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Sr Rf Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Gridware

Senior RF Engineer, Devices

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Role Description We're looking for a Wireless RF Engineer with broad-based expertise across RF architecture, design, integration, and manufacturing. The ideal candidate combines deep theoretical and ...

Vast

Senior RF Systems Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$175K - $249K/yr

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

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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 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 (Contract) - Future Opportunities

Senior RF Engineer (Contract) - Future Opportunities

Epirus

Torrance, CA • On-site

$143K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

About Epirus
Epirus is a high-growth technology company dedicated to overcoming the asymmetric challenges inherent to the future of national security. Epirus' flagship product, Leonidas, is a software-defined system built using intelligent power management techniques which allow power-hungry systems to do more with less.
Job Summary:
This is an exciting role at an innovative, high-growth defense technology company. The Senior RF Engineer will lead the design of solid-state power amplifier modules from concept to production. The ideal candidate for the position is someone who has experience with high power amplifier design and will have full ownership of product development through all stages of conception, prototype, and productization. In this role, you will work closely with a talented engineering team in a fast-paced environment to apply emerging technologies in innovative ways to rapidly produce new products. This position will report to the Manager of RF Engineering.
Responsibilities:
  • Design of high-power microwave amplifiers and RF front-end modules for CW or pulsed operation
  • Modeling, simulation, analysis, design, test, and optimization of high power active and passive power amplifier circuits
  • Generate schematics and work closely with mechanical, thermal, and PCB layout teams to ensure circuit designs meet requirements while striving for first pass design success
  • Board bring up, test, and bench level tuning
  • Develop design verification test plans and assist with testing
  • Evaluate, characterize, and select off-the-shelf power amplifier components like discrete transistors, MMICs, couplers, splitters/combiners, etc.
  • Assist with RF system and/or subsystem requirement development and feasibility studies
  • Assist with manufacturing process and test requirement development
  • Coordinate with internal quality and supply chain teams for process improvements
  • Work with vendors to explore new device capabilities and modeling
  • Troubleshoot board level RF issues/failures and provide recommended paths forward
  • Hold design reviews and presentations with peers and act as a reviewer
Basic Qualifications:
  • BS or MS degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus in RF Engineering
  • 5+ years experience with broadband high power amplifier design and development in frequency ranges from UHF to C band or higher with power levels 100W or greater
  • Thorough understanding of high-power amplifier design process from component characterization and selection to volume manufacturing
  • Experience with RF cascade analyses, component selection, and component evaluations
  • Skilled with modeling, simulation, analysis, design, test and optimization of RF power amplifiers and supporting circuits like couplers, detectors, and bias sequencing / control
  • Familiar with power amplifier impedance matching circuits and optimizations
  • Experience with schematic capture and guiding PCB layout
  • Experience with test plan development and test execution
  • Experience developing circuit models and simulations using tools like Keysight ADS or Cadence AWR
  • Experience with test equipment like vector network analyzers (VNAs), spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and load pull
  • US Citizen or permanent resident (future security clearance may be required)
Preferred Skills and Experience:
  • Experience with 3D electromagnetic modeling and simulation using tools like Ansys HFSS, CST, and Feko or similar
  • Familiar with RF filter design
  • Experience with PCB design / layout
  • Experience with RF requirement development and feasibility analyses
  • Good written and oral communication skills
  • Collaborative; capable of working across all levels of the organization
  • Organized; comfortable working in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
At Epirus, you'll work with technical peers and great people-and get first crack at some of the defining technology challenges of our time. Here, "impossible" is just a challenge. We're a diverse, fast-growing team of change-makers fueling the future of energy with revolutionary solutions. Join us and rewrite the rules
As required by the Equal Pay Transparency Act, Epirus provides a reasonable range of minimum compensation for roles that may be hired. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific office location.
For the state of California only, the range of starting pay for this role is:
$143,900-$170,000 USD

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