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Senior Rfic Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

RFIC Design Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

Irvine, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

RFIC DESIGN ENGINEER (RFIC ENGINEERING) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink ...

Broadcom

SOI RFIC Design Engineer

San Jose, CA

$120K - $192K/yr

Familiar with CMOS RFIC design, analog design and digital design. Familiar with ESD circuits design ... PhD's degree or Master's degree in electrical engineering with 6+ years of direct design ...

Apple

RFIC - PLL Design Engineer

Irvine, CA

$171K - $302K/yr

As Sr. RFIC - PLL Design Engineer within the Wireless Radio team, you will be at the center of a wireless SoC design group with a critical impact on getting Apple's state-of-the-art wireless ...

Broadcom, Inc.

SOI RFIC Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $192K/yr

Familiar with CMOS RFIC design, analog design and digital design. Familiar with ESD circuits design ... PhD's degree or Master's degree in electrical engineering with 6+ years of direct design ...

Apple

RFIC - PLL Design Engineer

Irvine, CA

$171K - $302K/yr

As Sr. RFIC - PLL Design Engineer within the Wireless Radio team, you will be at the center of a wireless SoC design group with a critical impact on getting Apple's state-of-the-art wireless ...

SpaceX

RFIC Engineer (Starshield Silicon)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

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

Apple

RFIC - PLL Design Engineer

Irvine, CA

$171K - $302K/yr

As Sr. RFIC - PLL Design Engineer within the Wireless Radio team, you will be at the center of a wireless SoC design group with a critical impact on getting Apple's state-of-the-art wireless ...

Apple

RFIC - PLL Design Engineer

Irvine, CA

$171K - $302K/yr

As Sr. RFIC - PLL Design Engineer within the Wireless Radio team, you will be at the center of a wireless SoC design group with a critical impact on getting Apple's state-of-the-art wireless ...

SpaceX

RFIC Engineer (Starshield Silicon)

Hawthorne, CA

$145K - $175K/yr

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

SpaceX

RFIC Engineer (Starshield Silicon)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

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

Apple

RFIC Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

You'll work across fields to transform improved hardware elements into a single, coordinated design ... The wireless RFIC team architects, designs, and validates radio transceivers integrated into ...

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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.
Sr. RF Front-End Module Design Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

Sr. RF Front-End Module Design Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

SpaceX

Irvine, CA

$160K - $225K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SR. RF FRONT-END MODULE DESIGN ENGINEER (RFIC ENGINEERING) 

At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe. 

We are seeking a motivated and technically excellent Sr. RF Front-End Module Design Engineer to develop cutting-edge RF modules for deployment into the Starlink Mobile network. You would be responsible for the specification, material-selection, design, simulation, integration, fabrication, production, measurement, debug, and optimization of compact, multi-chip modules (MCMs) containing custom RF front-end components. Come join us and contribute to RF systems that will expand the performance and capabilities of Starlink Mobile.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Design and develop RF front-end MCMs for 5G NR, LTE, and Wi-Fi applications
  • Integrate RFICs (PAs, LNAs, switches), power management ICs, BAW/SAW filters, printed passives, and SMDs into compact MCMs
  • Design custom passives (inductors, couplers, etc.) printed into module laminates
  • Specify RFIC and BAW filter performances; define pin-to-pin lineups, linearity performances, and coupling specifications of RF modules
  • Work closely with BAW filter designers, RFIC designers, and package/layout engineers in module floor-planning
  • Perform detailed circuit and EM simulations, and co-simulation of the full module with sub-components
  • Conduct lab bring-up, characterization, and debugging of module prototypes; drive learnings into improving and optimizing subsequent prototype iterations
  • Manage laminate and assembly suppliers
  • Develop ATE test plans and coordinate with OSAT teams on implementation
  • Support the integration of RF modules into production PCBAs
  • Perform yield analysis and implement design improvements for high-volume production

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science 
  • 5+ years of research and/or industry experience in RF/Microwave engineering or RFIC engineering

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master's degree or PhD in an engineering discipline with emphasis in RF/microwave circuits/systems, BAW/SAW resonators, advanced semiconductor packaging, or electromagnetic theory
  • Experience in designing multi-chip RF modules for cellular or Wi-Fi applications
  • Familiar with MCM substrate/packaging technologies (e.g. double-sided BGA), and manufacturing processes
  • BAW filter design experience
  • Thorough understanding of RF passive components and EM principles
  • Experience in the design of linear and non-linear circuits such as power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, mixers, filters and PLLs
  • Module/RF/microwave design using ADS, HFSS, AWR (or similar tools)
  • Experience in MATLAB, Python or equivalent tools for modeling and analyzing RF systems
  • Familiar with radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generator, network analyzers
  • Experience characterizing radio performance for cellular and Wi-Fi systems
  • Python programming experience for test automation

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to meet critical project milestones 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 

Pay range:  
RFIC Design Engineer/Senior: $160,000.00 - $225,000/per year  
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. 

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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