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

Apex

RF Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$128K - $177K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Role Apex Space is seeking an RF Test Engineer to own system-level verification and performance testing of spacecraft communications hardware, with a primary focus on S-band TT&C and X-band ...

Inversion

RF Test Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA

As an RF Test Engineer, you will be responsible for the verification, validation, integration, and performance characterization of flight and ground RF/Telemetry systems for Inversion's next ...

K2 Space

RF Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

You will be working alongside the Electrical and RF Engineering teams to interface with Avionics hardware, validate prototype designs, define test requirements, and design test infrastructure to meet ...

K2 Space

RF Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

You will be working alongside the Electrical and RF Engineering teams to interface with Avionics hardware, validate prototype designs, define test requirements, and design test infrastructure to meet ...

Snap, Inc.

RF Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

  • Medical

We're looking for a RF Test Engineer to join the Spectacles team! What you'll do: * Develop test solutions (both hardware and software) used to test the RF and wireless subsystems of Spectacles.

Snap, Inc.

RF Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

  • Medical

We're looking for a RF Test Engineer to join the Spectacles team! What you'll do: * Develop test solutions (both hardware and software) used to test the RF and wireless subsystems of Spectacles.

Snapchat

RF Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

  • Medical

We're looking for a RF Test Engineer to join the Spectacles team! What you'll do: * Develop test solutions (both hardware and software) used to test the RF and wireless subsystems of Spectacles.

K2 Space

RF Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

You will be working alongside the Electrical and RF Engineering teams to interface with Avionics hardware, validate prototype designs, define test requirements, and design test infrastructure to meet ...

SPINLAUNCH Inc

RF Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

S. in electrical engineering, physics, or a related technical field * Experience designing, planning, and executing tests on RF or communications hardware * Hands‑on experience with lab test ...

SPINLAUNCH Inc

RF Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

S. in electrical engineering, physics, or a related technical field * Experience designing, planning, and executing tests on RF or communications hardware * Hands-on experience with lab test ...

Terran Orbital Corporation

Sr. RF Systems Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Sr. RF Systems Engineer to join our dynamic team ... Ability to interpret RF test data, engineering drawings, and system requirements. * Eligible for U.

Venturi Astrolab, Inc.

Sr. RF Electrical Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$169 - $187/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Sr. RF Electrical Engineer Department: Avionics Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne ... Select, procure, and test RF components to ensure qualification for purpose on Astrolab ...

New

Astrolab

Sr. RF Electrical Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$169K - $187K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Sr. RF Electrical Engineer Department: Avionics Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne ... Select, procure, and test RF components to ensure qualification for purpose on Astrolab ...

Vast

Senior RF Systems Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$147K - $209K/yr

Experience with RF test equipment such as Spectrum Analyzers, VNAs, Power Meters, Cable Analyzers ... Senior RF System Engineer: $147,600-$209,520 Staff RF System Engineer: $175,480-$249,096

Neros Technologies

Senior RF Engineer

Torrance, CA

$149K - $208K/yr

What you will be doing As a Senior RF Engineer, you will take technical ownership of critical ... Define and own all verification, validation, and production acceptance test procedures * Perform ...

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Senior Rf Test Engineer information

See Santa Ana, CA salary details

$71.3K

$123.3K

$175.3K

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior rf test engineer in Santa Ana, CA is $123,326.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,500.00 and $142,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior RF test engineer?

Senior RF Test Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and conduct tests on radio frequency (RF) components, systems, and devices to ensure they meet specified performance and quality standards. They work with equipment such as signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and network analyzers to troubleshoot and optimize RF systems. These engineers also analyze test data, document results, and often mentor junior engineers or lead test teams. Their expertise is crucial in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, and wireless communications.

What are some of the typical challenges a senior RF test engineer faces when developing and validating test procedures for new products?

Senior RF Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring test accuracy amidst signal interference, calibrating sensitive equipment, and troubleshooting unexpected anomalies in test results. They must frequently adapt to evolving product specifications and work closely with design and manufacturing teams to address integration issues. Staying updated with the latest testing standards and managing tight project timelines are also common aspects of the role. Collaboration and strong problem-solving skills are essential to successfully navigate these challenges.

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

To thrive as a Senior RF Test Engineer, you need a deep understanding of RF theory, circuit design, signal analysis, and typically a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and experience with test automation tools or platforms like LabVIEW is often required, along with relevant certifications. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in troubleshooting complex issues and collaborating across teams. These skills ensure accurate testing, reliable performance validation, and successful product development in demanding RF environments.

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

AspectSenior Rf Test EngineerRf Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, certifications like RF or test engineering preferredBachelor's in Electrical or Electronics Engineering, relevant certifications optional
Work EnvironmentLead testing projects, mentor junior staff, coordinate with design teamsPerform RF testing, troubleshoot issues, document test results
ResponsibilitiesDesign test plans, analyze complex RF data, improve testing processesExecute RF tests, record data, ensure compliance with specifications

While both roles focus on RF testing, the Senior Rf Test Engineer typically leads testing efforts, mentors team members, and handles complex analysis, whereas the Rf Test Engineer primarily executes tests and documents results. The senior role requires more experience and often involves project management responsibilities.

What cities near Santa Ana, CA are hiring for Senior Rf Test Engineer jobs?

Cities near Santa Ana, CA with the most Senior Rf Test Engineer job openings:

Senior Rf Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Rf Test Engineer job openings in Santa Ana, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,326 per year, or $59.3 per hour.

RF Test Engineer

Apex

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$128K - $177K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.
For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.
Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.
We'd love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.
About the Role
Apex Space is seeking an RF Test Engineer to own system-level verification and performance testing of spacecraft communications hardware, with a primary focus on S-band TT&C and X-band payload systems. This role sits at the intersection of RF design, spacecraft integration, and hardware test, supporting development from early bring-up through spacecraft-level validation and environmental test campaigns.
You'll work closely with RF, avionics, software, AIT, and systems engineering teams to develop scalable RF test infrastructure, execute integrated verification campaigns, debug complex hardware issues, and help ensure our communications systems perform reliably in flight-like environments. This is a highly hands-on role focused on building, operating, and improving RF test systems for rapidly scaling spacecraft programs.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop and execute system-level RF test strategies for spacecraft communications hardware and payloads.
  • Design RF test architectures and signal chain configurations for transmitter and receiver characterization, including loopback, end-to-end, and over-the-air test setups.
  • Lead RF performance verification activities across development, qualification, and production hardware.
  • Support spacecraft integration and environmental test campaigns including thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, vibration, EMI/EMC, and full vehicle integration testing.
  • Partner closely with RF design engineers, avionics teams, and systems engineers to debug anomalies, root cause failures, and drive hardware improvements.
  • Develop automated test scripts, infrastructure, and data collection tools to improve test efficiency and repeatability.
  • Coordinate RF test execution alongside AIT, environmental, and production teams to support aggressive spacecraft build schedules.
  • Define and maintain RF test procedures, verification plans, calibration methods, and test documentation.
  • Support design reviews, test readiness reviews, qualification campaigns, and customer-facing verification activities.
  • Specify, integrate, and maintain RF test equipment and lab infrastructure including analyzers, signal generators, channel emulators, antennas, and chamber assets.
  • Contribute to the development of scalable RF verification frameworks and long-term test infrastructure as Apex production volume grows.

Requirements:
  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline. M.S. preferred.
  • 5+ years of hands-on RF test engineering experience, including experience with aerospace, satellite, or communications hardware.
  • Strong understanding of RF fundamentals, transmitter/receiver architectures, modulation schemes, and link-level testing.
  • Hands-on experience with RF measurement equipment including vector signal analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, noise figure analyzers, and related RF lab equipment.
  • Experience developing automated test software, scripting, or RF test infrastructure (Python preferred).
  • Experience supporting hardware bring-up, integration, debug, and environmental testing activities.
  • Ability to troubleshoot RF hardware and system-level issues down to the board, subsystem, or interface level.
  • Strong understanding of RF verification methodologies, test execution, and production test practices.
  • Experience writing clear test procedures, verification plans, and technical reports.
  • Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced hardware development environments with high ownership and autonomy.
  • Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Nice to Haves:
  • Experience with spacecraft communications systems, TT&C architectures, or payload RF systems.
  • Familiarity with GEVS, MIL-STD, ECSS, CCSDS, or EMI/EMC testing standards.
  • Experience supporting spacecraft-level integration and environmental qualification campaigns.
  • Experience with channel emulators, anechoic chamber testing, or over-the-air RF validation.
  • Familiarity with production test scaling, automated validation systems, or high-rate hardware manufacturing environments.
Why Join Apex?
Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.
What We Offer For Full-time Employees:
  • Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create
  • Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
  • Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
  • Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
  • 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
  • Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day
  • Vibrant community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family
  • Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self
  • World-class Playa Vista office with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life
  • Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference

Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

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