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Rf Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $195K/yr

Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, or electrical engineering * 1+ years of experience RF engineering: * Experience with modeling/analysis tools/software such as HFSS, CST, ADS, MATLAB, C/C ...

Mattson Technology

RF Engineer 1

Fremont, CA · On-site

Innovations from Mattson Technology in Atomic Surface Engineering address the most critical logic ... Job Summary The RF Engineer I is an entry-level engineering professional responsible for supporting ...

SpaceX

Principal RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$210K - $300K/yr

Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, or electrical engineering * 8+ years of experience RF engineering * Experience with modeling/analysis tools/software such as HFSS, CST, ADS, MATLAB, C/C ...

Industrious Ventures

Sr. RF Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$140 - $185/hr

Location Burlingame, CA Employment Type Full time Location Type On-site Department Engineering ... As an Senior RF Engineer at Xona, you'll be designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing RF ...

Mattson Technology, Inc.

RF Engineer 1

Fremont, CA

Innovations from Mattson Technology in Atomic Surface Engineering address the most critical logic ... Job Summary The RF Engineer I is an entry-level engineering professional responsible for supporting ...

SpaceX

Principal RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$210K - $300K/yr

Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, or electrical engineering * 8+ years of experience RF engineering * Experience with modeling/analysis tools/software such as HFSS, CST, ADS, MATLAB, C/C ...

SpaceX

Sr. RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$165K - $230K/yr

Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, or electrical engineering * 5+ years of experience RF engineering * Experience with modeling/analysis tools/software such as HFSS, CST, ADS, MATLAB, C/C ...

SpaceX

Sr. RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$165K - $230K/yr

Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, or electrical engineering * 5+ years of experience RF engineering * Experience with modeling/analysis tools/software such as HFSS, CST, ADS, MATLAB, C/C ...

K2 Space

RF Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

You will be working alongside the Electrical and RF Engineering teams to interface with Avionics hardware, validate prototype designs, define test requirements, and design test infrastructure to meet ...

Qorvo, Inc.

RF Test Engineering Technician

Newbury Park, CA · On-site

$31.73 - $41.25/hr

We are recruiting an RF Engineering Technician to join Qorvo's Infrastructure and Defense Products (IDP). The incumbent will provide support to the High Power RF Group to test proto-types and new ...

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All JobsRf Engineering JobsRf Engineering Jobs in California

Rf Engineering information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$116.1K

$180.6K

How much do rf engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf engineering 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 RF engineering?

RF Engineering, or Radio Frequency Engineering, is a specialized field within electrical engineering that focuses on the design, development, and maintenance of devices and systems that use radio waves. These professionals work on communications systems such as wireless networks, radio, television broadcasting, radar, and satellite communications. RF engineers are involved in tasks like designing antennas, optimizing signal coverage, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Their expertise is crucial for the reliable operation of modern wireless technologies.

Is RF engineering in demand?

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

How much does a radio frequency engineer earn?

A radio frequency (RF) engineer's salary varies by experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start around $60,000, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn over $130,000. The role often requires knowledge of RF design, testing, and tools like spectrum analyzers.

What does an RF engineer do?

An RF engineer designs, tests, and maintains radio frequency systems used in wireless communication, radar, and satellite systems. They work with tools like spectrum analyzers and simulation software, often requiring knowledge of signal propagation, antennas, and certifications such as FCC licensing. Their role involves ensuring reliable signal transmission and compliance with industry standards.

What is the difference between Rf Engineering vs Wireless Network Engineering?

AspectRf EngineeringWireless Network Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, RF certifications (e.g., FCC, RF-specific courses)Bachelor's in Computer Science, Networking certifications (e.g., CWNA, CCNA Wireless)
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and optimizing RF hardware and systems, often in labs or field sitesPlanning, deploying, and maintaining wireless networks, primarily in office or outdoor environments
Employer & Industry UsageTelecom, aerospace, defense, hardware manufacturingTelecom, IT, enterprise networking, service providers

RF Engineering focuses on designing and testing radio frequency hardware and systems, while Wireless Network Engineering emphasizes deploying and managing wireless network infrastructure. Both roles require technical expertise but differ in their focus areas and work environments.

What are some common challenges RF engineers face when working on wireless communication projects?

RF Engineers often encounter challenges such as mitigating interference, optimizing signal coverage, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Working in this role requires balancing technical trade-offs like cost, performance, and power consumption while troubleshooting complex issues that arise during testing and deployment. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—such as hardware designers, software developers, and field technicians—is essential to address these challenges and deliver robust wireless solutions.

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, signal processing, and electromagnetic theory, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical or electronics engineering. Familiarity with RF simulation and design tools such as HFSS, ADS, and network analyzers, as well as certifications like FCC licensing, is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and troubleshooting complex systems. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure the reliable design, implementation, and maintenance of RF systems used in telecommunications, aerospace, and other industries.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Rf Engineering jobs in California?

For Rf Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Rf Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Rf Engineering job openings:

Rf Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rf Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,139 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

RF Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$145K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th 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 (STARSHIELD)
Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. As an RF engineer on the Starshield team, you will be working on advanced development programs in support of US National Security. You will work with a team of fellow RF engineers, DSP engineers, software engineers, hardware engineers and end users to design and build RF capabilities for proliferated communications and remote sensing in low earth orbit. You will work in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment, where we are exploring unsolved problems and applying the SpaceX mindset of iterating rapidly to go from design and demo to operational capability at lightning pace.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Drive program-level decisions on RF system designs
  • Research novel solutions for unique large-scale satellite RF systems
  • Work in close collaboration with hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software engineers to design and validate RF systems
  • Responsible for development and full life cycle support of RF hardware spanning PCBA board testing and defect detection, full functional testing of an assembled unit, and resolving on-orbit vehicle anomalies
  • Create electromagnetic simulation models of hardware (antennas, filters, PCB layout) to design and evaluate performance
  • Modify electrical schematics and mechanical drawings for flight applications as they relate to reliability and manufacturability

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, or electrical engineering
  • 1+ years of experience RF engineering:
    • Experience with modeling/analysis tools/software such as HFSS, CST, ADS, MATLAB, C/C++, and/or Python
    • Experience with RF test equipment such as VNA, spectrum analyzer, etc.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree in electrical engineering with emphasis in microwave/RF engineering
  • 1+ years of professional experience in a relevant field
  • Experience modeling RF and channel impairments such as multipath, phase noise, group delay, fading and nonlinear distortion
  • Experience designing RF systems including radio astronomy, SIGINT, ELINT, radar, or wireless communications
  • Experience with basic principles of antenna theory
  • Experience with software-defined radios and frameworks, such as GNU Radio
  • Understanding of link budgets and analysis related to communications and remote sensing systems
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret SCI clearance

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $125,000.00 - $160,000.00
Level 2: $145,000.00 - $195,000.00
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.
Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.
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

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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

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