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Senior Principal Rf Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Senior RF Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

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 ...

We are looking for a Senior RF Engineer to join our ground-based radar electronics team in Fullerton, CA, supporting Battlefield Radar (BFR) products for both domestic and international programs. In ...

We are looking for a Senior RF Engineer to join our ground-based radar electronics team in Fullerton, CA, supporting Battlefield Radar (BFR) products for both domestic and international programs. In ...

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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:
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.
Senior Principal RF Subsystems Engineer

Senior Principal RF Subsystems Engineer

Raytheon

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Raytheon rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 516 rated manufacturers


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-04-02

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-AZ-TUCSON-M02 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG M02

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world. 

The Effector RF Design Team at Raytheon is seeking a talented Senior Principal Engineer to join our team in Tucson, AZ.

The candidate will be responsible for leading and shaping the architecture, analysis, design, and implementation of RF subsystems and sensors within missile products. The selected candidate will be expected to provide technical oversight, delegate tasks, and work with the Engineering organization to establish technology roadmaps, enable modernization, and contribute to general innovation. In addition, the candidate will interface with government personnel and program leadership on a regular basis. The candidate will be responsible for providing guidance, coaching, mentoring, and training to other employees across the business within the candidate’s areas of expertise.

This position is an onsite role, located in Tucson, AZ.

What You Will Do

  • Specify, design, and test advanced RF sensors and subsystems across frequencies from MHz through millimeter-wave.
  • Decompose system-level requirements into detailed RF component requirements.
  • Measure RF components/sensors/subsystems, including performance in chamber and range environments.
  • Perform modeling and analysis of link budgets, RF cascades, electromagnetic emissions (EME), antenna patterns, phase noise, receiver sensitivity, transmitter power, spurious signals, modulation, isolation, and ADC characteristics.                                                                                

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 10 years of prior relevant experience to include any combination of the following:
    • Design, integration, and/or test of RF subsystems
    • Design, integration, and/or test of RF sensors
    • Experience interacting across engineering disciplines (e.g. Systems, Mechanical, SW, Algorithms, etc.) to define RF subsystem requirements and evaluate performance

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Advanced knowledge of RF component technologies, including circuit card assemblies (CCAs), waveguides, planar/printed antennas, RF modules, and monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs).
  • Experience performing Link Budget analyses.
  • Understanding of antenna patterns and RF measurements with antennas and electronics.
  • Expertise in concepts such as phase noise, mixer conversion spurs, automatic gain control (AGC), sensitivity, intermodulation distortion (IMD), bit error rate, instantaneous bandwidth, adjacent channel interference, and ADC measurements/calculations (Nyquist and SFDR).
  • Familiarity with equipment such as Spectrum Analyzers, Network Analyzers, Signal Generators, and Arbitrary Waveform Generators (ARB Generators).
  • Strong understanding of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic vulnerability (EMV) along with mitigation strategies in RF systems.
  • Excellent written communication and oral presentation skills.

What We Offer

Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Learn More & Apply Now!

This position requires a security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 132,400 USD - 251,600 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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