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Sr Rf Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vast

Senior RF Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$120K - $171K/yr

Vast is looking for a Senior RF Engineer , reporting to the Director of RF Engineering , to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space ...

Abbott

Senior RF Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

The Senior RF Engineer; oversees design and testing of the RF communications hardware within Abbott's cardiac implantable medical devices. Leads development of the product PCB layout, RF antenna ...

Abbott

Senior RF Engineer

Sylmar, CA · On-site

The Senior RF Engineer; oversees design and testing of the RF communications hardware within Abbott's cardiac implantable medical devices. Leads development of the product PCB layout, RF antenna ...

Vast

Senior RF Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$147K - $209K/yr

Vast is looking for a Senior RF Engineer , reporting to the Director of RF Engineering , to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space ...

Abbott

Senior RF Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The Senior RF Engineer; oversees design and testing of the RF communications hardware within Abbott's cardiac implantable medical devices. Leads development of the product PCB layout, RF antenna ...

Samara Aerospace

Senior RF Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$5.2K/wk

Samara Aerospace is seeking a Senior RF Engineer to join our growing engineering team. In this role, you will own the full lifecycle of RF systems development-from requirements definition and ...

Samara Aerospace

Senior RF Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$5.2K/wk

Samara Aerospace is seeking a Senior RF Engineer to join our growing engineering team. In this role, you will own the full lifecycle of RF systems development-from requirements definition and ...

Neros Technologies

Senior RF Engineer

Torrance, CA

$149K - $208K/yr

What you will be doing As a Senior RF Engineer, you will take technical ownership of critical wireless subsystems and drive their development from concept to mass production. In this leadership role ...

Neros Technologies

Senior RF Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$149K - $208K/yr

What you will be doing As a Senior RF Engineer, you will take technical ownership of critical wireless subsystems and drive their development from concept to mass production. In this leadership role ...

Industrious Ventures

Sr. RF Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$140 - $185/hr

As an Senior RF Engineer at Xona, you'll be designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing RF systems to enable our next‑generation GNSS system. From spacecraft payload electronics to ground ...

New

SpaceX

Sr. RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$165K - $230K/yr

SR. RF ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use ...

Xona Space

Sr. RF Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

As an Sr. RF Engineer at Xona, you'll be designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing RF systems to enable our next‑generation GNSS system. From spacecraft payload electronics to ground ...

New

SpaceX

Sr. RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$165K - $230K/yr

Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. SR. RF ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink ...

SpaceX

Sr. RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$165K - $230K/yr

Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. SR. RF ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink ...

Mach Industries

Senior RF Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

You'll regularly interact with senior leadership to influence fundamental operation of our ... Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline. * Minimum of 5 years of experience in RF design and ...

Mach Industries

Senior RF Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

You'll regularly interact with senior leadership to influence fundamental operation of our ... Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline. * Minimum of 5 years of experience in RF design and ...

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All JobsSr Rf Engineer JobsSr Rf Engineer Jobs in California

Sr Rf Engineer information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$116.1K

$180.6K

How much do sr rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr rf engineer in California is $116,139.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,200.00 and $137,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Sr RF engineer?

Sr RF Engineers, or Senior Radio Frequency Engineers, are professionals who design, implement, and optimize wireless communication systems. They work with radio frequency signals and components to ensure reliable transmission and reception for applications such as cellular networks, satellite communications, and wireless devices. Their responsibilities often include system design, troubleshooting, network optimization, and compliance with regulatory standards. Sr RF Engineers typically have extensive experience and may lead teams or mentor junior engineers. They play a crucial role in advancing wireless technology and maintaining high-quality communications infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr RF engineer?

To thrive as a Sr RF Engineer, you need deep expertise in radio frequency engineering, signal processing, and wireless communication systems, usually supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with RF simulation tools (such as CST, HFSS, or ADS), network analyzers, and relevant certifications like FCC or IEEE are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective collaboration set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills ensure reliable RF system performance, compliance with technical standards, and successful project delivery in dynamic technology environments.

What are some typical challenges Sr RF engineers face when managing large-scale wireless network deployments?

Sr RF Engineers often encounter challenges such as mitigating signal interference, ensuring optimal coverage in complex environments, and adapting designs to evolving regulatory standards. Managing multiple project timelines and coordinating with cross-functional teams—like network planners, field technicians, and software specialists—are also common aspects of the role. Effective problem-solving, strong communication, and staying current with RF technologies are essential to successfully overcoming these challenges.

Is RF engineering in demand?

RF engineering is in high demand due to the growth of wireless communication, 5G networks, and satellite technology. RF engineers are needed to design, test, and optimize radio frequency systems, often requiring skills in signal processing and familiarity with tools like spectrum analyzers. Job prospects remain strong across telecommunications, defense, and consumer electronics industries.

What is the difference between Sr Rf Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectSr Rf EngineerRF Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, certifications like FCC or RF-specific coursesBachelor's in Electrical or Electronics Engineering, similar certifications often required
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and troubleshooting RF systems in labs or fieldSimilar environments, focusing on RF system implementation and testing
Industry UsageTelecommunications, aerospace, defense, wireless networksTelecommunications, consumer electronics, wireless communication
Role FocusAdvanced RF design, system optimization, technical leadershipRF system setup, testing, and basic troubleshooting

The main difference between a Sr Rf Engineer and an RF Engineer lies in experience and responsibilities. Sr Rf Engineers typically handle advanced design and optimization tasks, often leading projects, while RF Engineers focus on implementation and testing. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but the senior role involves more strategic and technical leadership in RF projects.

What are popular job titles related to Sr Rf Engineer jobs in California? For Sr Rf Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sr Rf Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Sr Rf Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Sr Rf Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Sr Rf Engineer job openings:
Sr Rf Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sr Rf Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,139 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

Senior RF Engineer

Vast

Long Beach, CA

$120K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Vast is looking for a Senior RF Engineer, reporting to the Director of RF Engineering, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space stations.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities: 

  • Comprehensive ownership of one or more Vast-designed or COTS radio products from production to mission
  • Attain technical proficiency with your component(s) and function as the technical authority on its operation
  • Manage and the product development timeline in the context of the  project schedule
  • Maintain relationships with vendors and hold them accountable for product requirements, deliveries, and schedule
  • Define test plans and procedures for acceptance and qualification testing
  • Define checkout tests to validate proper operation during and after integration onto the space station
  • Define how the components will be used during the mission
  • Identify technical issues during development and drive them to resolution
  • Guide your component through manufacture, acceptance testing, and qualification testing

Minimum Qualifications:

  •  Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or other relevant engineering or science discipline

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Strong understanding of the theory and usage of standard radio test equipment
  • Strong background in radio and electronics test and debug
  • Strong understanding of digital modulation formats such as BPSK, QPSK, QAM
  • Proficiency writing and maintaining RF link budgets
  • Understanding of the basic concepts of forward error correction (FEC) codes
  • Familiarity with key receiver specifications including noise figure, sensitivity, and bit error rate
  • Experience with aerospace acceptance and qualification test practices
  • RF system and circuit design software such as Matlab and Keysight ADS
  • Familiarity with RF block lineup design and cascaded noise/linearity analysis
  • Familiarity with RF power amplifiers and standard figures of merit such as Psat, P1dB, OIP3, ACLR, and PAE
  • Strong understanding of S-parameters
  • Understanding of Smith Charts and impedance matching networks

Additional Requirements:

  • Electromagnetic simulation software such as HFSS
  • Understanding of the OSI networking model

Pay Range: 

  • RF Engineer Level II: $120,540 - $171,100
  • Senior RF Engineer: $147,600 - $209,520

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