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Rf System Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Specter

RF Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

The Role Specter is hiring an RF Systems Engineer to define and optimize the end-to-end wireless ... You will own system-level models, simulations, and architectural decisions that shape how Specter ...

Apple

RF System Integration Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$150K - $277K/yr

Description As an RF Systems integration engineer, you will be engaged in the design validation for different wireless technologies right from the prototyping phase to mass production. You will be ...

Northwood

Senior RF & Antenna Systems Engineer

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Role As an RF & Antenna Systems Engineer, you will define and evaluate advanced RF communication ... Analyze RF system and communication link performance, deriving topโ€‘level specifications for ...

Apple

RF System Integration Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$142K - $263K/yr

Description As an RF Systems integration engineer, you will be engaged in the design validation for different wireless technologies right from the prototyping phase to mass production. You will be ...

S.E. SPECTER

RF Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

S. Special Forces. ๏ปฟ๏ปฟThe Role๏ปฟ Specter is hiring an RF Systems Engineer to define and ... You will own system-level models, simulations, and architectural decisions that shape how Specter ...

Amat

RF Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$163K - $224K/yr

Position Summary The Senior RF Systems Engineer will lead the architecture, development, integration, and qualification of RF power delivery solutions for next-generation semiconductor manufacturing ...

Applied Materials

RF Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$163K - $224K/yr

Position Summary The Senior RF Systems Engineer will lead the architecture, development, integration, and qualification of RF power delivery solutions for next-generation semiconductor manufacturing ...

Applied Materials

RF Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$163K - $224K/yr

Position Summary The Senior RF Systems Engineer will lead the architecture, development, integration, and qualification of RF power delivery solutions for next-generation semiconductor manufacturing ...

Anduril Industries

RF Systems Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

Create RF system interconnect diagrams * Select and manage radio, RF component, cable, and antenna vendors * Support other functional engineering team's development effort with an understanding of ...

Slope

RF Systems Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Create RF system interconnect diagrams * Select and manage radio, RF component, cable, and antenna vendors * Support other functional engineering team's development effort with an understanding of ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsRf System Engineer JobsRf System Engineer Jobs in California

Rf System Engineer information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$116.1K

$180.6K

How much do rf system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf system 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 system engineer?

RF System Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain radio frequency (RF) systems used in wireless communications, radar, broadcasting, and other electronic applications. They work on components such as antennas, transmitters, receivers, and signal processors to ensure optimal performance and compliance with regulations. Their role often involves testing, troubleshooting, and optimizing RF systems to meet specific technical requirements and standards.

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

To thrive as an RF System Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, RF circuit design, signal processing, and typically a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation tools like ADS or HFSS, spectrum analyzers, and certifications such as FCC or CISCO RF credentials are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and address complex challenges. These skills ensure the reliable design, integration, and optimization of RF systems critical for wireless communications and related technologies.

What are some common challenges faced by RF system engineers when working on large-scale wireless projects?

RF System Engineers often encounter challenges such as mitigating interference, ensuring signal integrity across complex environments, and optimizing system performance to meet regulatory standards. Working on large-scale wireless projects typically requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including hardware designers, software developers, and field technicians. Adapting to evolving technologies and troubleshooting issues in real time are key parts of the role, making strong analytical skills and effective communication essential for success.

What is the difference between Rf System Engineer vs Rf Design Engineer?

AspectRf System EngineerRf Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, RF or CommunicationsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, RF or Communications
Work EnvironmentSystem integration, testing, troubleshooting in labs or fieldDesign, simulation, and development of RF components and circuits
Industry UsageTelecommunications, defense, aerospaceTelecommunications, wireless device manufacturing
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Rf System Engineer focuses on integrating, testing, and troubleshooting RF systems in real-world environments, while the Rf Design Engineer specializes in designing RF components and circuits. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are vital in telecommunications and related industries, but their core responsibilities differ in the development versus implementation phases.

How much does an RF System Engineer earn?

An RF System Engineer's salary typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand industries like telecommunications and defense.

Is RF System engineering in demand?

RF System engineering is in high demand due to the growth of wireless communication, 5G networks, and satellite technology. Professionals with skills in RF design, testing, and simulation tools like MATLAB or HFSS are sought after across telecommunications, defense, and aerospace industries.

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

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

Rf System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rf System Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,139 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

RF Systems Engineer

Specter

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Company BackgroundSpecter's mission is to help automate the physical world.
Today, we build video sensors with state-of-the-art AI agents that answer any question, anywhere in their environments. Our systems can automatically detect and reason about any physical activity captured on camera, from security incidents (e.g. perimeter intrusion, theft, LPR), to safety monitoring (e.g. PPE detection, injured people), to operational efficiency (e.g. material tracking, congestion monitoring). We offer both long range wireless (1km range) and wired sensor variants to suit any deployment.
Our co-founders Xerxes and Philip are passionate about empowering our partners in the fast approaching world of physical AI and robotics. We are a small, fast growing team who hail from Anduril, Tesla, Uber, and the U.S. Special Forces.
The RoleSpecter is hiring an RF Systems Engineer to define and optimize the end-to-end wireless systems connecting thousands of edge devices across large, distributed environments. This role sits at the intersection of RF systems engineering, network architecture, modeling, and fleet-scale deployment.
You will own system-level models, simulations, and architectural decisions that shape how Specter's sensors communicate-balancing long-range performance, power efficiency, resiliency, and cost. You'll partner closely with RF, firmware, and software teams to design, validate, and deploy a robust multi-radio architecture across real-world industrial sites.
This role is deeply cross-functional and highly impactful: your work directly defines the wireless "fabric" that Specter's perception platform operates on.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead RF and wireless system architecture: modeling, trade studies, and performance validation across Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah), 802.11, LTE, 5G NR, and long-range sub-GHz systems
  • Root-cause and optimize performance across PHY, MAC, and network layers
  • Test interoperability with third-party devices and ensure standards compliance across multiple wireless subsystems
  • Develop automated RF planning and deployment modeling tools, enabling topology optimization, coverage prediction, and pre-deployment performance estimation
  • Collaborate with firmware and software teams to expose critical RF and network health metrics into the telemetry pipeline
  • Define multi-radio system architectures for long-range backhaul and high-throughput paths across heterogeneous radios
  • Build simulation, modeling, and test infrastructure (MATLAB, Simulink, NS-3, automated bench workflows)
  • Drive field validation and OTA testing across industrial, logistics, and large-area deployments
  • Work cross-functionally with hardware, firmware, and software teams to ensure reliable RF performance in complex environments
  • Optimize end-to-end system behavior across routing, addressing, QoS, NAT, DHCP, VLANs, and multi-radio backhaul paths

Qualifications:
  • Strong background in RF system modeling, link-level simulation, and channel modeling
  • Deep expertise in 802.11 PHY/MAC-especially 802.11ah (HaLow)-or similar low-power, long-range RF technologies
  • Experience with RF field surveys, propagation analysis, and deployment validation
  • Strong experience configuring and debugging RF devices on Linux-based platforms
  • Hands-on experience with RF/system modeling tools (MATLAB, Simulink, NS-3) and lab instrumentation (VNA, spectrum analyzer, OTA chambers)
  • Experience supporting DVT, FCC/CE certification, production RF tuning, and large-scale operational deployments

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