Radio Frequency Hardware Engineer

Job Title

Radio Frequency Hardware Engineer

Role Summary

Design, integrate, validate, and optimize RF hardware subsystems for wireless products across concept to commercialization. Work on RF circuit design, PCB/layout considerations, measurement and characterization, and cross-functional integration with system, digital, software, and manufacturing teams.

The role requires technical leadership on RF hardware architecture and execution of bring-up, debug, tuning, and validation activities to meet system-level performance targets.

Experience Level

Mid-level. Typically requires multiple years of professional RF hardware experience (examples in this posting describe 3+ years with a Master’s or 1+ year with a PhD), though exact years vary by degree and background.

Responsibilities

The core responsibilities focus on RF hardware architecture, detailed circuit and module design, integration, and verification to meet wireless system requirements.

• Define RF hardware architectures and specifications from system-level requirements; own RF subsystems or end-to-end hardware blocks.
• Design, integrate, and optimize RF circuits and subsystems; make tradeoffs affecting performance, cost, manufacturability, and schedule.
• Lead RF bring-up, debugging, tuning, and validation for modules and systems.
• Perform RF simulations, modeling, and sensitivity analysis for subsystem and full-chain behavior.
• Execute and interpret RF measurements including S-parameters, noise figure, linearity, phase noise, EVM, spurious and harmonic analysis.
• Resolve complex RF performance and integration issues across component, module, and system levels.
• Drive RF design reviews and collaborate closely with system, digital/baseband, software/algorithm, and manufacturing/test teams.
• Document designs, contribute to technical reviews, and share knowledge with the organization.

Requirements

Key technical must-have skills and preferred additions for candidates.

• Must-have: Strong fundamentals in RF and microwave engineering, analog and mixed-signal circuit design, electromagnetics and transmission lines, wireless communications/RF system theory, semiconductor devices and integrated circuits, and signal processing fundamentals.
• Must-have: Practical experience performing and interpreting RF measurements (S-parameters, noise figure, linearity, phase noise, EVM, spurious/harmonics) and debugging RF hardware.
• Nice-to-have: Hands-on experience with PAs, LNAs, mixers, switches, matching networks, filters, and duplexers across sub-6 GHz and/or mmWave bands; understanding of device selection, biasing, matching, and layout tradeoffs.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with full RF system simulations (end-to-end TX/RX), including cascaded nonlinear effects; familiarity with system simulation tools such as MATLAB/SystemVue.
• Nice-to-have: Working knowledge of OFDM-based waveforms (e.g., 5G NR) and system performance metrics (ACLR, EVM, PAPR) and how waveform requirements impact RF design.
• Nice-to-have: Cross-functional collaboration skills, technical leadership, and experience mentoring or leading complex RF system studies.

Education Requirements

Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field. Preferred: Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or Electrical & Computer Engineering with 3+ years of professional RF hardware/system experience; OR Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline with 1+ years of professional, internship, or post‑doctoral RF hardware/system experience. (Fields and degree levels stated as listed in the source.)

About the Company

Company: Qualcomm

Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States

Qualcomm is a global leader in semiconductor and telecommunications equipment, specializing in mobile technologies and innovations. Known for its Adreno GPUs, the company provides solutions enabling advancements in mobile gaming, AI, VR/AR, and autonomous driving. Qualcomm's cutting-edge technology and commitment to high-performance, power-efficient designs drive the evolution of mobile graphics and connectivity worldwide.