ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Principal Rf Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mercury Systems

Principal RF Engineer

Cypress, CA · On-site

Experience with acting as a senior design engineer and technical architect for complex RF/Microwave product development. * Experience with RF theory and proficiency with RF simulation tools (ADS, AWR ...

Vast

Senior RF Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$120K - $171K/yr

Vast is looking for a Senior RF Engineer , reporting to the Director of RF Engineering , to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space ...

Vast

Senior RF Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$147K - $209K/yr

Vast is looking for a Senior RF Engineer , reporting to the Director of RF Engineering , to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space ...

Samara Aerospace

Senior RF Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$5.2K/wk

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSenior Principal Rf Engineer JobsSenior Principal Rf Engineer Jobs in California

Senior Principal Rf Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Principal RF Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Principal RF Engineer, you need deep expertise in RF circuit design, electromagnetic theory, wireless communications, and typically an advanced degree in electrical engineering. Proficiency with RF simulation tools like ADS or HFSS, network analyzers, and industry certifications such as IEEE or FCC compliance are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help in guiding teams and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders. These skills ensure the reliable design and implementation of complex RF systems essential for cutting-edge telecommunications and electronics projects.

What is the difference between Senior Principal Rf Engineer vs RF Systems Engineer?

AspectSenior Principal Rf EngineerRF Systems Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (BSc, MSc, PhD) in Electrical Engineering or related fields, with extensive RF certificationsUsually holds a bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical Engineering, with some RF certifications
Work EnvironmentFocuses on high-level RF design, system architecture, and leadership in R&D teamsInvolves RF system integration, testing, and troubleshooting within product development teams
Industry UsageCommonly found in telecommunications, aerospace, and defense industriesUsed across wireless communications, consumer electronics, and network infrastructure sectors

The Senior Principal Rf Engineer typically holds more advanced credentials and leads complex RF projects, focusing on system-level design and strategic development. In contrast, RF Systems Engineers often work on implementing and testing RF systems within project teams. Both roles are essential in RF engineering but differ mainly in seniority, scope, and responsibilities.

What are Senior Principal RF Engineers?

Senior Principal RF Engineers are highly experienced professionals who lead the design, development, and optimization of radio frequency (RF) systems and components. They play a critical role in projects involving wireless communications, radar, satellite, and other RF applications by providing technical guidance, setting design standards, and solving complex engineering challenges. These engineers typically oversee teams, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with other departments to ensure successful project delivery. Their expertise helps organizations achieve high performance and reliability in RF systems.

How does a Senior Principal RF Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the development of new wireless products?

A Senior Principal RF Engineer frequently works alongside hardware designers, software engineers, and product managers to ensure that wireless products meet performance specifications and regulatory requirements. Collaboration often involves participating in design reviews, troubleshooting complex RF issues, and guiding teams through the integration of RF subsystems. Effective communication and leadership skills are essential, as the role often requires translating technical RF concepts for non-specialist stakeholders and mentoring junior engineers. This team-oriented environment helps drive innovation and ensures that the end product is robust and reliable.
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Rf Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Principal Rf Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Principal Rf Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Principal Rf Engineer job openings:
Senior Principal Rf Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Principal Rf Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution.
Principal RF Engineer

Principal RF Engineer

Mercury Systems

Cypress, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Mercury Systems rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 141 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Job Summary:
Mercury Systems Signal Technologies group has a great opportunity for an electrical RF Engineer with strong experience including design, prototyping, and testing at the module and component level for our Cypress, CA location. This position offers the opportunity to make an impact and have autonomy to take on as many challenges as you can handle. Join a small, collaborative engineering team and gain depth and breadth of experience to add to your electrical engineering professional toolbox. You will be exposed to state-of-the-art technology and applications to support our warfighters.
Read more about our signal products here: Mercury Systems: Innovation that matters | MRCY
Job Responsibilities:
  • Lead RF circuit design from concept through production with optimized performance specifications.
  • Develop RF architecture and conduct circuit simulation using industry tools (ADS, AWR, Genesys or similar).
  • Characterize RF performance using test equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzers, signal generators) and develop automated test procedures if required.
  • Mentor engineers, lead design reviews, make architectural decisions, and drive RF design best practices and innovation.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with support groups such as hardware, PCB layout, firmware, and systems teams to ensure successful RF integration.
  • Interface with customers, suppliers, and manufacturing to define requirements, support production transfer, and troubleshoot complex RF issues.

Required Qualifications:
  • BS in Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • Typically requires 7 years of RF/Microwave experience in High Reliability, Aerospace, or Defense Electronics product development and manufacturing.
  • Experience with acting as a senior design engineer and technical architect for complex RF/Microwave product development.
  • Experience with RF theory and proficiency with RF simulation tools (ADS, AWR, or similar) and test equipment.
  • Experience testing and troubleshooting RF/Microwave, analog, digital, and mixed signal circuits at the module and component level.
  • Active security clearance day 1.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field
  • Experience with PLL/Frequency Synthesis
  • Familiarity with failure analysis/Root-Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations

#LI-RL1
This position requires you to have an active government security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens.
Why should you join Mercury Systems?
Mercury Systems is a technology company that makes the world a safer, more secure place. We push processing power to the tactical edge, making the latest commercial technologies profoundly more accessible for today's most challenging aerospace and defense missions. From silicon to system scale, Mercury enables customers to accelerate innovation and turn data into decision superiority. Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, Mercury employs more than 2,300 people in 24 locations worldwide. To learn more, visit mrcy.com
Our Culture
We are committed to making Mercury a great place to work, no matter where our employees are located. We offer a casual and enjoyable atmosphere that allows employees to learn and grow. We help and care for one another and work as one to achieve results for us and for our customers. We value communication and transparency, and strive to foster two-way dialogue at all levels of the organization. We are committed to lifelong learning, offering comprehensive skills training and tuition reimbursement. Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or you are an experienced professional, it's important to us that you feel recognized and rewarded for your contributions.
To find out more about Why Mercury?, or visit the Mercury Community or find answers to general questions at Mercury FAQs
Mercury Systems is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, creed, citizenship, disability, protected veteran or marital status.
As an equal opportunity employer, Mercury Systems is committed to a diverse workforce. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact the number below for assistance.
(978) 256-1300
Click here read about our recent press release.

Apply