Radio Frequency Hardware Engineer

Qualcomm•San Diego, CA

About The Position

The RF Hardware Engineer is responsible for the architecture, design, integration, validation, and optimization of RF hardware systems and subsystems supporting advanced wireless products and platforms. This role requires deep expertise in RF circuit design, RF system integration, PCB/layout considerations, measurement, characterization, and cross‑functional execution across product lifecycles, from concept and feasibility through commercialization. The position demands technical leadership, independent problem solving, and close collaboration with system, digital, software, and manufacturing teams to deliver robust, high‑performance RF solutions for modern wireless standards and emerging technologies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.
RF and microwave engineering
Analog and mixed‑signal circuit design
Electromagnetics and transmission lines
Wireless communications and RF system theory
Semiconductor devices and integrated circuits
Signal processing fundamentals
RF Hardware Design and Prototyping: Hands‑on experience with PA, LNA, mixers, switches, matching networks, filters, and duplexers across sub‑6 GHz and/or mmWave bands.
Proven ability to translate performance targets into detailed RF circuit implementations, covering schematic design, device selection, biasing, matching, layout considerations, and design tradeoffs impacting gain, noise, linearity, efficiency, and stability.
Solid understanding of how component‑level design choices affect module‑ and product‑level performance, including EVM, ACLR, noise figure, output power, efficiency, and thermal behavior.
System-Level Analysis & Simulation: Proven experience with full RF system simulations (end‑to‑end TX/RX chain), including cascaded nonlinear effects, impairments, and KPI evaluation.
Proficiency using system simulation tools (e.g., SystemVue/MATLAB class environments) to evaluate waveform–PA–DPD interactions and performance envelopes.
Standards & Waveforms: Working knowledge of OFDM‑based waveforms (e.g., 5G NR) and their spectral/linearity implications on RF systems.
Familiarity with system performance metrics used in standards and prototyping (ACLR, EVM, PAPR, spectral efficiency).
Cross‑Functional & Leadership Skills: Ability to work across RFIC, system, digital, and standards teams, supporting RAN contributions and prototype demonstrations.
Technical leadership in problem decomposition, data‑driven decision making, and mentoring in complex RF system studies.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, or a closely related field with 3+ years of professional experience in the RF hardware and RF system field, including RF circuit, module, or system‑level design, integration, validation, and characterization.
Ph.D. Degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline with 1+ years of professional, internship or post‑doctoral experience in RF hardware and RF system design, including hands‑on work in RF circuits, RF front‑end architectures, or wireless system implementations beyond academic research.

Responsibilities

Define RF hardware architectures and specifications derived from system‑level requirements, owns significant RF subsystems or end‑to‑end hardware blocks
Design, integrate, and optimize RF hardware circuits and subsystems, makes design tradeoffs impacting performance, cost, schedule, and manufacturability
Lead RF bring‑up, debug, tuning, and validation activities
Perform RF simulations, modeling, and sensitivity analysis
Execute and interpret RF measurements: S‑parameters, Noise figure, Linearity, Phase noise, EVM, Spurious and harmonics
Resolve complex RF performance and integration issues
Drive RF design reviews and contribute to cross‑disciplinary technical discussions and work closely with: System engineering, Digital and baseband teams, Software and algorithm engineers, Manufacturing and test
Contribute to design documentation, technical reviews, and knowledge sharing