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Software Defined Radio Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Staff FPGA Engineer, EW

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$139K - $179K/yr

ABOUT THE TEAM The Electronic Warfare (EW) team is responsible for developing high-reliability radios, embedded processing, and power systems for software defined radio platforms. Working across ...

Staff FPGA Engineer, EW

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$220 - $292/hr

Own FPGA development for various software defined radio platforms that enable EW functions * Work with software, and electrical, engineers to bring up state of the art boards for software defined ...

RF Hardware Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$115K - $200K/yr

In your first 6 months you will architect, develop, own, test, and integrate new RF electronics for use in software defined radio (SDR) systems for satellite communications and beyond. You will work ...

Staff FPGA Engineer, EW

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$220K - $292K/yr

Own FPGA development for various software defined radio platforms that enable EW functions * Work with software, and electrical, engineers to bring up state of the art boards for software defined ...

Experience with SDR (Software Defined Radio) design and development * Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers is strongly emphasized * Must demonstrate a willingness ...

RF Hardware Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$115K - $200K/yr

In your first 6 months you will architect, develop, own, test, and integrate new RF electronics for use in software defined radio (SDR) systems for satellite communications and beyond. You will work ...

Experience with software defined radio hardware development including high speed RF data converters (digital to analog and analog to digital converters), clock trees, and data converter interfaces ...

RF Hardware Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$115K - $200K/yr

In your first 6 months you will architect, develop, own, test, and integrate new RF electronics for use in software defined radio (SDR) systems for satellite communications and beyond. You will work ...

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Software Defined Radio information

See California salary details

$11

$54

$73

How much do software defined radio jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for software defined radio in California is $54.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.45 and $61.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software defined radio?

A Software Defined Radio (SDR) job involves designing, developing, and maintaining radio communication systems that rely on software rather than traditional hardware components. SDR professionals work with programmable hardware, digital signal processing (DSP), and communication protocols to create flexible and adaptive wireless systems. These roles are common in industries such as telecommunications, defense, and aerospace, where SDR technology improves spectrum efficiency and enables advanced signal processing.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities for a software defined radio engineer?

As a Software Defined Radio engineer, your daily tasks often involve designing and developing software components for radio systems, implementing and testing algorithms for signal processing, and troubleshooting hardware and software integration issues. You may also work closely with cross-functional teams including hardware engineers, project managers, and testers to ensure SDR solutions meet performance and compliance standards. Depending on the organization, you might participate in field testing, documentation, and optimizing system performance. This role is hands-on and dynamic, perfect for those who enjoy solving complex technical challenges and collaborating with others.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the software defined radio position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Software Defined Radio (SDR) role, you need a strong background in digital signal processing, radio frequency (RF) concepts, and programming, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with SDR platforms (such as GNU Radio, MATLAB/Simulink, or LabVIEW), proficiency in programming languages like Python or C++, and industry certifications in wireless communications are often required. Problem-solving ability, collaborative teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for success in this field. These competencies enable the successful design, testing, and deployment of flexible radio systems that adapt to evolving communications needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Defined Radio jobs in California?

The most popular types of Software Defined Radio jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Software Defined Radio jobs in California?

For Software Defined Radio jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Defined Radio jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Defined Radio jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Software Defined Radio jobs?

Cities in California with the most Software Defined Radio job openings:

Infographic showing various Software Defined Radio job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,414 per year, or $54 per hour.

Staff FPGA Engineer, EW

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$139K - $179K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,055 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Electronic Warfare (EW) team is responsible for developing high-reliability radios, embedded processing, and power systems for software defined radio platforms. Working across hardware, software, and mission autonomy, the team delivers EW-critical electronics, PCB assemblies, and FPGA-based processing architectures that enable Anduril's next-generation autonomous electronic warfare platforms to operate in complex and contested environments. EW Electrical Engineers drive end-to-end development, from system architecture and circuit design to verification, integration, and test, ensuring scalable, mission-ready solutions that meet the performance, reliability, and survivability demands of the U.S. Military and modern EW warfare.

ABOUT THE JOB

We are looking for a Staff FPGA Engineer to join our rapidly growing team in Costa Mesa, CA. In this role, you will be responsible for the end-to-end design and verification of projects on the latest AMD/Xilinx SOC/FPGA platforms and helping to establish robust design processes. This will require expertise in HDL languages, FPGA architecture, and AMD/Xilinx development workflow. If you are someone who is ready to own and lead rapid software defined radio development, then this role is for you.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Own FPGA development for various software defined radio platforms that enable EW functions
  • Work with software, and electrical, engineers to bring up state of the art boards for software defined radios
  • Responsible for design and test of VHDL DSP modules and infrastructure
  • Integrate subsystem/module into larger FPGA core; solve resource and timing contentions as they arrive
  • Develop drivers for custom RF component boards (PLLs, mixed signal front ends, etc)
  • Manage project deliverables against timeline; effectively document and communicate
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Strong experience with DSP implementation for embedded devices and/or software defined radios
  • Experience with Xilinx/AMD SOC/FPGAs; knowledgable of architecture
  • Experience with bring-up of high speed digital interfaces (PCIE, JESD, Aurora, N-Gbps Optical, etc)
  • Proficient in HDL design using VHDL and/or Verilog
  • Proficiency in a Linux development environment
  • Proficiency using Git and CI/CD workflows (Git, TCL, CI/HITL)
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
  • Experience mentoring/leading 1-3 engineers through larger design tasks
  • You are a self starter, outcome driven, and an excellent communicator
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience working with the latest AMD SOC/FPGAs
  • Knowledge of AMD FPGA NOC and advanced design features (partial reconfiguration, DFX, segmented flow, etc)
  • Working knowledge of signal processing flows (data converter to bits)
  • Exposure to wireless communications and/or radar systems design
  • Experience with RF test equipment (Spec An, Sig Gens, Oscilloscope, etc)
  • Knowledge or experience using AMD AIE tiles for processing

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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