RF Systems Engineer

Job Title

RF Systems Engineer

Role Summary

Join the RF Systems team to develop and support RF systems for cellular handsets (5G-NR, mmW, LTE, UMTS, CDMA, GSM, Wi‑Fi). The role covers specification and algorithm development, chipset integration (modem, RFIC, SW, FW, HW), customer bring-up, and sustaining support through sampling.

Experience Level

Mid-level. Multiple positions are open across experience ranges; typical hires span approximately 1–8+ years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include system-level specification, integration, and support for cellular RF subsystems.

• Develop IC specifications and system algorithms in collaboration with ASIC designers and system engineers.
• Contribute to chipset integration of hardware, firmware and software; perform system bring-up and validation.
• Present technical results and produce technical reports for internal teams and customers.
• Lead bring-up of complex system-level features with the ecosystem (platforms, modem, RF front-end).
• Provide sustaining engineering for ongoing chip designs, including analysis using spreadsheets and MATLAB.
• Support Applications Engineering to diagnose and resolve RF system issues on customer platforms.
• Collaborate across cross-functional teams to drive issues to closure.

Requirements

Required skills and experience for successful candidates, and preferred skills that strengthen candidacy.

• Must-have: Demonstrated ability to develop IC/system specifications and algorithms; experience contributing to HW/SW/FW integration and system bring-up; strong analytical and problem-solving skills; effective written and verbal communication.
• Nice-to-have: Academic project experience or 1+ year industry experience in cellular transceiver or RF front-end architectures, handset design, RF circuit design, PA systems, synthesizer design, RF coexistence, electromagnetics, microwave theory, signal processing, millimeter-wave communications, or control systems.
• Tools/experience (preferred): Familiarity with cellular radio/3GPP standards (GSM, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, 5G NR FR1/FR2); experience automating or using mobile standards test equipment; experience with Python and/or MATLAB, ADS, HFSS or similar simulation tools.
• Collaboration: Ability to work with cross-functional teams and present technical findings to technical audiences.

Education Requirements

Minimum qualifications list a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering. The posting also lists a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field. Preferred candidates may have academic project experience or 1+ year of industry experience in relevant RF/cellular areas.

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.