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Rf System Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RF Engineer 2

Del Rey, CA · On-site

$78.95/hr

Experience with RF systems. * Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work well in a close team environment. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES Looking for a RF Engineer to support ...

Senior RF Test Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$135K - $180K/yr

Senior RF Test Engineer Department: Assembly, Integration & Test Employment Type: Full Time ... Conduct RF system-level testing including coexistence (CoEx), desense, beamforming, and over-the ...

Showing results 41-60

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 10, 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:

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 Design Engineer, In Building

Corona, CA • On-site

Communication Technology Services (CTS)
Telecommunications • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Communication Technology Services (CTS) is one of the largest integrators and managed service providers in the U.S., specializing in the design, installation and support of Distributed Antenna System (DAS), Small Cell, and 4G/5G Private Wireless Networks. We are seeking an experienced RF Design Engineer to support our Southern California region, along with supporting our Southwest region (AZ,NM,NV).

Job Title: RF Design Engineer

Position Summary

The RF Design Engineer is responsible for developing, validating, and maintaining RF system designs that meet wireless carrier technical standards, performance KPIs, and regulatory requirements. This role focuses on ensuring RF designs comply with carrier specifications, maintaining accurate design data within third-party carrier databases, and supporting the company’s sales engineering and project delivery teams with technically sound RF solutions.

The RF Design Engineer ensures that RF designs meet coverage, capacity, and performance requirements while remaining practical and constructible in real-world environments.

The ideal candidate brings strong experience designing in-building wireless systems across multiple DAS OEM platforms and carrier small cell solutions.

Key Responsibilities

RF Design & System Performance

· Develop RF system designs for in-building wireless systems including DAS and operator-grade small cell networks to meet carrier coverage, capacity, and signal quality requirements.

· Perform RF modeling, propagation analysis, and system performance predictions using industry-standard tools such as iBwave, Atoll, Planet, or equivalent platforms.

· Design antenna layouts, signal distribution architecture, equipment selection, and system configurations for multi-carrier deployments.

· Validate RF system performance against carrier-defined KPIs including RSSI/RSRP, SINR, throughput, interference levels, and coverage targets.

· Support system troubleshooting and optimization to ensure systems meet required performance thresholds.

Carrier Compliance & Technical Standards

· Ensure RF designs meet wireless carrier engineering standards, deployment guidelines, and compliance requirements.

· Review and validate RF design packages prior to submission to carriers, neutral-host providers, or enterprise clients.

· Maintain working knowledge of evolving carrier spectrum allocations, frequency bands, and technology requirements (LTE, 5G, CBRS, etc.).

· Address carrier review comments and ensure technical documentation meets submission requirements.

· Support design validation to ensure system architecture meets operator acceptance criteria.

Third-Party Database & Data Management

· Manage RF design data and updates within carrier engineering databases and third-party design platforms.

· Maintain accurate system configuration data, RF parameters, and equipment information across required databases.

· Ensure data integrity and consistency between internal systems and carrier databases throughout the project lifecycle.

· Update system parameters and documentation to reflect design revisions, engineering changes, and field modifications.

· Support internal reporting related to RF design status, system readiness, and performance metrics.

Sales Engineering & Technical Proposal Support

· Provide RF design expertise in support of sales engineering and business development initiatives.

· Develop conceptual RF system designs and coverage strategies for new opportunities and client proposals.

· Assist in defining technical scope, preliminary system architecture, and bill-of-materials development.

· Collaborate with engineering and sales teams to develop technically compliant and cost-effective wireless solutions.

· Support technical discussions and design presentations during pre-sales engagements when required.

Design Documentation & Deliverables

· Prepare RF design documentation including predictive coverage maps, antenna layouts, signal level heatmaps, system schematics, and equipment specifications.

· Produce RF design packages suitable for internal review, client approval, and carrier submission.

· Maintain version control and documentation of RF design revisions.

· Support development of accurate as-built RF documentation following installation and commissioning.

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience).

· 3–7 years of experience in RF design for in-building wireless systems, DAS, or small cell networks.

· Strong understanding of RF fundamentals including propagation, signal quality, interference, and network performance metrics.

· Experience using RF design tools such as iBwave, Atoll, Planet, or equivalent modeling platforms.

· Experience designing systems that comply with major wireless carrier standards and technical requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

· Direct experience designing systems utilizing DAS platforms from ADRF, Corning, CommScope, JMA, or SOLiD.

· Experience designing operator-grade small cell solutions from Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung, or Airspan/SpiderCloud.

· Experience supporting multi-carrier and neutral-host in-building deployments.

· Familiarity with carrier engineering databases and design submission platforms.

· Experience supporting technical proposals and sales engineering activities.

Salary of $90-130k.Pay commensurate with experience

This is full time position and we offer benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, Life Insurance and 401K.