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Synthesizer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Experience with synthesizer and LO design including PLL loop filter optimization, phase noise analysis, and spur management. * Experience with schematic capture, board bring up, test, and ...

New

Perform system-level spur analyses (mixer spurs, synthesizer harmonics, clock coupling, image rejection) and develop mitigation strategies. * Own radio PCBA design and test through the full lifecycle ...

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 ...

RFIC Silicon Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

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 ...

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 ...

Run microwave-assisted solid-phase peptide synthesis and support routine synthesizer maintenance. * Troubleshoot failed couplings, low crude purity, side products, cleavage issues, and instrument ...

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

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

Infographic showing various Synthesizer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Senior RF Design Engineer, EW

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,922 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril's Electronic Warfare (EW) division builds next-generation electronic warfare platforms - hardware-enabled, software-defined systems that are fielded, operational, and scaling fast. The EW team operates at a tempo the defense industry isn't used to: delivering novel system configurations into active operations in days, not months, and iterating based on direct operator feedback from the field. Production is scaling from hundreds to thousands of units, and the software systems that connect these platforms to operators and command-and-control networks are scaling with them.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Design and develop complete RF radio architectures (receivers, transmitters, transceivers) from requirements through production.
  • Architect and design RF up-conversion and down-conversion signal chains, optimizing between noise, distortion, and dynamic range trade-offs.
  • Modeling, simulation, analysis, design, test, and optimization of active and passive RF and/or mixed signal circuits.
  • Select, characterize, and integrate high-speed data converters (ADCs and DACs) and associated baseband driving, filtering, and interface circuits.
  • Design and optimize clock trees, reference oscillators, and LO/synthesizer architectures (DDS, PLL, VCO-based) with emphasis on phase noise, spurious, and settling time.
  • Perform system-level spur analyses (mixer spurs, synthesizer harmonics, clock coupling, image rejection) and develop mitigation strategies.
  • Own radio PCBA design and test through the full lifecycle: analysis (harmonic, spur, etc.), component selection (ADC/DAC, mixer, filters, etc.), technical data package (schematic/layout), board bring up, test, DVT/ATP, and new product introduction to manufacturing.
  • Assist with feasibility studies, requirements definition, and system integration as needed.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • B.S. Electrical Engineering or equivalent
  • 7+ years experience
  • Experience designing complete RF receiver and/or transmitter signal chains using common architectures (direct conversion, zero-IF, single-IF, dual-IF, clock-chains), including cascade analyses and architecture trade-off studies.
  • Experience with off the shelf discrete RF components like LNAs, filters, mixers, PLLs / synthesizers, oscillators, amplifiers, variable attenuators, switches, power detectors, and limiters.
  • Experience with high-speed data converters (ADC/DAC), including selection, characterization, integration, and associated anti-alias / reconstruction filter design.
  • Experience with synthesizer and LO design including PLL loop filter optimization, phase noise analysis, and spur management.
  • Experience with schematic capture, board bring up, test, and optimization.
  • Experience with circuit modeling and simulation using tools like Ansys Electronics Desktop (Nexxim, SiWave) and Cadence AWR Microwave Office.
  • Proficient with RF test equipment including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, and oscilloscopes.
  • Must be able to obtain and hold a U.S. Secret security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience with 3D EM modeling and simulation (Ansys HFSS, CST, Feko) and nonlinear circuit simulation (harmonic balance, envelope) using tools like AWR Microwave Office.
  • Familiar with matching circuit, RF filter design, and feedback / control loop design (AGC, ALC, power control).
  • Experience with RF shielding, cavity design, and isolation techniques for leakage mitigation.
  • Experience with NPI, manufacturing test development, and production transitions.
  • Familiar with FPGA or digital backend integration with RF front ends.
  • Experience with PCB design / layout and guiding layout engineers.
  • Familiar with programming languages like Python for analysis and test automation.
  • Familiar with embedded Linux.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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