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Rf Ic Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Staff RFIC Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$144K - $187K/yr

Switch/LNA/RF IC Design Engineer, the design of GaAs/SOI/SiGe/CMOS based switch and LNA or RFIC's for Front End Modules. Responsibilites: * Work with Marketing, internal and external module designers ...

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Rf Ic Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$116.1K

$180.6K

How much do rf ic design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf ic design 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 does an RF IC Design Engineer do?

An RF IC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit) Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing integrated circuits that operate at radio frequencies, often used in wireless communication devices. Their work involves creating circuit layouts, simulating performance, and optimizing designs to meet stringent requirements for power, noise, and signal integrity. They collaborate closely with other engineers and use specialized software tools to ensure the ICs meet industry standards and client specifications. RF IC Design Engineers play a key role in advancing technology for smartphones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other wireless applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RF IC Design Engineer?

To thrive as an RF IC Design Engineer, you need a solid background in analog and RF circuit design, electromagnetic theory, and semiconductor physics, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with electronic design automation (EDA) tools such as Cadence, ADS, and knowledge of industry standards is essential, along with experience in layout and simulation. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and troubleshooting complex issues. These skills ensure the development of reliable, high-performance RF integrated circuits that meet stringent technical and market requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by RF IC Design Engineers during the product development cycle?

RF IC Design Engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing performance specifications with power consumption and cost constraints. Managing signal integrity, minimizing noise and interference, and ensuring the design meets stringent industry standards can be complex, especially in multi-disciplinary teams. Collaboration with layout engineers, system architects, and test engineers is crucial to address integration issues and iterate quickly on design improvements. Additionally, staying up-to-date with advancing technologies and emerging design tools is important for success in this fast-paced field.

What is the difference between Rf Ic Design Engineer vs RF Systems Engineer?

AspectRf Ic Design EngineerRF Systems Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning RF integrated circuits and chipsDeveloping and optimizing RF systems and overall wireless solutions
Required SkillsCircuit design, RF theory, CAD tools, semiconductor processesSystem integration, signal processing, RF testing, system-level analysis
Work EnvironmentSemiconductor companies, chip design labsTelecom, wireless service providers, system integrators
CertificationsTypically none specific, but RF or electronics certifications helpOften certifications in systems engineering or wireless standards

While both roles involve RF technology, Rf Ic Design Engineers focus on designing RF integrated circuits at the chip level, whereas RF Systems Engineers work on the overall system design and integration of wireless solutions. The roles complement each other in the wireless industry, with the former emphasizing circuit-level expertise and the latter system-level implementation.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Rf Ic Design Engineer jobs in California?

For Rf Ic Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Rf Ic Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Rf Ic Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Rf Ic Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,139 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

Silicon RF IC Design Engineer - Senior/Principal

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$146K - $201K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Principal Silicon RF IC Design Engineer

Job Description:

  • Design market-leading RFIC and Microwave components and subsystems in Silicon technology. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Take responsibility and ownership for the full silicon design lifecycle.
  • Simulate and design IC circuits based on available device models, parameters, and design rules.
  • Work within a multi-disciplined project team.