ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Rf Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vast

Senior RF Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$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 ...

CONFIDENTIAL

Be Seen First

Senior RF Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

Job Summary The Senior RF Engineer plays a critical role in understanding customer needs, translating them into technical requirements, and leading multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver ...

Neros Technologies

Senior RF Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

What you will be doing As a Senior RF Engineer, you will take technical ownership of critical wireless subsystems and drive their development from concept to mass production. In this leadership role ...

Neros Technologies

Senior RF Engineer

Torrance, CA

$120K - $200K/yr

What you will be doing As a Senior RF Engineer, you will take technical ownership of critical wireless subsystems and drive their development from concept to mass production. In this leadership role ...

SpaceX

Sr. RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA

$165K - $230K/yr

SR. RF 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 ...

SpaceX

Sr. RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$165K - $230K/yr

Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. SR. RF ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink ...

SpaceX

Sr. RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$165K - $230K/yr

Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. SR. RF ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink ...

Relativity Space

Senior RF Engineer

Long Beach, CA

As an RF Engineer on Relativity's Interplanetary Program, you will own the architecture, design, development, testing, and operation of next-generation high-reliability RF systems that enable deep ...

Xona Space Systems, Inc

Sr. RF Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

As an Sr. RF Engineer at Xona, you'll be designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing RF systems to enable our next-generation GNSS system. From spacecraft payload electronics to ground ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSenior Rf Engineer JobsSenior Rf Engineer Jobs in California

Senior Rf Engineer information

See California salary details

$58.7K

$124.9K

$181.1K

How much do senior rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior rf engineer in California is $124,900.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,100.00 and $141,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior RF engineer do?

A senior RF engineer designs, develops, and tests radio frequency systems and components used in wireless communication devices. They analyze signal performance, troubleshoot issues, and often use simulation tools like MATLAB or HFSS. This role typically requires strong knowledge of RF theory, circuit design, and industry standards, along with experience in project management and team collaboration.

What are Senior RF Engineers?

Senior RF Engineers are experienced professionals who design, implement, and optimize radio frequency (RF) systems used in telecommunications, broadcasting, and other wireless communications. They are responsible for ensuring the performance and reliability of RF networks by conducting tests, troubleshooting issues, and developing solutions to improve signal quality. Senior RF Engineers often lead project teams, mentor junior engineers, and work closely with other departments to deliver effective wireless communication solutions.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Senior RF engineers in specialized industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, or defense can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives for senior-level positions requiring expertise in RF design, testing, and system integration.

What are some common technical challenges faced by Senior RF Engineers, and how are they typically addressed within engineering teams?

Senior RF Engineers often encounter challenges related to signal interference, system integration, and maintaining optimal performance under real-world conditions. These issues are typically addressed through collaborative troubleshooting with cross-functional teams, such as hardware, software, and test engineers. Utilizing advanced simulation tools, performing thorough field testing, and conducting design reviews are standard practices to ensure solutions are effective and reliable. Regular knowledge sharing within the team helps in quickly resolving complex RF problems and staying updated with evolving technologies.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior RF engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries like telecommunications or defense, can earn $200,000 or more annually. Compensation often depends on location, certifications, and the complexity of projects handled.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior RF engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries like telecommunications or aerospace, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, expertise in signal processing, and working in senior or managerial roles with significant responsibilities.

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

AspectSenior RF EngineerRF Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, certifications like FCC or RF-specific coursesBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field, some certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and troubleshooting RF systems in labs or fieldAssist in RF system development, testing, and maintenance
ResponsibilitiesLead projects, optimize RF performance, mentor junior staffSupport RF design, perform measurements, and document results

The main difference lies in experience and responsibility level. Senior RF Engineers typically lead projects and mentor others, while RF Engineers focus on supporting design and testing tasks. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but the senior position involves more leadership and strategic planning.

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

To thrive as a Senior RF Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of radio frequency theory, wireless communication systems, and a relevant engineering degree, often complemented by several years of industry experience. Familiarity with RF simulation tools (such as CST, HFSS, or ADS), network analyzers, and certifications like Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help in troubleshooting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are vital for designing reliable RF solutions, optimizing performance, and ensuring seamless integration in complex wireless environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Rf Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Rf Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Rf Engineer jobs in California? For Senior Rf Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Rf Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Rf Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Rf Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Rf Engineer job openings:
Senior Rf Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Rf Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,900 per year, or $60 per hour.
Senior RF Engineer

Senior RF Engineer

Vast

Long Beach, CA

$120K - $171K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

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 stations.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities: 

  • Comprehensive ownership of one or more Vast-designed or COTS radio products from production to mission
  • Attain technical proficiency with your component(s) and function as the technical authority on its operation
  • Manage and the product development timeline in the context of the  project schedule
  • Maintain relationships with vendors and hold them accountable for product requirements, deliveries, and schedule
  • Define test plans and procedures for acceptance and qualification testing
  • Define checkout tests to validate proper operation during and after integration onto the space station
  • Define how the components will be used during the mission
  • Identify technical issues during development and drive them to resolution
  • Guide your component through manufacture, acceptance testing, and qualification testing

Minimum Qualifications:

  •  Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or other relevant engineering or science discipline

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Strong understanding of the theory and usage of standard radio test equipment
  • Strong background in radio and electronics test and debug
  • Strong understanding of digital modulation formats such as BPSK, QPSK, QAM
  • Proficiency writing and maintaining RF link budgets
  • Understanding of the basic concepts of forward error correction (FEC) codes
  • Familiarity with key receiver specifications including noise figure, sensitivity, and bit error rate
  • Experience with aerospace acceptance and qualification test practices
  • RF system and circuit design software such as Matlab and Keysight ADS
  • Familiarity with RF block lineup design and cascaded noise/linearity analysis
  • Familiarity with RF power amplifiers and standard figures of merit such as Psat, P1dB, OIP3, ACLR, and PAE
  • Strong understanding of S-parameters
  • Understanding of Smith Charts and impedance matching networks

Additional Requirements:

  • Electromagnetic simulation software such as HFSS
  • Understanding of the OSI networking model

Pay Range: 

  • RF Engineer Level II: $120,540 - $171,100
  • Senior RF Engineer: $147,600 - $209,520

Apply