Principal RF Hardware Development Engineer

Principal RF Hardware Development Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA, United States (Hybrid)

The RF R&D team is seeking a Principal RF Hardware Development Engineer to define, design, and validate high‑performance RF/microwave hardware and subsystems for next‑generation, high frequency products. You will drive complex RF system development, lead technical decision‑making, and collaborate across disciplines to deliver robust, manufacturable solutions aligned to customer needs and business objectives.

You are a strategic, hands‑on RF problem solver who takes initiative, anticipates risks, and brings strong analytical discipline to complex engineering challenges. You build deep trust across teams and influence outcomes through clarity, data, and technical leadership. You work independently on complex issues, determining methods, and forming connections across technical areas.

• Architect and lead RF/microwave designs (e.g. front ends, LO/PLL, filters, mixers, PAs/LNAs, switches/couplers), translating customer and RF subsystem requirements into clear specifications and acceptance criteria, and using Mentor/Cadence/Altium and advanced EM simulation tools (e.g. ADS, HFSS/CST, SPICE/LTspice).
• Perform feasibility assessment of emerging technologies through research, prototyping, early modeling, and rapid experimentation.
• Assess system‑level performance including sensing paths, signal conditioning, and inter‑device interfaces (SPI, I²C) when applicable to RF subsystems.
• Conduct advanced modeling, troubleshooting, and simulation‑to‑measurement correlation (e.g., LTspice, Ansys Designer, SI/PI simulation).
• Develop test strategies and perform characterization using VNAs, spectrum/signal analyzers, vector generators, oscilloscopes, and automated test frameworks.
• Drive concepts through prototyping, development, V&V, compliance (EMC/safety, RoHS/REACH), NPI, and sustaining activities with minimal oversight—determining methods and procedures for new assignments.
• Exercise strong communication, judgment, decision‑making, and critical thinking in complex technical environments.
• Mentor other engineers, guide design reviews, and promote consistent engineering rigor across the team. Apply or support design controls, risk analysis, and robust documentation.
• Build strong cross‑functional relationships, influencing decisions through well‑supported technical rationale. Collaborate with Digital, Mechanical, Calibration, Software, Systems, and Test engineering disciplines, and Quality, and Operations to ensure integrated product success.
• Occasional domestic/international travel (up to 10%) to support supplier builds, customer evaluations, or factory activities.

• 8+ years with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Computer Engineering or any related STEM degree
• 5+ years with a Master's or Ph.D.
• Proven experience designing, simulating, verifying, and releasing RF circuits/subsystems using industry‑standard tools.
• Strong proficiency with RF instrumentation (VNA, spectrum/signal analyzers, vector generators, oscilloscopes).
• Ability to troubleshoot, simulate, and resolve embedded or mixed‑signal issues at the board/system level.
• Programming or scripting proficiency (Python required; MATLAB/LabVIEW beneficial).
• Excellent communication, critical thinking, and technical decision‑making abilities; demonstrated ability to lead through influence and mentor engineers.
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now and in the future.
• End‑to‑end ownership from concept to ramp; DFM/DFT/NPI and supplier engagement experience.
• Expertise in SI/PI for mixed‑signal RF boards; grounding/shielding best practices and robust layout for isolation and stability.
• Demonstrated research and prototyping to assess emerging technologies and de‑risk architectures.
• Working knowledge of requirements management, risk management, and project planning.
• Familiarity with regulatory and material/compliance constraints (e.g., EMC/safety, IEEE, MIL, RoHS/REACH) relevant to our markets.

• 401(k) with company match and profit‑sharing plan
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid parental leave (maternal and paternal)
• Employee…