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Senior Rf Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Effector RF Design Department is responsible for designing RF and Microwave hardware, including ... Technical oversight responsibilities for less-senior engineers * Working across domains on complex ...

Sr. RF Design Engineer

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $121K/yr

If you're an experienced RF engineer ready to drive innovation and mentor teams, this role is for you. What you'll do * Design and develop complex SSPAs and multi-function modules for defense and ...

... RF architectures while delivering highly engineered products at scale. We are looking for a highly ... Design, integrate, and validate wireless solutions across multiple radio technologies and frequency ...

Sr. RF Design Engineer

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $121K/yr

If you're an experienced RF engineer ready to drive innovation and mentor teams, this role is for you. What you'll do * Design and develop complex SSPAs and multi-function modules for defense and ...

Senior RF Engineer

Camarillo, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

As a Senior RF Design Engineer, you'll be the technical cornerstone of our RF product development. Your designs will not only meet exacting performance standards but also push the boundaries of what ...

An RF design engineer at Elve is responsible for the design, analysis, and characterization of Elve products and systems. This will include performing RF simulations on amplifiers and passive ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Rf Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$69.6K

$132.8K

$192.4K

How much do senior rf design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior rf design engineer in California is $132,815.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,100.00 and $155,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior RF design engineer?

Senior RF Design Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and optimize radio frequency (RF) circuits and systems used in communication devices, radar, wireless networks, and other applications. They lead projects, solve complex technical issues, and often mentor junior engineers. Their work typically involves simulation, prototyping, testing, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. These engineers play a critical role in advancing wireless technology and supporting reliable, high-performance electronics.

What are the main challenges faced by senior RF design engineers during the product development cycle?

Senior RF Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing performance with cost and manufacturability, mitigating interference and signal integrity issues, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. They may also need to troubleshoot complex integration problems when working with cross-functional teams in hardware, software, and testing. Staying updated with evolving technologies and adapting designs to meet tight project timelines are also common aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior RF design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior RF Design Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of RF circuit design, electromagnetic theory, and a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Expertise in using simulation tools such as ADS, HFSS, or CST, as well as familiarity with PCB layout and test equipment, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for developing high-performance RF systems, meeting project deadlines, and effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Senior Rf Design Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectSenior RF Design EngineerRF Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, specialized in RF design, often with certifications like FCC or IEEEBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, with some certifications optional
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, product development teamsField testing, system integration, troubleshooting in various environments
ResponsibilitiesLeading RF circuit design, simulation, and optimization; mentoring junior engineersImplementing RF systems, testing, and troubleshooting existing designs

The main difference is that Senior RF Design Engineers focus on advanced design, simulation, and leadership in RF projects, while RF Engineers typically handle implementation, testing, and troubleshooting. Senior roles require more experience and often involve guiding projects and teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rf Design Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Rf Design Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Rf Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Rf Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Rf Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,815 per year, or $63.9 per hour.

Senior RF Design Engineer

DAS Technology Group

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Advanced Defense Technology / RF Systems
Clearance Requirements: U.S. Citizenship required due to federal contracting
About the Company
Join a cutting-edge engineering team working on next-generation RF and microwave solutions that enable mission-critical defense applications. Our company designs high-performance, software-defined systems that push the boundaries of what's possible with RF power and intelligent signal control.
Role Summary
We're looking for an experienced RF Design Engineer to take ownership of the design, simulation, and testing of high-power RF amplifier modules. You'll work across the full development lifecycle-evaluating components, designing circuits, integrating off-the-shelf parts, and verifying system performance. If you're passionate about RF design and want to contribute to real-world solutions in national defense and security, this is the role for you.
What You'll Do
  • Design and simulate high-power RF amplifiers for CW and pulsed applications (sub-10GHz)
  • Evaluate and integrate off-the-shelf components such as MMICs, discrete transistors, splitters, and combiners
  • Guide PCB layout, schematic capture, and support board fabrication and bring-up
  • Perform bench testing using equipment such as VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and load pull setups
  • Optimize circuit performance for gain, efficiency, thermal stability, and impedance matching
  • Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, and systems engineering to ensure first-pass success
  • Develop test plans and support system/subsystem validation
  • Assist with manufacturing and process improvement initiatives
  • Interface with vendors to evaluate new components and capabilities

Qualifications
Required:
  • BS or MS in Electrical Engineering (RF/Microwave focus preferred)
  • 5+ years of experience in broadband high-power amplifier design (UHF to C-band or similar)
  • Proficiency with RF simulation tools (e.g., Keysight ADS, Cadence AWR)
  • Experience with schematic capture, PCB design collaboration, and RF circuit analysis
  • Familiarity with test and measurement equipment for RF components
  • Solid understanding of impedance matching techniques and power amplifier architectures
Preferred:
  • Experience with 3D EM modeling (e.g., HFSS, CST, Feko)
  • Exposure to RF filter design
  • Prior involvement in low-to-medium volume production environments (dozens to hundreds of units)
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced, highly collaborative engineering environment

Why Join Us?
  • Work on game-changing RF tech that makes a difference
  • Small team, big impact: your contributions matter
  • Flexible, dynamic engineering culture with strong mentorship
  • Competitive compensation and benefits

Ready to bring your RF design expertise to a high-impact team? Apply now and help shape the future of advanced defense systems.