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Senior Rfic Design Engineer Jobs in San Jose, CA

Senior RFIC Design Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$166 - $229/hr

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. Job ...

We are seeking a motivated RFIC Design Engineer Intern to support the development, simulation, and validation of RF integrated circuits for next-generation wireless and satellite communications ...

We are seeking a motivated RFIC Design Engineer Intern to support the development, simulation, and validation of RF integrated circuits for next-generation wireless and satellite communications ...

Staff RFIC Design Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site +1

$144K - $187K/yr

Switch/LNA/RF IC Design Engineer, the design of GaAs/SOI/SiGe/CMOS based switch and LNA or RFIC's for Front End Modules. Responsibilites: * Work with Marketing, internal and external module designers ...

To deliver these radios, our team is responsible for the design of a wide range of RF, analog, and ... engineering. Description As an RFIC Layout Designer, you will be a key member of a RFIC team ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Rfic Design Engineer information

See San Jose, CA salary details

$82.6K

$157.7K

$228.5K

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

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior rfic design engineer in San Jose, CA is $157,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $126,000.00 and $184,600.00 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Rfic Design Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA?

The most popular types of Rfic Design Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA are:

What cities near San Jose, CA are hiring for Senior Rfic Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near San Jose, CA with the most Senior Rfic Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Rfic Design Engineer job openings in San Jose, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $157,723 per year, or $75.8 per hour.

Senior RFIC Design Engineer

3M HEALTHCARE

San Jose, CA โ€ข On-site

$166 - $229/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 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.

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.

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

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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