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Senior Rf Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Elve Inc

RF Design Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

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 ...

Elve Inc

RF Design Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

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 ...

Specter

RF Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The Role Specter is hiring an Antenna and RF Hardware Design Engineer to own the antenna and RF hardware design that sets the ceiling on our deployment range, capacity, and sectorization geometry.

Motorola

RF Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

THE OPPORTUNITY Silvus is seeking a RF Design Engineer who will report to the Director of RF Engineering on the RF Engineering team. The successful individual in this role will actively participate ...

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

RF Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

THE OPPORTUNITY Silvus is seeking a RF Design Engineer who will report to the Director of RF Engineering on the RF Engineering team. The successful individual in this role will actively participate ...

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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 3, 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:

Senior Rf Design Engineer jobs near you
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.

RF Design Engineer

TrellisWare Technologies

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

TrellisWare launched in 2000 with an innovative culture striving to push technological boundaries in the area of wireless communications. We are now a worldwide leader in highly advanced algorithms, waveforms, and communications systems that range from small form factor radio products to fully integrated solutions.
At TrellisWare, we connect passion with purpose and together we make an impact- on our careers, our company, and the world. And you can too. If you love to innovate and collaborate in a dynamic environment where boundaries are being pushed, you belong at TrellisWare. Where the opportunity to serve is not a challenge but a gift. Where you're never going alone. Because there's too much at stake to go solo.
Our Hardware Team is seeking an RF Design Engineer. You would be responsible for designing and developing highly selective receive chains and 2-20 watt transmit chains for VHF, UHF, L, and S-band handheld and vehicular radios. TrellisWare's products are engineered to provide robust and reliable communication in congested and contested RF environments. TrellisWare is looking for RF engineers who can combine the latest integrated components alongside custom-designed discrete filters and amplifiers, balancing transmit power, battery life, spurs and harmonics, receive selectivity, noise figure, and overall size to produce cutting-edge radios.
The essential duties and responsibilities include:
  • System-level RF design, including component selection and cascade analysis, using AWR Microwave Office
  • Component level design, leveraging integrated solutions but primarily focused on custom discrete filters and amplifiers
  • RF schematic entry (and ideally PCB layout) using Altium toolchain
  • Generate required design documentation.
  • Validate and debug product performance through test and analysis at the component, module and system level.
  • Collaborate with Product Management and Operations to carry development from prototype to production.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and work experience requirements are:
  • Minimum Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field of study required.
  • 5 years of experience with MSEE or 7 years of experience with BSEE as a RF/Wireless Design Engineer.

To be considered for this position, you would need to meet, at a minimum, the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed here:
  • RF cascade analysis and optimization for both noise figure and performance in strong interference environments
  • Filter synthesis and design, especially for low-loss, high power filters using lumped elements
  • Schematic entry and PCB layout experience (ideally using Altium tools)
  • Linear RF simulation (ideally using AWR Microwave Office)
  • Hands-on experience with RF circuit bring-up, troubleshooting, optimization, and high-volume production

An exceptional candidate would also possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  • Discrete amplifier design experience, particularly at 1 W and above
  • Understanding of both the features and limitations of integrated RF transceivers
  • Experience with non-linear simulations, including simulated load-pull analysis
  • Understanding of frequency conversion, frequency synthesizers, and PLL design up to 3 GHz with tight packaging constraints.
  • Experience with EM Solvers such as HFSS, Momentum, Analyst or AXIEM (preferred).
  • Work independently, demonstrate initiative and interact with a variety of engineering development teams.
  • Demonstrate strong documentation skills and proficiency with PC office applications.
  • Demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong collaborative drive and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong initiative, proactive work ethic and prioritization skills.
  • Sound judgement and analytical problem-solving skills.
  • Effective execution and decision making.
  • Champion of change and promotes innovation.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable those with qualified disabilities.
  • Able to frequently sit, stand, walk, use hands to fingers, handle or feel, reach within hands and arm's length, stoop, kneel, and crouch, talk and hear.
  • Regularly required to sit for extended periods of time; frequently required to use office equipment such as PC, printer, telephone, etc.
  • Able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Additional requirements are:
  • U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency

Note: Many of TrellisWare's positions require a security clearance or the ability to obtain one. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
TrellisWare Technologies pays competitively according to the market in an individual's geographic location, in addition to their qualifications and experience. The posted range is annually and for individuals located in the San Diego, CA area.
San Diego, California Pay Range
$115,000-$200,000 USD
Disclaimers
  • The above statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in the job description restricts the company's right to change, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time for any reason.
  • As part of our onboarding process, we conduct background checks, where legally permitted and appropriate for the role, in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and privacy requirements.

*TrellisWare Technologies, Inc. is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets Employer.*
Check out the Careers page for more information about working at TrellisWare Technologies.

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