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Synthesizer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tacit

RFIC Silicon Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $230K/yr

But the most important responsibility is architectural judgment: determining what RF front-end, synthesizer, power-management, and duty-cycling approaches can actually close in CMOS at our target ...

Sapiom

Developer Relations Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$69.50 - $91/hr

... synthesizer -- able to take disparate developer feedback and translate it into clear, actionable insights for product and engineering teams. Company : Sapiom enables organizations to deploy, govern ...

Arc Institute

Chief of Staff

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

You are a natural information gatherer, synthesizer and connector. You proactively seek out the right people and data, ask incisive technical questions, and turn a complex, ambiguous picture into ...

COMMON SENSE MEDIA

Standards Analyst

San Francisco, CA

$90K - $110K/yr

A core function of this role is participating in multi-stakeholder input processes: engaging as an active listener, thought partner, and synthesizer as the Institute gathers perspectives from subject ...

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All JobsSynthesizer JobsSynthesizer Jobs in California

Synthesizer information

What is a synthesizer?

A synthesizer is an electronic instrument that generates audio signals to create sounds, typically for music production. Synthesizers use various methods such as analog circuitry or digital processing to produce a wide range of tones, from imitating traditional instruments to making entirely new sounds. They can be played using a keyboard, sequencer, or other controllers and are commonly used in genres like electronic, pop, and film music. Synthesizers have been instrumental in shaping modern music since their introduction in the mid-20th century.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a synthesizer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Synthesizer (Sound Designer or Synthesist), you need a solid understanding of music theory, audio engineering, and sound synthesis techniques, often supported by formal education in music production or audio technology. Proficiency with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Ableton Live or Logic Pro, as well as familiarity with synthesizers and sound design software, is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving skills help you craft unique sounds and collaborate effectively with artists or production teams. These abilities are crucial for producing innovative audio that enhances musical projects, films, or multimedia experiences.

How does a synthesizer typically collaborate with composers, producers, and sound engineers during a music production project?

Synthesizers work closely with composers to interpret creative vision and select or design appropriate sounds for each track. They often collaborate with producers to refine arrangements and ensure synthesized elements fit within the overall mix. Close communication with sound engineers is essential to balance electronic and acoustic sounds, troubleshoot technical issues, and achieve the desired audio quality. This teamwork requires flexibility, technical proficiency, and a good ear for blending synthesized sounds seamlessly into the final production.

What is the difference between Synthesizer vs Sound Designer?

AspectSynthesizerSound Designer
Primary RoleCreates and manipulates electronic sounds and tones using synthesizersDesigns and crafts unique sounds and audio effects for various media
Required SkillsKnowledge of synthesis methods, music theory, and electronic instrumentsSound editing, creativity, audio software proficiency
Work EnvironmentMusic studios, electronic music production, live performancesFilm, gaming, advertising, multimedia projects
Common CertificationsMusic production, electronic music courses, synthesis workshopsAudio engineering, sound design certifications

While both roles involve working with audio, a synthesizer primarily focuses on creating sounds through electronic instruments, whereas a sound designer crafts unique audio effects and soundscapes for various media. Synthesizers are often used by musicians and producers, while sound designers work across industries like film and gaming to develop immersive audio experiences.

What is the job of a synthesizer?

A synthesizer professional designs, operates, and maintains electronic instruments that generate sounds for music, film, or other media. They often work with sound design software, hardware synthesizers, and may require knowledge of audio engineering and music theory.

What are popular job titles related to Synthesizer jobs in California?

For Synthesizer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Synthesizer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Synthesizer jobs in California are:

Synthesizer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Synthesizer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

RFIC Silicon Lead

Tacit

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$180K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

About Tacit
We are an early-stage, deep tech startup based in San Francisco, developing innovative hardware that rethinks human-computer interaction. We are backed by General Catalyst, Khosla Ventures, and Greylock Partners, with a founding team from Stanford, BrainGate, Oculus, and Tesla. While we can't reveal too much just yet, our team is tackling cutting-edge engineering challenges to bring revolutionary products to life.
About the role
We are building CMOS RF systems at ultra low-power envelopes. We are looking for our first silicon hire: the person who will define the RF CMOS architecture, translate Tacit's sensing and ML constraints into circuit reality, and set the technical foundation for everything that follows.
This role starts hands-on. You will work at the transistor level, stand up the initial design environment, evaluate process options, simulate and design critical blocks, and drive early silicon decisions. But the most important responsibility is architectural judgment: determining what RF front-end, synthesizer, power-management, and duty-cycling approaches can actually close in CMOS at our target power envelopes.
The rare skill we are looking for is not generic RFIC execution. It is the ability to reason across system architecture, low-power CMOS RF, frequency generation, sensing constraints, form factor, and product requirements - and to know when a proposed path will or will not work in silicon.
As the program matures, you will help decide what stays internal and what is executed with external silicon partners. You may directly own blocks, technically direct contractors, or build the internal team. In all cases, the architecture-defining IP and technical judgment must live inside Tacit.
What you'll do
  • Define the RF CMOS architecture for an ultra-low-power, frequency-agile sensing front end
  • Translate system-level sensing, ML, and form-factor constraints into circuit-level requirements
  • Design and/or technically direct critical RF circuit blocks, including VCOs, PLLs, mixers, LNAs, buffers, passives, clocking, biasing, and power-management structures
  • Architect fast-settling frequency generation and hopping approaches suitable for aggressive duty-cycled operation
  • Drive power-reduction methodology across the RF system: duty-cycle co-design, supply gating, bias trimming, wake/sleep transients, and system-level power tradeoffs
  • Evaluate and recommend CMOS process options for a low-power wideband / frequency-agile SoC, including tradeoffs across 28nm, 22FDX, 55nm RF, and related nodes
  • Stand up and operate the early RFIC design environment, including Cadence Virtuoso, Spectre, ADE, EM simulation, Calibre, and PDK flows
  • Identify when an architecture will not close in silicon, and propose practical relaxations or alternatives
  • Own or technically direct implementation through DRC/LVS, tape-out, packaging, bring-up, measurement correlation, and iteration
  • Evaluate, select, and technically manage external silicon partners where appropriate, while keeping architecture-defining IP and technical judgment inside Tacit
  • Help build the future silicon team as the architecture, program, and company scale
Requirements
  • MS or PhD in electrical engineering, or equivalent experience
  • 10+ years in RFIC design, with substantial industry experience delivering silicon
  • Deep experience in low-power CMOS RF, synthesizers, radar, UWB, frequency-agile radios, or related sensing systems
  • Strong transistor-level design ability in Cadence Virtuoso, Spectre, and ADE
  • Expertise in synthesizer and RF front-end circuits, especially VCOs, PLLs, mixers, LNAs, buffers, passives, clocking, and biasing
  • Strong understanding of CMOS process tradeoffs, device behavior, stack selection, parasitics, layout effects, and RF process-node selection
  • Experience with EM simulation tools such as EMX, HFSS, Momentum, or equivalent
  • Track record taking RFIC blocks or systems from architecture through silicon validation
  • Ability to reason across architecture, circuits, layout, packaging, measurement, power, and product constraints
  • Ability to translate ambiguous system-level goals into concrete circuit and silicon tradeoffs
  • Strong communication skills and ability to lead technical decisions in a small, fast-moving team
Strong candidates may have
  • Background in low-power radar, UWB, frequency synthesizers, or frequency-agile sensing front ends
  • Experience with fast-settling PLLs, wideband frequency generation, duty-cycled RF systems, or ultra-low-power sensing radios
  • Experience with 28nm, 22FDX, 55nm RF, or other RF-capable CMOS processes
  • Experience as a first or early silicon hire at a startup
  • Experience managing external design houses, foundries, packaging vendors, or semiconductor supply-chain partners
  • Experience with RF/analog/digital co-design and system-level power optimization
  • Experience building, hiring, or mentoring RFIC teams
  • Strategic mindset: engineering decisions framed in terms of business outcomes, product milestones, defensible IP, and time-to-market

Compensation Range
$180,000 - $230,000/year plus meaningful equity package
Benefits
  • Competitive equity package
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Company size: 30-50 people
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Visa sponsorship
  • 4% 401k matching

Apply