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Senior Rf Engineer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

As part of the RF Payload Design team, you will be responsible for complex PCB designs and layouts ... Collaborate with electrical engineers on component selection, schematic review, and design ...

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Senior Rf Engineer information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$65.1K

$138.4K

$200.6K

How much do senior rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior rf engineer in Santa Rosa, CA is $138,369.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,300.00 and $156,900.00 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 Santa Rosa, CA? The most popular types of Rf Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Rf Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Rf Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Senior Rf Engineer jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Senior Rf Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Rf Engineer job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,369 per year, or $66.5 per hour.
RF and YIG Design Engineer

RF and YIG Design Engineer

Keysight Technologies, Inc.

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Keysight Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 141 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Overview
Keysight is at the forefront of technology innovation, delivering breakthroughs and trusted insights in electronic design, simulation, prototyping, test, manufacturing, and optimization. Our ~15,000 employees create world-class solutions in communications, 5G, automotive, energy, quantum, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor markets for customers in over 100 countries. Learn more about what we do.
Our award-winning culture embraces a bold vision of where technology can take us and a passion for tackling challenging problems with industry-first solutions. We believe that when people feel a sense of belonging, they can be more creative, innovative, and thrive at all points in their careers.
As an R&D RF and YIG Design Engineer at Keysight, you'll be part of a collaborative and inclusive environment located primarily in Santa Rosa, CA. Our team, housed within Keysight Laboratories, is dedicated to shaping the future of technology. By joining us, you'll play a pivotal role as part of a team creating, validating, and implementing next-generation, high-performance microwave/mm-wave and frequency synthesis solutions to set Keysight products apart from the competition.
You'll work on pioneering projects, driving advancements in YIG-based solutions. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in microwave engineering, magnetics, and simulation, and be comfortable working across multiple domains including circuit design, electromagnetic modeling, and system-level integration.
This senior-level role requires technical leadership in defining design approaches, guiding trade-off decisions, mentoring engineers, and driving alignment across research, product development, manufacturing, and test teams.
This senior-level role requires technical leadership in defining design approaches, guiding trade-off decisions, mentoring engineers, and driving alignment across research, product development, manufacturing, and test teams.
Responsibilities
  • Design and develop YIG-based components and subassemblies, including YIG filters and oscillators
  • Determine and develop approaches to complex research and development assignments across end-to-end product development, from concept and simulation through prototyping, testing, and production
  • Apply multi-physics principles and simulations to optimize performance and reliability
  • Perform RF/microwave analysis and validation, including S-parameter characterization and phase noise evaluation
  • Design and implement high-current driver circuits for YIG devices
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including systems, manufacturing, and test engineering
  • Provide technical leadership by guiding architecture decisions, reviewing design approaches, mentoring engineers, and influencing cross-functional technical direction.
  • Support transition of designs into manufacturing and production environments

Qualifications
  • Educational Background: BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Physics, or equivalent, with minimum of 6+ years of relevant experience
  • Strong knowledge of RF and microwave theory, including S-parameters, filter theory and active microwave circuits and RF building blocks
  • Hands-on experience with RF measurement equipment, such as network analyzers, and spectrum and signal analyzers
  • Proficiency with RF/microwave simulation tools, including both circuit and full-wave EM tools (e.g., ADS, EMPro, CST, HFSS, COMSOL)
  • Strong understanding of magnetics, including electromagnets, magnetic circuits, hysteresis effects
  • Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative spirit.
  • Ability to deal with uncertainty in requirements from product partners and drive to alignment.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical investigations, make data-driven trade-off decisions, and communicate recommendations to technical and business stakeholders.

Desired Skills
  • Experience with advanced electromagnetic and magnetic simulations, including transient behavior, loss mechanisms (hysteresis, eddy currents)
  • Solid experience in discrete circuit design, particularly high-current driver circuits
  • Background in filter and/or oscillator design
  • Experience with low phase noise design and optimization
  • Knowledge of material science, particularly: crystalline structures, magnetic materials and steel alloys
  • Familiarity with PCB design tools (e.g., Mentor, KiCad)
  • Experience with phase-locked loop (PLL) design and applications
  • Programming experience in C# or Python

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate to Santa Rosa, CA
This position requires access to certain goods, software, technology, or technical data subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations. Under these laws and regulations, U.S. persons (which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees) working for Keysight can access export-controlled items without authorization from the U.S. government. For any individual who is not a U.S. person, Keysight may need authorization from the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Commerce, or other appropriate federal agency before the individual can access export-controlled items. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or protected individual, having authorization from the U.S. government for export-controlled items under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Careers Privacy Statement***Keysight is an Equal Opportunity Employer.***
The level of role will be based on applicable experience, education and skills; Most offers will be between the minimum and the midpoint of the Salary Range listed below.
Santa Rosa, CA Pay Range: MIN $124,420.00 Mid $165,890.00 Max $207,370.00
Note: For other locations, pay ranges will vary by region.
This role is eligible for Keysight Results Bonus Program and US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:
  • Medical, dental and vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life, Accident, Disability insurance
  • Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Discounts, Perks
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Adoption Assistance
  • ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)
  • Restricted Stock Units

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