ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Sr Rf Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Relativity Space

Senior RF Engineer

Long Beach, CA

As an RF Engineer on Relativity's Interplanetary Program, you will own the architecture, design, development, testing, and operation of next-generation high-reliability RF systems that enable deep ...

Icarus

Senior RF Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$120K - $220K/yr

Own RF subsystems end to end: architecture, link budgets, component selection, integration, test ... High signal (engineering) to noise (management) culture * Dream desk setup * Daily lunch

Icarus

Senior RF Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120K - $220K/yr

Own RF subsystems end to end: architecture, link budgets, component selection, integration, test ... High signal (engineering) to noise (management) culture * Dream desk setup * Daily lunch

PaloAlto Networks

Senior RF Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Mentor Staff, Senior Staff, and other engineers on RF related topics; help calibrate technical leveling and contribute to interviewing and hiring. * Experience integrating high performance cellular ...

Relativity Space

Senior RF Engineer

Long Beach, CA

As an RF Engineer on Relativity's Interplanetary Program, you will own the architecture, design, development, testing, and operation of next-generation high-reliability RF systems that enable deep ...

Icarus

Senior RF Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$120K - $220K/yr

Own RF subsystems end to end: architecture, link budgets, component selection, integration, test ... High signal (engineering) to noise (management) culture * Dream desk setup * Daily lunch

Relativity Space

Senior RF Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

As an RF Engineer on Relativity's Interplanetary Program, you will own the architecture, design, development, testing, and operation of next-generation high-reliability RF systems that enable deep ...

Raytheon

Senior RF Engineer

El Segundo, CA

Typically requires a degree in Electrical Engineering or related Science,Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) * A minimum of 5 years of prior relevant experience in Microwave RF circuits

Raytheon

Senior RF Engineer

El Segundo, CA

Typically requires a degree in Electrical Engineering or related Science,Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) * A minimum of 5 years of prior relevant experience in Microwave RF circuits

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 28, 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 are Sr RF Engineers?

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, and why are they important?

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.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,139 per year, or $55.8 per hour.
Senior RF Engineer

Senior RF Engineer

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

About the Team:

The Interplanetary Program was established to expand access to scientific exploration across our solar system. Its mission is to make planetary research faster, more affordable, and more capable than ever before by rethinking how science missions are designed, built, and operated. The program aims to enable scientists to send instruments to distant worlds without decades of development or prohibitive costs. By creating a sustainable model for interplanetary exploration, we are transforming space science from an occasional event into a continuous process of discovery that accelerates knowledge, broadens participation, and inspires the next generation of explorers.

About the Role:

As an RF Engineer on Relativity's Interplanetary Program, you will own the architecture, design, development, testing, and operation of next-generation high-reliability RF systems that enable deep-space communication, navigation, and science operations. You will work hands-on across the full lifecycle, from concept and link budgets, to working with ground stations (i.e. DSN, KSAT, etc.) through hardware bring-up, environmental qualification, integrated testing, and flight readiness. This role partners tightly with avionics, optical comms, and spacecraft REs to ensure our RF subsystem integrates cleanly into the overall spacecraft bus. You will be responsible for solving engineering challenges that push the boundaries of RF technologies: designing for extreme distances measuring in AUs, low-SNR environments, radiation effects, and highly constrained mass/power budgets. This is a highly technical, hardware-first role in a scrappy, hands-on environment and team where iteration speed, analytical rigor, and end-to-end ownership of the problem space will be critical to the success of the mission.

About You:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field
  • 5+ years of experience in RF communication system architecture, analysis, and/or component engineering
  • Experience with 3 or more of the following:
    • RF architecture & link budgets for challenging environments
    • Selection, design, and/or integration of RF systems including transmitters, receivers, LNAs, PAs, frequency sources, converters, and front-end architecture.
    • Selection and/or design of RF passive components such as filters, diplexers, couplers, and waveguide components
    • Antenna design, analysis, and modeling tools
    • Hands-on testing with RF lab equipment such as spectrum analyzers, VNAs, SDRs, power meters and data recorders
    • Hands-on integrated testing with ground stations and/or integrated spacecraft RF systems to flow live telemetry and commanding
  • Experience communicating deeply technical topics with individuals from different disciplines

Nice to haves but not required:

  • Experience with space environments (radiation effects, thermal extremes, vacuum operation, component derating)
  • Prior work with deep-space spacecraft comms system design & architecture
  • Prior work with deep-space ground station networks
  • Experience with high-gain antennas, phased arrays, or gimbaled antenna systems
  • Experience designing or validating RF hardware for flight qualification (TVAC, vibe, EMI/EMC)

Apply