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Senior Rfic Design Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Blue Origin

Principal Antenna Design Engineer

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$183K - $256K/yr

Collaborate closely with RFIC/MMIC, T/R module, DSP, mechanical, and thermal engineers to define requirements and ensure a cohesive system design. * Support prototype fabrication, assembly, and RF ...

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All JobsSenior Rfic Design Engineer JobsSenior Rfic Design Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Senior Rfic Design Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$80.2K

$153.2K

$221.9K

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

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior rfic design engineer in Seattle, WA is $153,153.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,300.00 and $179,200.00 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 Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Rfic Design Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Rfic Design Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? For Senior Rfic Design Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Senior Rfic Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Rfic Design Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,153 per year, or $73.6 per hour.
Sr. Silicon Photonics Design Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

Sr. Silicon Photonics Design Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$160K - $225K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SR. SILICON PHOTONICS 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, proactive, and intellectually curious photonics design engineer who will work alongside world-class cross-disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering). In this role, you will be developing cutting-edge next-generation PIC for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has not previously been available, affordable or reliable. Join us to help deliver cutting-edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Design, analyze, and simulate optical building blocks such as MZM and Microring modulators, Ge Photo diodes, dWDM filters, waveguides, couplers, dividers and polarization management circuitry in different integrated platforms such as silicon photonics and InGaAs/InP
  • Derive specifications for the Photonics IC systems and circuits 
  • Design and model package optical interface including edge coupler and grating couplers
  • Familiar with RF, Analog and mixed signal circuits
  • Work with system architects, DSP, electro-optics, and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains 
  • Perform IC floor planning and layout 
  • Evaluate, characterize and measure electrical and optical building blocks of a high-speed optical link solution
  • Assist in the development of automated test lab equipment for lab measurements
  • Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing and qualification of the PIC circuits and systems
  • Experience using simulation tools such as Lumerical, COMSOL and HFSS 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science 
  • 5+ years of photonics or electro-optical integrated circuit design

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering, computer engineering (with emphasis on electro-optics IC design), or applied physics
  • Experience using electrical simulation tools such as Spectre, ADS
  • Knowledge of advanced packaging for a co-package optics (CPO) solution
  • Electrical circuit design skills, and experience performing analysis and simulation linear/non-linear circuits such as high bandwidth modulator drivers, TIAs, CTLEs, filters, low noise and power amplifiers.
  • Experience working on wideband circuit designs supporting high speed Serdes links with more than 100Gbps data rate and BW exceeding 10s of GHz
  • Familiarity with high speed SerDes architecture and modulation schemes such as NRZ/ PAM4 and link protocols
  • Familiarity with optical and radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, high speed oscilloscopes and BERTs 
  • Experience characterizing EIC/PIC performance for high speed optical Serdes

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 

Pay range:

RFIC Engineer/Senior: $160,000.00 - $225,000.00/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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