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Rf Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Plan, develop, and execute RF testing at both board level and integrated system level using spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, vector signal generators, and oscilloscopes. * Support regulatory ...

Execute functional and environmental RF testing (thermal, vacuum/TVAC, vibration), analyze test data, and provide recommendations for improvements * Validate that RF hardware meets its performance ...

Plan, develop, and execute RF testing at both board level and integrated system level using spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, vector signal generators, and oscilloscopes. * Support regulatory ...

Execute functional and environmental RF testing (thermal, vacuum/TVAC, vibration), analyze test data, and provide recommendations for improvements * Validate that RF hardware meets its performance ...

Execute functional and environmental RF testing (thermal, vacuum/TVAC, vibration), analyze test data, and provide recommendations for improvements * Validate that RF hardware meets its performance ...

RF Test Engineer

Burlingame, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Support environmental testing (e.g., thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC) with RF test instrumentation and monitoring * Work closely with subsystem teams to ensure test coverage aligns with mission ...

Support environmental testing (e.g., thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC) with RF test instrumentation and monitoring * Work closely with subsystem teams to ensure test coverage aligns with mission ...

RF Test Engineer

Redwood City, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Execute functional and environmental RF testing (thermal, vacuum/TVAC, vibration), analyze test data, and provide recommendations for improvements * Validate that RF hardware meets its performance ...

Perform RF testing using equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and network analyzers * Tune RF amplifiers across multiple frequency bands including S-Band, C-Band, X-Band, and Ku ...

Experience with RF testing and troubleshooting * Experience with the simulation of RF products * Experience with any of the following tools: * Mentor DX Designer or equivalent * High Frequency ...

Experience with RF testing and troubleshooting * Experience with the simulation of RF products * Experience with any of the following tools: * Mentor DX Designer or equivalent * High Frequency ...

Experience with RF testing and troubleshooting * Experience with the simulation of RF products * Experience with any of the following tools: * Mentor DX Designer or equivalent * High Frequency ...

Showing results 41-60

Rf Testing information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$116.1K

$180.6K

How much do rf testing jobs pay per year?

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

RF testing, or Radio Frequency testing, involves evaluating electronic devices and systems to ensure they properly transmit and receive radio signals. This process is essential for confirming that products meet regulatory standards and function reliably without causing or experiencing interference. RF testing is commonly used in industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, consumer electronics, and automotive, and includes tests like signal strength, frequency accuracy, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Proper RF testing helps guarantee the performance and safety of wireless devices.

What are some common challenges faced by RF testing engineers during the device validation process?

RF Testing engineers often encounter challenges such as dealing with signal interference, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and accurately measuring performance across different environments. Troubleshooting unexpected signal losses or distortion can be particularly demanding, requiring strong analytical skills and close attention to test setup details. Effective collaboration with design, hardware, and software teams is essential to resolve issues quickly and deliver reliable products.

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

To thrive as an RF Testing Engineer, you need a solid background in electronics or telecommunications engineering, with expertise in radio frequency concepts and signal analysis. Familiarity with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and relevant software tools, as well as certifications like ISTQB or vendor-specific credentials, is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These competencies are critical for ensuring accurate testing, troubleshooting, and validation of RF systems to maintain high product and system performance.

What is the difference between Rf Testing vs Rf Engineer?

AspectRf TestingRf Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a diploma or associate degree in electronics or telecommunicationsRequires a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratory, testing facilities, or on-site at telecom companiesDesign, development, and troubleshooting in labs or field sites
Job FocusPerforming tests to verify RF device performance and complianceDesigning RF systems, analyzing performance, and improving technology

Rf Testing involves executing specific tests to ensure RF devices meet standards, while Rf Engineers focus on designing and developing RF systems. Both roles require knowledge of RF principles, but Rf Testing is more about validation, whereas Rf Engineering emphasizes creation and innovation.

How to become an RF testing engineer?

To become an RF testing engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with RF measurement tools, testing procedures, and industry standards such as FCC or IEEE is important, along with developing skills in signal analysis and using testing equipment like spectrum analyzers and network analyzers. Certifications in RF or wireless technology can enhance job prospects.
Infographic showing various Rf Testing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,139 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

Senior RF Engineer

Samara Aerospace

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$5.2K/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

About Us:
Samara Aerospace is revolutionizing satellite design by addressing the challenges of deploying and managing large satellite constellations. Our innovative Hummingbird spacecraft bus offers a modular and scalable platform that streamlines satellite production and deployment, significantly reducing launch costs. Hummingbird's compact architecture maximizes launch capacity, making it the most efficient and agile spacecraft in the industry. At the core of our technology is the patented Multifunctional Structures for Attitude Control (MSAC) system. Unlike traditional wheel-based pointing control systems, MSAC utilizes actuators embedded in the hinges of deployable solar panels to provide 3-axis attitude control and active jitter cancellation. This design eliminates the need for spinning wheels, reducing mass and potential points of failure, while enhancing pointing precision.
Role:
Samara Aerospace is seeking a Senior RF Engineer to join our growing engineering team. In this role, you will own the full lifecycle of RF systems development-from requirements definition and architectural trade studies through design, fabrication, test, and qualification. You will collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, thermal, software, and systems engineering teams to develop high-performance RF solutions in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead architectural R&D efforts for new RF communications and payload subsystems by conducting trade studies and establishing requirements
  • Develop and maintain RF system models and simulations, perform end-to-end link budget analysis, noise and linearity cascades, and interference/co-existence assessments to validate system performance margins across operating conditions.
  • Drive the full hardware development cycle from bench prototype through design validation and qualification testing.
  • Defining test plans, executing characterization campaigns, and documenting results to demonstrate compliance with system requirements.
  • Own the end-to-end PCB implementation of RF designs, including schematic capture, multilayer board layout (RF/mixed-signal), stackup definition, design rule checks, and liaison with fabrication and assembly vendors to ensure manufacturable, high-performance hardware.
  • Design, simulate, implement, and characterize active and passive RF subsystems at microwave frequencies, including SSPAs, LNAs, power amplifiers, up/down converters, mixers, oscillators, and filters.
  • Plan, develop, and execute RF testing at both board level and integrated system level using spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, vector signal generators, and oscilloscopes.
  • Support regulatory compliance efforts including FCC licensing and frequency coordination
  • Contribute to recruiting, mentoring, and technical development of teammates.

Qualifications:
  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or equivalent; M.S. or Ph.D. preferred.
  • 5+ years of RF engineering experience with a B.S. degree, or 3+ years with an M.S.
  • Deep knowledge of fundamental RF concepts: circuit analysis, noise figure, linearity, gain, radio architecture, and
  • Hands-on experience designing, building, and testing RF hardware at microwave and/or millimeter-wave frequencies.
  • Proficiency in RF/EM simulation tools (ADS, HFSS, Cadence, etc)
  • Proficiency in schematic capture and multilayer PCB layout (Altium preferred).

Preferred:
  • Experience developing RF hardware for aerospace, space, or other mission-critical environments.
  • Experience with antenna design and electromagnetics/propagation.
  • Experience phased-array antenna systems (beamforming, null-steering).
  • Familiarity with Software Defined Radios (SDRs) and associated digital signal processing.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and scripting languages (Python) for test automation and signal processing.
  • Familiarity with common bus protocols (I2C, SPI, CAN, UART) and Linux command-line environments
  • Familiarity with satellite communications systems (ground segment and/or space segment), including DVB-S2

Salary and Benefits:
  • Pay range: $150,000-190,000 annually to start
  • Early and competitive equity in a rapidly growing startup
  • Platinum-level healthcare, vision, dental, and life insurance covered 100% for you
  • Partial dependent coverage available
  • 401k matching at 4% (no vesting)
  • Unlimited PTO and sick time
  • Catered lunch 3x per week
  • Education assistance up to $5,250 per year
  • Relocation assistance is available
  • 17 paid holidays (including a "winter break" Dec. 24-Jan. 1

Work Authorization
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Samara Aerospace does not currently sponsor employment visas for this position.
Employment eligibility will be verified upon hire in accordance with federal law.