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Sr Rf Engineer Jobs in San Jose, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Xona Space Systems, Inc

Sr. RF Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

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 ...

Applied Materials

Senior RF Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

General Profile Will work in a Technology group that takes input from Process teams and develops design requirements for the Engineering group and suppliers for RF and other power delivery to an etch ...

Amat

Senior RF Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

General Profile Will work in a Technology group that takes input from Process teams and develops design requirements for the Engineering group and suppliers for RF and other power delivery to an etch ...

Strategic Employment

RF/EMC Engineer

Dublin, CA · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

We're recruiting for a Senior RF/EMC Engineer role with an established, privately-held wireless testing and certification lab in the East Bay (Pleasanton, CA), accredited by the FCC, Canada's ISED ...

Gridware

Senior RF Engineer, Devices

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$195K - $210K/yr

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 ...

Gridware

Senior RF Engineer, Devices

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$195K - $210K/yr

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 ...

Gridware

Senior RF Engineer, Devices

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$195K - $210K/yr

For more information, please visit ;br> Role Description We're looking for a Wireless RF Engineer with broad-based expertise across RF architecture, design, integration, and manufacturing. The ideal ...

Strategic Employment

RF/EMC Engineer

Dublin, CA · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

We're recruiting for a Senior RF/EMC Engineer role with an established, privately-held wireless testing and certification lab in the East Bay (Pleasanton, CA), accredited by the FCC, Canada's ISED ...

Gridware

Senior RF Engineer, Devices

San Francisco, CA

$195K - $210K/yr

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 ...

Amat

Senior RF Systems Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

Position Summary The Senior RF Systems Engineer will lead the architecture, development, integration, and qualification of RF power delivery solutions for next-generation semiconductor manufacturing ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsSr Rf Engineer JobsSr Rf Engineer Jobs in San Jose, CA

Sr Rf Engineer information

See San Jose, CA salary details

$43.4K

$137.9K

$214.5K

How much do sr rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr rf engineer in San Jose, CA is $137,920.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,300.00 and $162,900.00 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.

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 San Jose, CA?

For Sr Rf Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sr Rf Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Sr Rf Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA are:

What cities near San Jose, CA are hiring for Sr Rf Engineer jobs?

Cities near San Jose, CA with the most Sr Rf Engineer job openings:

Sr Rf Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sr Rf Engineer job openings in San Jose, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,920 per year, or $66.3 per hour.

Senior RF Engineer

Samara Aerospace

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$5.2K/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

About Us:
Samara Aerospace is revolutionizing satellite design by addressing the challenges of deploying and managing large satellite constellations. Our innovative Hummingbird spacecraft bus offers a modular and scalable platform that streamlines satellite production and deployment, significantly reducing launch costs. Hummingbird's compact architecture maximizes launch capacity, making it the most efficient and agile spacecraft in the industry. At the core of our technology is the patented Multifunctional Structures for Attitude Control (MSAC) system. Unlike traditional wheel-based pointing control systems, MSAC utilizes actuators embedded in the hinges of deployable solar panels to provide 3-axis attitude control and active jitter cancellation. This design eliminates the need for spinning wheels, reducing mass and potential points of failure, while enhancing pointing precision.
Role:
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 architectural trade studies through design, fabrication, test, and qualification. You will collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, thermal, software, and systems engineering teams to develop high-performance RF solutions in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead architectural R&D efforts for new RF communications and payload subsystems by conducting trade studies and establishing requirements
  • Develop and maintain RF system models and simulations, perform end-to-end link budget analysis, noise and linearity cascades, and interference/co-existence assessments to validate system performance margins across operating conditions.
  • Drive the full hardware development cycle from bench prototype through design validation and qualification testing.
  • Defining test plans, executing characterization campaigns, and documenting results to demonstrate compliance with system requirements.
  • Own the end-to-end PCB implementation of RF designs, including schematic capture, multilayer board layout (RF/mixed-signal), stackup definition, design rule checks, and liaison with fabrication and assembly vendors to ensure manufacturable, high-performance hardware.
  • Design, simulate, implement, and characterize active and passive RF subsystems at microwave frequencies, including SSPAs, LNAs, power amplifiers, up/down converters, mixers, oscillators, and filters.
  • Plan, develop, and execute RF testing at both board level and integrated system level using spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, vector signal generators, and oscilloscopes.
  • Support regulatory compliance efforts including FCC licensing and frequency coordination
  • Contribute to recruiting, mentoring, and technical development of teammates.

Qualifications:
  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or equivalent; M.S. or Ph.D. preferred.
  • 5+ years of RF engineering experience with a B.S. degree, or 3+ years with an M.S.
  • Deep knowledge of fundamental RF concepts: circuit analysis, noise figure, linearity, gain, radio architecture, and
  • Hands-on experience designing, building, and testing RF hardware at microwave and/or millimeter-wave frequencies.
  • Proficiency in RF/EM simulation tools (ADS, HFSS, Cadence, etc)
  • Proficiency in schematic capture and multilayer PCB layout (Altium preferred).

Preferred:
  • Experience developing RF hardware for aerospace, space, or other mission-critical environments.
  • Experience with antenna design and electromagnetics/propagation.
  • Experience phased-array antenna systems (beamforming, null-steering).
  • Familiarity with Software Defined Radios (SDRs) and associated digital signal processing.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and scripting languages (Python) for test automation and signal processing.
  • Familiarity with common bus protocols (I2C, SPI, CAN, UART) and Linux command-line environments
  • Familiarity with satellite communications systems (ground segment and/or space segment), including DVB-S2

Salary and Benefits:
  • Pay range: $150,000-190,000 annually to start
  • Early and competitive equity in a rapidly growing startup
  • Platinum-level healthcare, vision, dental, and life insurance covered 100% for you
  • Partial dependent coverage available
  • 401k matching at 4% (no vesting)
  • Unlimited PTO and sick time
  • Catered lunch 3x per week
  • Education assistance up to $5,250 per year
  • Relocation assistance is available
  • 17 paid holidays (including a "winter break" Dec. 24-Jan. 1

Work Authorization
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Samara Aerospace does not currently sponsor employment visas for this position.
Employment eligibility will be verified upon hire in accordance with federal law.

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