RF Hardware Engineer

Hark • San Jose, CA

3d • $120,000 - $300,000

About The Position

We are looking for RF Hardware Engineer to design, integrate, validate, and certify wireless subsystems (cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS/GNSS, NFC/UWB) in our consumer hardware products. You will own RF performance from architecture through mass production, working cross-functionally with antenna, mechanical, firmware and manufacturing teams, as well as external vendors, test labs, and carriers.

Requirements

• BS in Electrical Engineering or related field and 5+ years of RF hardware design experience (or MS and 3+ years).
• Hands-on design experience with at least one radio technology: cellular (5G NR/LTE), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS, NFC, or UWB.
• Strong RF fundamentals: transmission lines, impedance matching, RF front-end architecture, link budgets, noise, and linearity.
• Proficiency with RF lab equipment: vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, communication testers (e.g., Keysight UXM, R&S CMX/CMW), and OTA anechoic chambers.
• Experience taking a wireless product through at least one full development cycle to mass production.

Nice To Haves

• MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering with emphasis in RF/microwave or wireless communications.
• Experience with regulatory and carrier certification processes (FCC, ISED, CE RED, PTCRB/GCF, carrier TA).
• Experience with RF simulation tools (ADS, HFSS, CST, AWR) and RF line-up modeling.
• Experience with factory RF calibration/test development and station correlation (SMT and FATP OTA).
• Test automation and scripting skills (Python, MATLAB, SCPI instrument control).
• Knowledge of antenna design, tuning, and OTA measurement methods (CTIA test plans).
• Experience with multi-radio coexistence analysis and mitigation in compact consumer devices.

Responsibilities

• Own RF hardware design for one or more radios: architecture definition, RF front-end line-up design and budget analysis (gain, noise figure, linearity, Tx power), component selection, and schematic/PCB design for optimal RF performance.
• Review and sign off on PCB/flex layouts, RF routing, impedance control, system-level grounding, shielding, and isolation strategies.
• Develop and execute validation and characterization test plans: conducted Tx/Rx measurements, OTA performance (TRP/TIS), desense, and multi-radio coexistence; analyze results and drive design optimization.
• Lead RF failure analysis at system level; identify root cause and propose design or process corrective actions.
• Assess and mitigate platform-level coexistence and interference issues (radio-to-radio, display/camera/charger noise into radios).
• Drive factory RF calibration and test station bring-up (SMT and FATP), define test limits, and support yield and correlation analysis from prototype builds (EVT/DVT/PVT) through mass production.
• Own regulatory and carrier certification: plan and support FCC/ISED/CE (RED), PTCRB/GCF testing, SAR/RF exposure, and carrier acceptance programs (e.g., T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon); interface with certification labs and TCBs.
• Work with component vendors and module/chipset partners on RF front-end development, tuning, and cost/performance trade-offs.
• Support antenna integration: work with antenna engineers on matching, tuner control, and placement trade-offs; correlate simulation with measured results.
• Communicate RF status, risks, and data-driven recommendations to cross-functional and executive stakeholders.

Benefits

• The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $120,000 - $300,000 annually.
• The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior