF antenna ...

HEICO

RF Engineer

Chatsworth, CA

POSITION: RF ENGINEER LOCATION: Chatsworth, CA SHIFT: Day (7:00 am - 5:30 pm; Monday thru Thursday) BASIC FUNCTIONS: The RF Antenna Engineer will work with other Electrical Design Engineers ...

HEICO

RF Engineer

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

POSITION: RF ENGINEER LOCATION: Chatsworth, CA SHIFT: Day (7:00 am - 5:30 pm; Monday thru Thursday) BASIC FUNCTIONS: The RF Antenna Engineer will work with other Electrical Design Engineers ...

Heico

RF Engineer

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

POSITION: RF ENGINEER LOCATION: Chatsworth, CA SHIFT: Day (7:00 am - 5:30 pm; Monday thru Thursday) BASIC FUNCTIONS: The RF Antenna Engineer will work with other Electrical Design Engineers ...

Abbott

Senior RF Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

The Senior RF Engineer; oversees design and testing of the RF communications hardware within Abbott's cardiac implantable medical devices. Leads development of the product PCB layout, RF antenna ...

Relativity Space

Senior RF Engineer

Long Beach, CA

As an RF Engineer on Relativity's Interplanetary Program, you will own the architecture, design, development, testing, and operation of next-generation high-reliability RF systems that enable deep ...

Socket.dev

$85 - $120/hr

RF ENGINEER LOCATION: Chatsworth, CA SHIFT: Day (7:00 am - 5:30 pm; Monday thru Thursday) Qualifications BASIC FUNCTIONS: The RF Antenna Engineer will work with other Electrical Design Engineers ...

ThinKom Solutions

RF Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Works as part of an integrated product team under the direction of a lead RF Engineer and Program Manager. * May support multiple programs/products simultaneously. * Provide effective and efficient ...

Latent AI

RF Engineer (starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

RF ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use ...

Neros Technologies

Senior RF Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$149K - $208K/yr

What you will be doing As a Senior RF Engineer, you will take technical ownership of critical wireless subsystems and drive their development from concept to mass production. In this leadership role ...

Industrious Ventures

Sr. RF Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$140 - $185/hr

As an Senior RF Engineer at Xona, you'll be designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing RF systems to enable our next‑generation GNSS system. From spacecraft payload electronics to ground ...

Red Cat Holdings

RF Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110 - $137/hr

The RF Engineer develops, documents, and improves the production processes that build Apium's family of unmanned systems across the USV, drone, dongle, GCS, and operator-kit product lines. Working ...

Mattson Technology

RF Engineer 1

Fremont, CA · On-site

Job Summary The RF Engineer I is an entry-level engineering professional responsible for supporting the design, development, testing, integration, and validation of radio frequency (RF), microwave ...

ThinKom Solutions

RF Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Works as part of an integrated product team under the direction of a lead RF Engineer and Program Manager. * May support multiple programs/products simultaneously. * Provide effective and efficient ...

ThinKom Solutions, Inc

RF Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Works as part of an integrated product team under the direction of a lead RF Engineer and Program Manager. * May support multiple programs/products simultaneously. * Provide effective and efficient ...

Oslo Solutions

RF Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

All applicants will be evaluated solely on the basis of their ability, competence, and performance of the essential functions of their positions." RF Engineer Location : Menlo Park, CA Duration ...

Neros Technologies

Senior RF Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$149K - $208K/yr

What you will be doing As a Senior RF Engineer, you will take technical ownership of critical wireless subsystems and drive their development from concept to mass production. In this leadership role ...

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All JobsRf Engineer JobsRf Engineer Jobs in California

Rf Engineer information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$116.1K

$180.6K

How much do rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf 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 an RF engineer?

RF Engineers, or Radio Frequency Engineers, are professionals who design, implement, and maintain systems that transmit or receive radio waves. They work with wireless communication systems, including cellular networks, Wi-Fi, satellite, and broadcasting technologies. Their responsibilities include optimizing signal strength, troubleshooting interference issues, and ensuring regulatory compliance. RF Engineers use specialized software and testing equipment to analyze and improve network performance. They are essential in industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, and defense.

What does an RF engineer do?

A radio frequency (RF) engineer's primary responsibilities are to collect data, research radio frequency, and analyze gathered information to improve radar design. Your duties have you working with intelligence sensors, surveillance radars, cellular components, over-the-horizon radar, and radio waves. You design modules and switches to improve how the electronics transmit and perform surveys and installations. You take measurements of electromagnetic emissions, install equipment, test your designs, and troubleshoot and debug to improve the radio frequency and speed. RF engineers often coordinate with technicians and other engineers to cover multiple data sites.

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

To thrive as an RF Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, RF circuit design, and signal processing, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, simulation software (like HFSS or ADS), and certifications such as FCC or amateur radio licenses are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork help set top performers apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, testing, and optimizing wireless communication systems to ensure reliable and efficient performance.

What are some typical challenges an RF engineer might face when working on wireless network deployments?

RF Engineers often encounter challenges such as signal interference, environmental obstacles, and fluctuating network demands. Dealing with interference from both internal and external sources requires careful planning, site surveys, and frequent optimization. Additionally, working in multidisciplinary teams with network architects, field technicians, and software engineers is common, requiring strong communication skills to coordinate solutions. Keeping up-to-date with evolving wireless standards and technologies is also essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Rf Engineer vs Wireless Communications Engineer?

AspectRf EngineerWireless Communications Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, RF certificationsBachelor's in Electrical/Communications Engineering, RF certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and optimization of RF systemsDevelopment and deployment of wireless communication systems
Industry UsageTelecom, aerospace, defenseTelecom, mobile networks, IoT

RF Engineers focus on designing and testing RF components and systems, while Wireless Communications Engineers work on developing and implementing wireless network solutions. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, often overlap in industry applications, but differ in their specific focus areas within wireless technology.

Is RF engineering in demand?

RF engineering is in demand due to the growth of wireless communication, 5G networks, and satellite technology. RF engineers with skills in signal processing, antenna design, and RF testing are sought after in telecommunications, aerospace, and defense industries.

What is the average salary of a radio frequency engineer?

The average salary of a radio frequency (RF) engineer in the United States is approximately $100,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions typically start around $70,000, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn over $150,000 annually.
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Rf Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rf Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,139 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

Senior RF Engineer

Samara Aerospace

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$5.2K/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

About Us:
Samara Aerospace is revolutionizing satellite design by addressing the challenges of deploying and managing large satellite constellations. Our innovative Hummingbird spacecraft bus offers a modular and scalable platform that streamlines satellite production and deployment, significantly reducing launch costs. Hummingbird's compact architecture maximizes launch capacity, making it the most efficient and agile spacecraft in the industry. At the core of our technology is the patented Multifunctional Structures for Attitude Control (MSAC) system. Unlike traditional wheel-based pointing control systems, MSAC utilizes actuators embedded in the hinges of deployable solar panels to provide 3-axis attitude control and active jitter cancellation. This design eliminates the need for spinning wheels, reducing mass and potential points of failure, while enhancing pointing precision.
Role:
Samara Aerospace is seeking a Senior RF Engineer to join our growing engineering team. In this role, you will own the full lifecycle of RF systems development-from requirements definition and architectural trade studies through design, fabrication, test, and qualification. You will collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, thermal, software, and systems engineering teams to develop high-performance RF solutions in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead architectural R&D efforts for new RF communications and payload subsystems by conducting trade studies and establishing requirements
  • Develop and maintain RF system models and simulations, perform end-to-end link budget analysis, noise and linearity cascades, and interference/co-existence assessments to validate system performance margins across operating conditions.
  • Drive the full hardware development cycle from bench prototype through design validation and qualification testing.
  • Defining test plans, executing characterization campaigns, and documenting results to demonstrate compliance with system requirements.
  • Own the end-to-end PCB implementation of RF designs, including schematic capture, multilayer board layout (RF/mixed-signal), stackup definition, design rule checks, and liaison with fabrication and assembly vendors to ensure manufacturable, high-performance hardware.
  • Design, simulate, implement, and characterize active and passive RF subsystems at microwave frequencies, including SSPAs, LNAs, power amplifiers, up/down converters, mixers, oscillators, and filters.
  • Plan, develop, and execute RF testing at both board level and integrated system level using spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, vector signal generators, and oscilloscopes.
  • Support regulatory compliance efforts including FCC licensing and frequency coordination
  • Contribute to recruiting, mentoring, and technical development of teammates.

Qualifications:
  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or equivalent; M.S. or Ph.D. preferred.
  • 5+ years of RF engineering experience with a B.S. degree, or 3+ years with an M.S.
  • Deep knowledge of fundamental RF concepts: circuit analysis, noise figure, linearity, gain, radio architecture, and
  • Hands-on experience designing, building, and testing RF hardware at microwave and/or millimeter-wave frequencies.
  • Proficiency in RF/EM simulation tools (ADS, HFSS, Cadence, etc)
  • Proficiency in schematic capture and multilayer PCB layout (Altium preferred).

Preferred:
  • Experience developing RF hardware for aerospace, space, or other mission-critical environments.
  • Experience with antenna design and electromagnetics/propagation.
  • Experience phased-array antenna systems (beamforming, null-steering).
  • Familiarity with Software Defined Radios (SDRs) and associated digital signal processing.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and scripting languages (Python) for test automation and signal processing.
  • Familiarity with common bus protocols (I2C, SPI, CAN, UART) and Linux command-line environments
  • Familiarity with satellite communications systems (ground segment and/or space segment), including DVB-S2

Salary and Benefits:
  • Pay range: $150,000-190,000 annually to start
  • Early and competitive equity in a rapidly growing startup
  • Platinum-level healthcare, vision, dental, and life insurance covered 100% for you
  • Partial dependent coverage available
  • 401k matching at 4% (no vesting)
  • Unlimited PTO and sick time
  • Catered lunch 3x per week
  • Education assistance up to $5,250 per year
  • Relocation assistance is available
  • 17 paid holidays (including a "winter break" Dec. 24-Jan. 1

Work Authorization
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Samara Aerospace does not currently sponsor employment visas for this position.
Employment eligibility will be verified upon hire in accordance with federal law.

Apply