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Senior Rfic Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Sr. RFIC Engineer

Irvine, CA

$160K - $225K/yr

SR. RFIC DESIGN ENGINEER 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. RFIC Engineer

Irvine, CA

$160K - $225K/yr

... Mars. SR. RFIC DESIGN ENGINEER Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... As a RFIC Design Engineer on the Starshield team, you will be working on advanced development ...

SpaceX

Sr. RFIC Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$160K - $225K/yr

... Mars. SR. RFIC DESIGN ENGINEER Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... As a RFIC Design Engineer on the Starshield team, you will be working on advanced development ...

SpaceX

Sr. RFIC Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

SR. RFIC DESIGN ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and ...

SpaceX

Sr. RFIC Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

... life on Mars. SR. RFIC DESIGN ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink ... As a RFIC Design Engineer on the Starshield team, you will be working on advanced development ...

SpaceX

Sr. RFIC Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA

$145K - $175K/yr

... life on Mars. SR. RFIC DESIGN ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink ... As a RFIC Design Engineer on the Starshield team, you will be working on advanced development ...

Apple

RFIC Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

As a RFIC Design Engineer, you are going to be responsible for providing RFIC solutions for wireless SoC and driving them to mass production for Apple's Wireless Connectivity products. The wireless ...

Qualcomm

RFIC Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

... interaction with senior leadership (e.g., Director and above). Principal Duties and ... design problems by applying sound RFIC engineering practices with minimal supervision. • Runs ...

Apple

RFIC Design Engineer

Irvine, CA

$171K - $302K/yr

Close collaboration with RFIC test engineers in the bring up, debug and optimization of the wireless connectivity chip through the productization. Provide design versus silicon measurements ...

Apple

RFIC Design Engineer

Irvine, CA

$139K - $258K/yr

As an RFIC Design Engineer within the Wireless Radio team, you will be at the center of a wireless SoC design group, giving to Apple's groundbreaking wireless connectivity solutions into hundreds of ...

Apple

RFIC Design Engineer

Irvine, CA

$171K - $302K/yr

Close collaboration with RFIC test engineers in the bring up, debug and optimization of the wireless connectivity chip through the productization. Provide design versus silicon measurements ...

Apple

RFIC Design Engineer

Irvine, CA

$171K - $302K/yr

Close collaboration with RFIC test engineers in the bring up, debug and optimization of the wireless connectivity chip through the productization. Provide design versus silicon measurements ...

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All JobsRfic Design Engineer JobsSenior Rfic Design Engineer JobsSenior Rfic Design Engineer Jobs in California

Senior Rfic Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$69.6K

$132.8K

$192.4K

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

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior rfic 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 RFIC Design Engineer?

A Senior RFIC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit) Design Engineer is an experienced professional who designs, develops, and tests high-frequency integrated circuits used in wireless communication devices. They work extensively with analog and mixed-signal circuits, and are responsible for ensuring the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of RFICs for applications such as mobile phones, Wi-Fi, and IoT devices. In addition to technical design tasks, Senior RFIC Design Engineers often mentor junior engineers, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to the overall architecture of wireless systems.

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

To thrive as a Senior RFIC Design Engineer, you need deep expertise in RF circuit theory, semiconductor physics, and hands-on experience with analog/mixed-signal IC design, usually backed by a master's or PhD in electrical engineering. Mastery of industry-standard EDA tools (such as Cadence Virtuoso, Spectre, and EM simulators) and familiarity with relevant process design kits (PDKs) and lab measurement equipment is essential. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication set outstanding engineers apart. These skills ensure the development of high-performance, reliable RFICs through efficient problem-solving, collaboration, and precise execution in a fast-evolving field.

What is the difference between Senior Rfic Design Engineer vs RFIC Design Engineer?

AspectSenior Rfic Design EngineerRFIC Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, specialized in RFIC designBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, with RF focus
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, R&D labs, semiconductor companiesDesign teams, semiconductor firms, integrated circuit companies
Industry UsageUsed in advanced wireless, telecom, and satellite systemsUsed in wireless communication, mobile devices, and RF components

The main difference is that a Senior Rfic Design Engineer typically has more experience and leadership responsibilities in RFIC design projects, whereas an RFIC Design Engineer may be earlier in their career or at a non-senior level. Both roles focus on RF integrated circuit design but differ in seniority and scope of responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior RFIC Design Engineers during the chip design and validation process?

Senior RFIC Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as meeting stringent performance specifications within tight power and area constraints, managing electromagnetic interference, and ensuring the design complies with fabrication process limitations. Additionally, integrating RF circuits with digital and analog components on the same chip can introduce complex noise coupling issues that must be mitigated through careful layout and simulation. Close collaboration with layout engineers, validation teams, and system architects is essential to address these challenges and to deliver robust, manufacturable designs on schedule.
What are the most commonly searched types of Rfic Design Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Rfic Design Engineer jobs in California are:
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Senior Rfic Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Rfic Design Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,815 per year, or $63.9 per hour.

Senior RFIC Design Engineer

NXP Semiconductors

San Jose, CA • On-site

$166K - $228K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

NXP is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior RFIC Design Engineer to contribute to the development of cutting-edge RF integrated circuits for wireless communication systems. This role involves the design, simulation, and verification of complex RF blocks, ensuring high performance and efficiency.
Job Responsibilities
* Design, simulate, and verify RFIC blocks such as LNAs, PAs, Mixers, VCOs, PLLs, and frequency synthesizers for various wireless standards (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G).
* Perform detailed transistor-level circuit design and optimization for performance, power, and area.
* Conduct extensive pre-layout and post-layout simulations using industry-standard tools (e.g., Cadence Virtuoso, SpectreRF, HFSS).
* Collaborate with system architects, digital design engineers, and test engineers to define specifications and ensure seamless integration.
* Develop and implement innovative circuit architectures and design techniques to meet challenging performance requirements.
* Participate in layout supervision and review, ensuring adherence to design intent and manufacturing process rules.
* Debug and characterize RFIC prototypes in the lab, identifying and resolving performance issues.
* Generate comprehensive design documentation, including design specifications, simulation reports, and test plans.
* Stay abreast of the latest advancements in RFIC design methodologies and technologies.
Job Qualifications
* Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in RF/Microwave circuits.
* 5+ years of industry experience in RFIC design in CMOS processes.
* Strong theoretical understanding of RF/microwave fundamentals and analog circuit design.
* Proficiency with RFIC design tools such as Cadence Virtuoso, SpectreRF, EM simulators (e.g., HFSS, Momentum), and MATLAB.
* Hands-on experience with RF lab equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes).
* Demonstrated ability to successfully tape-out and characterize complex RFICs.
* Experience with various analog and RF block designs including LNAs, PAs, Mixers, VCOs, PLLs, and frequency synthesizers.
* Familiarity with various wireless communication standards (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G, UWB).
* Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

The base salary range for this position is as mentioned below per year. We also provide competitive benefits, incentive compensation, and/or equity for certain roles.
Company benefits include health. dental, and vision insurance. 401(k), and paid leave. Please note that the base salary range (OR hourly rate) is a guideline, and individual total compensation may vary based on a number of factors such as qualifications, skill level, work location, and other business and organizational needs. This base pay range is specific to California and is not applicable to other locations. A reasonable estimate of the base salary range as of the date of this posting is:

$166,200 to $228,500 annually

More information about NXP in the United States...

NXP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer regardless of age, color, national origin, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, status as a disabled veteran and/or veteran of the Vietnam Era or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, NXP will provide reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified disabled individuals.

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