Sr. RF Hardware Systems Engineer

Samsara•San Francisco, CA

5d•$177,225 - $240,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Samsara is seeking a Senior Hardware Engineer, RF Systems to lead critical RF subsystems and define platform-level RF architectures for their connected hardware portfolio. This role involves combining deep RF expertise with strong product instincts, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, high-volume hardware. The hardware team is responsible for end-to-end product development for Samsara’s AI & Connected devices, from architecture and component selection through validation and mass production. The engineer will lead RF and wireless architectures and reusable reference designs across multiple product lines, including chipset and antenna selection for cellular LTE/5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS, UWB, satellite, NFC, and more. This role may be within Samsara’s Hardware Engineering job family based on experience and impact.

Requirements

5+ years of professional industry experience in RF circuit and module development.
Proficiency in board-level schematic design and PCB layout of RF circuits and familiarity with RF layout guidelines.
Hands-on experience with 4G/5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS, UWB, or satellite communications in shipping products.
Experience working with RF chipset/module vendors, test instrument suppliers, and JDM/ODM partners, and shipping high-quality hardware at volume.
Proficiency with RF simulation tools such as CST, ADS, and with EDA tools such as Altium or Cadence.
Experience using RF lab instruments such as network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and oscilloscopes.
Ability to work through ambiguous product requirements and complex design trade-offs.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in RF Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain RF trade-offs to non-RF stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Experience with antenna simulation and design.
Knowledge of EMI/EMC design and mitigation techniques.
Thrives in an environment that requires rapid deployment and iteration based on customer feedback.
Practical, hands-on experience with Wi-Fi, BLE, LTE, 5G, satellite, UWB, GNSS, and related wireless standards.
Experience setting up and scaling RF labs for hardware development, characterization, validation, and failure analysis.
A forward-looking mindset to build processes, identify opportunities, and serve as a go-to person for RF-related technical issues.
Experience with system engineering best practices and product compliance and certification including FCC, PTCRB, CTIA, ETSI, TIA/EIA, and similar regulations.

Responsibilities

Create RF subsystem architectures and design, develop, and test RF circuits, modules, and antennas through all phases of the development process.
Review board-level schematics and PCB layouts of RF circuits and system-level integration, including link budget and simulation-based analysis.
Bring up RF subsystems and enable product teams to develop next-generation products and new product proofs of concept.
Characterize and validate board-level and system-level RF performance, margins, and sensitivities in the lab.
Perform root-cause analysis for field failures and drive design changes and corrective actions.
Stay abreast of the latest wireless technologies from leading semiconductor vendors and evaluate cutting-edge solutions across 4G/5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS, UWB, mmWave, satellite, and related domains.
Integrate evaluation kits (EVKs) to showcase new technology concepts and demos that inform Samsara’s product roadmap.
Actively participate in sampling customer experience and improving RF-related product performance.
Work closely with product teams and JDM partners to design, validate, certify, and manufacture high-quality products at scale.
Champion, role model, and up-level the cross-functional team to exhibit Samsara’s values and leadership principles (Focus on Customer Success, Build for the Long Term, Growth Mindset, Win as a Team).
Mentor other engineers in RF best practices, design reviews, and lab methodology.