1

Rfic Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RFIC DESIGN ENGINEER (RFIC ENGINEERING) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink ...

RFIC DESIGN ENGINEER (RFIC ENGINEERING) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Rfic Engineer information

See salary details

$33K

$89.2K

$142K

How much do rfic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for rfic engineer in the United States is $89,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an RFIC Engineer, you need strong expertise in analog and RF circuit design, semiconductor device physics, and typically a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in tools like Cadence, ADS, and EM simulation software, as well as familiarity with industry standards and testing equipment, is essential. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for successful collaboration and troubleshooting. These skills ensure the development of high-performance, reliable integrated circuits that meet rigorous technical and commercial requirements.

What are some common challenges RFIC Engineers face when working on complex chip designs?

RFIC Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing electromagnetic interference, ensuring signal integrity at high frequencies, and meeting stringent power and size constraints in chip designs. Collaborating closely with layout engineers and test teams is essential to address these issues early in the design cycle. Additionally, RFIC Engineers need to stay updated with the latest simulation tools and design methodologies to optimize performance and minimize design iterations.

What is an RFIC Engineer?

An RFIC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit) Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and tests integrated circuits that operate at radio frequencies, commonly used in wireless communication devices like smartphones, Wi-Fi routers, and satellites. They work on creating components such as amplifiers, mixers, oscillators, and transceivers that enable high-frequency signal processing on a chip. RFIC Engineers use specialized design tools and simulation software to ensure circuit performance, reliability, and efficiency. Their expertise is crucial in advancing wireless technologies and meeting the demands for faster and more efficient communication systems.

What is the difference between Rfic Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectRfic EngineerRF Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, RF certificationsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, RF certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing RF integrated circuits, working in labs or R&D centersTesting, troubleshooting, and optimizing RF systems in field or lab settings
Industry UsageSemiconductor companies, chip design firmsTelecom, wireless service providers, device manufacturers

Rfic Engineers focus on designing and developing RF integrated circuits, often working in labs or R&D environments. RF Engineers typically handle the deployment, testing, and optimization of RF systems in real-world settings. While both roles require similar credentials and industry knowledge, their primary responsibilities and work environments differ.

More about Rfic Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Rfic Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Rfic Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Rfic Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Rfic Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Rfic Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,183 per year, or $42.9 per hour.
Sr. RFIC Design Engineer (Starshield Silicon)

Sr. RFIC Design Engineer (Starshield Silicon)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$160K - $225K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 59 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SR. RFIC DESIGN ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. As a RFIC Design Engineer on the Starshield team, you will be working on advanced development programs in support of U.S. National Security. In this role, you will be developing cutting-edge next-generation RFICs for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. You will work in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment, where we are exploring unsolved problems and applying the SpaceX mindset of iterating rapidly to go from design and demo to operational capability at lightning pace.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  •  Design, simulate and model RF/analog/mixed-signal circuits and systems
  •  Derive specifications for the RFIC subsystems and circuits
  •  Develop analog/mixed-signal/RF/microwave circuits in SiGe, GaAs, GaN, or CMOS processes
  •  Work with system architects, modem/DSP and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains
  •  Perform IC floor planning and layout
  •  Own packaging prototypes, product development, and release to production. Model package and external parasitic components
  •  Evaluate and characterize prototypes of the design
  •  Assist in the development of automated test lab equipment for lab measurements
  •  Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing and qualification of the RFIC components and systems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  •  Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science
  •  5+ years of professional RF integrated circuit experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  •  Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering or computer engineering with an emphasis in RF/analog/mixed-signal integrated circuit design
  •  Experience using simulation tools such as Spectre, ADS, HFSS or Momentum
  •  Circuit design skills, and experience performing analysis and simulation of both linear and non-linear circuits such as phase-locked loops, vector modulators/demodulators, oscillators, mixers, filters, low noise and power amplifiers
  •  Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single and multi-carrier techniques and modulation types such as QPSK, APSK and QAM
  •  Knowledge of RF transceiver architectures
  •  Deep understanding of theory and MMIC design of RF front end blocks, from S-band to W-band frequency ranges
  •  Familiarity with radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generator, network analyzers
  •  Experience characterizing radio performance in microwave frequencies

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
  • Willingness to travel for off-site testing
  • An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    
Pay range:    

RFIC Engineer/Senior: $160,000.00 - $225,000.00/per year    

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.


What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom