1

Rf Performance Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As an RF engineer you will develop requirements, review designs and build on ground test capability ... validate RF performance from the sub-component to the system level Validate RF performance and ...

As an RF engineer you will develop requirements, review designs and build on ground test capability ... validate RF performance from the sub-component to the system level Validate RF performance and ...

... determine RF performance and generate reports. • Execute RF matching tuning, verify RF ... engineering discussions for design and validation, drive the discussions for owned workstreams ...

Review vendor simulations of candidate antenna performance based on aircraft location and ... Support senior RF engineers with the down selection of the best candidate antennas for the system ...

Senior DAS Performance Engineer Location: New York City Duration: Long Term Contract or Full-Time ... A working experience on at least two RF technologies - GSM/UMTS/CDMA/EVDO/LTE Worked on one or more ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Rf Performance Engineer information

See salary details

$37K

$117.7K

$183K

How much do rf performance engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf performance engineer in the United States is $117,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,500.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are RF Performance Engineers?

RF Performance Engineers are professionals who specialize in optimizing and maintaining the performance of radio frequency (RF) networks, such as those used in cellular communications. They analyze network data, identify coverage issues, and implement solutions to improve signal quality, capacity, and overall user experience. Their work is critical to ensuring reliable wireless communication by minimizing interference, dropped calls, and data slowdowns. These engineers often use specialized tools to perform drive tests, evaluate network metrics, and collaborate with other teams to design and upgrade network infrastructure.

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

To thrive as an RF Performance Engineer, you need a solid understanding of radio frequency theory, wireless communication standards, and typically a degree in electrical or telecommunications engineering. Familiarity with tools like drive test equipment, spectrum analyzers, and software such as TEMS, Actix, or Atoll, as well as relevant certifications (e.g., CWNA), is important. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are crucial for diagnosing issues and collaborating with teams. These competencies ensure optimal network performance, efficient troubleshooting, and successful deployment of wireless systems.

What are some common challenges faced by RF Performance Engineers when optimizing wireless networks?

RF Performance Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing interference, balancing network coverage with capacity, and ensuring consistent service quality in densely populated or rapidly changing environments. They must analyze large volumes of network performance data, identify root causes of issues, and implement solutions without causing disruptions. Collaboration with field engineers, network planners, and operations teams is essential to address these challenges effectively and to keep up with evolving technologies and user demands.

Do RF engineers make a lot?

RF Performance Engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start with moderate pay, while experienced engineers with specialized skills in signal analysis and testing can earn higher salaries, especially in sectors like telecommunications and defense. Certifications and proficiency with tools like spectrum analyzers can also influence earning potential.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior RF Performance Engineers with extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and often specialized certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries like telecommunications and aerospace. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise, with top-tier professionals often earning this level through bonuses and stock options.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced RF Performance Engineers working in senior or specialized roles at large technology or telecommunications companies can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, and advanced certifications. Such compensation typically requires extensive expertise, leadership responsibilities, and often involves working in high-demand environments or executive-level positions.

What is the difference between Rf Performance Engineer vs Rf Test Engineer?

AspectRf Performance EngineerRf Test Engineer
Primary FocusOptimizing RF system performance, analyzing signal quality, and ensuring compliance with standardsConducting RF testing, troubleshooting, and validating hardware and software performance
Required SkillsRF design, performance analysis, testing tools, and signal measurementRF testing procedures, test equipment operation, and defect identification
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, performance analysis centers, and field testingTesting labs, manufacturing facilities, and field testing sites

While both roles involve RF technology, the Rf Performance Engineer focuses on optimizing and analyzing RF system performance, whereas the Rf Test Engineer specializes in executing tests and troubleshooting RF hardware and software. Both roles require similar technical skills but differ in their primary responsibilities and work settings.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior RF Performance Engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications, can earn $200,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with roles in advanced telecommunications, aerospace, or defense industries, where expertise in signal analysis, testing, and RF design is critical. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual qualifications.
More about Rf Performance Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Rf Performance Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Rf Performance Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Rf Performance Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Rf Performance Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Rf Performance Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $117,680 per year, or $56.6 per hour.
RF Engineer, Amplifier Technical Lead

RF Engineer, Amplifier Technical Lead

Viasat, Inc.

Tempe, AZ

$176K - $264K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Viasat rating

4.2

Company rating: 4.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 82 rated telecommunications companies


Job description

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.


What you'll do

We are seeking a senior RF Engineer to serve as the RF Engineer, Amplifier Technical Lead. This position provides end to end technical ownership of RF performance across the Q/V band micro Power Amplifier (uPA) and micro LNA (uLNA) modules that are an integral part of the Q/V transceiver units, leading module and unit level RF design, integration, and analysis. The role functions as a recognized technical authority on both Low Noise and High Power Amplifier Design, defining methods and resolving complex RF challenges with program level impact.


The day-to-day
  • Serve as Amplifier technical lead for the Direct-to-Device (D2D) Transceiver, owning RF performance across the uPA and uLNA modules
  • Lead module level RF design, analysis, test, and integration with the Q/V Transceiver Units
  • Coordinate RF activities across hardware, test, and manufacturing teams
  • Lead RF performance trade studies and drive design decisions aligned with Q/V Transceiver requirements
  • Responsible for PCB designs, RF analyses, and module test results
  • Identify and resolve complex RF risks and anomalies
  • Communicate RF status, performance margins, and risks to project team

What you'll need
  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field, or equivalent professional experience
  • 8 - 10 years of RF engineering experience in amplifier module design from architecture through production release
  • Demonstrated experience leading RF designs at the module or subsystem level
  • Understanding of RF amplifier architectures including system trade offs, gain lineups, and RF performance optimization
  • Extensive experience with schematic capture for complex RF subsystems, ensuring robust design practices, component selection, and signal integrity considerations
  • Strong ability to guide PCB layout designers on RF best practices, including controlled impedance routing, grounding strategies, isolation, stack-up definition, and mitigation of coupling/interference mechanisms
  • Strong independent technical judgment and decision making capability

What will help you on the job
  • Prior experience as an RF technical lead or subsystem owner
  • Experience supporting spaceflight or high reliability RF systems
  • Ability to balance technical depth with program execution priorities
  • Strong cross functional leadership and communication skills

Salary range
$141,500.00 - $224,000.00 / annually.For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $176,000.00- $264,000.00/ annually
At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.
EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field, or equivalent professional experience
  • 8 - 10 years of RF engineering experience in amplifier module design from architecture through production release
  • Demonstrated experience leading RF designs at the module or subsystem level
  • Understanding of RF amplifier architectures including system trade offs, gain lineups, and RF performance optimization
  • Extensive experience with schematic capture for complex RF subsystems, ensuring robust design practices, component selection, and signal integrity considerations
  • Strong ability to guide PCB layout designers on RF best practices, including controlled impedance routing, grounding strategies, isolation, stack-up definition, and mitigation of coupling/interference mechanisms
  • Strong independent technical judgment and decision making capability
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Viasat employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


ViaSat logo

About ViaSat

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate.

Industry

Telecommunications

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carlsbad, CA, US

Year founded

1986