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Sr Rf Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vast

Senior RF Systems Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$147K - $209K/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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Sr Rf Engineer information

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$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 Systems Engineer

Vast

Long Beach, CA

$147K - $209K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

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-gravity human-rated space stations.

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

Responsibilities: 

  • Support system level design and modeling of spacecraft communications systems including space to Earth, space to space, and crew audio & multimedia links.
  • Generate requirements, concepts of operations, block diagrams, and high level analysis for artificial gravity space stations.
  • Work closely with integration and operations teams to define checkout procedures, LEOP, orbital phase, docking, crewed operations, etc.
  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary engineering team to form tightly integrated avionics, structures, thermal control, and software systems.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in electrical engineering or related engineering discipline.
  • 4+ years of experience in an RF engineering role.
  • Experience with RF test equipment such as Spectrum Analyzers, VNAs, Power Meters, Cable Analyzers, etc.
  • Experience in software development: Matlab, Python, C/C++, or other programming languages.
  • Familiarity with RF communication system design & analysis.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • MS or PhD in  ECE, EE, Physics, or related stem discipline
  • Experience with RF analysis software: HFSS, STK, ADS
  • Knowledge of in space effects including ionizing radiation, atomic oxygen, plasma charging, MMOD, outgassing, etc
  • Prior work in spacecraft system design and/or operation
  • Understanding of RF modulation and media access control schemes such as BPSK, SOQPSK, GMSK, APSK, TDMA, FDMA, etc
  • Understanding of communication system coding and error correction schemes such as Reed Solomon, LDPC, BCH, etc
  • Familiar with common space communications interoperability standards such as CCSDS and DVB-S2
  • Experience with Ethernet and IP networking, VPNs, TCP, UDP, L2/L3 switches, VLANs, etc
  • Experience with serial communication protocols such as CAN, SPI, and I2C, RS-422/485

Pay Range:

Senior RF System Engineer: $147,600-$209,520

Staff RF System Engineer: $175,480-$249,096

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