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

We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer ... senior guidance BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: * Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer ...

We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer ... senior guidance BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: * Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 18, 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 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Rfic Design Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Senior Rfic Design Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,153 per year, or $73.6 per hour.

Sr. MMIC Design Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$165K - $270K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 148 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SR. MMIC 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, gateways, 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 MMIC 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 MMICs for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has previously not 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: 

  • Derive hardware specifications for the RF system and MMIC blocks
  • Develop MMIC products from initial specification to mass production and ensure full compatibility in all aspects of implementation in the system
  • Simulate/model MMIC front end circuits (power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, switches) at the circuit level and electromagnetic level, working with system architects, modem/DSP and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains 
  • Determine how to package and implement MMIC's, and work with RF engineers and PCB designers to develop packages and/or modules
  • Evaluate, characterize, and analyze full performance of MMIC prototypes
  • Assist in the development of automated test equipment for lab measurements 
  • Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing of MMIC components and RF systems 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline 
  • 5+ years of research and/or industry experience in RF/microwave circuit design
  • Experience with GaAs and/or GaN MMIC design of linear and non-linear circuits such as power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, mixers, filters and PLLs, including full circuit design and layout  

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • MS or PhD in an engineering discipline with emphasis in MMIC design, RF/microwave circuits, and/or electromagnetic theory
  • Deep understanding of theory and MMIC design of RF front end blocks, from S-band to E-band frequency ranges 
  • RF/microwave design tool experience using ADS, HFSS, AWR or similar 
  • RF/microwave design in the Ku, Ka, V and E-band frequency range 
  • Familiar with radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generator, network analyzers, load pull and probe stations at millimeter wave frequencies
  • Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single and multi-carrier techniques and modulation types such as QPSK, APSK and QAM 
  • Understanding of electromagnetic propagation and antenna systems 
  • Schematic and layout using Altium Designer or other PCB design tools 
  • Experience in Matlab, Python, C++ or equivalent tools for modeling, analyzing and automating RF systems 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones 
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 3: $165,000.00 - $270,000.00

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 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 and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.


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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US