Principal RF Engineer

Technology, Data & Digital · Software & Web Development · Software Engineering · Embedded Systems · QA & Testing

In short

Principal RF Engineer needed for hands-on RF/microwave hardware design and validation, with expansion into technical leadership. Responsibilities include designing RF subsystems, translating needs into specifications, using advanced simulation tools, and mentoring engineers. Requires 8+ years with B.S. in EE/ECE, strong proficiency with RF instrumentation and industry-standard design tools.

Responsibilities

Act as a key technical resource and leader, advising others.
Design, execute, or lead RF/microwave hardware and subsystem work (front ends, LO/PLL, filters, mixers, PAs/LNAs, switches, couplers).
Translate customer and product needs into clear specifications and verification approaches.
Utilize advanced RF design, simulation, layout, modeling, and characterization tools.
Assess emerging technologies through research and prototyping.
Evaluate system-level performance including sensing paths and inter-device interfaces.
Develop test strategies and perform characterization using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, vector generators, and oscilloscopes.
Drive work through prototyping, development, V&V, NPI, and sustaining phases with minimal oversight.
Mentor engineers, guide design reviews, and promote engineering rigor.
Provide subject matter expertise as an independent reviewer for portfolio projects.
Build cross-functional relationships with Digital, Mechanical, Calibration, Software, Systems, and Test engineering disciplines.
Influence decisions through well-supported technical rationale.
Exercise strong communication, judgment, and critical thinking in complex technical environments.
Occasional domestic or international travel (up to 10%).

Requirements

8+ years with a B.S. in EE/ECE, 6+ years with a Master’s degree, 3+ years with a PhD.
Proven experience designing, simulating, verifying, and releasing RF circuits or subsystems using industry-standard tools.
Strong proficiency with RF instrumentation: VNAs, spectrum/signal analyzers, vector generators, oscilloscopes.
Ability to troubleshoot, simulate, and resolve RF, embedded, or mixed-signal issues at the board or system level.
Programming or scripting proficiency (Python required; MATLAB or LabVIEW beneficial).
Excellent communication, critical thinking, and technical decision-making abilities.
Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and mentor engineers.
Demonstrated ability to lead complex RF hardware or subsystem development with minimal oversight.
Experience defining specifications and acceptance criteria.
Experience developing test approaches.
Experience resolving board- or system-level RF issues.
Experience determining methods for new assignments.
Experience mentoring or advising other engineers in technical execution.

Desired Qualifications

End-to-end ownership from concept to ramp, including DFM/DFT, NPI, supplier engagement, and sustaining support.
Expertise in SI/PI for mixed-signal RF boards, grounding and shielding best practices, and robust layout for isolation and stability.
Demonstrated research and prototyping to assess emerging technologies and de-risk architectures.
Working knowledge of requirements management, risk management, project planning, and verification traceability.
Familiarity with regulatory and material compliance constraints (EMC/safety, IEEE, MIL, RoHS/REACH, or similar).
Experience with advanced modeling, troubleshooting, and simulation-to-measurement correlation using tools such as LTspice, Ansys Designer, ADS, HFSS/CST, AWR, or SI/PI simulation.
Experience guiding design reviews, strengthening design controls, risk analysis, and documentation practices.
Experience improving long-term product quality or development efficiency through architecture, reuse, validation strategy, or process recommendations.

Benefits

Market-leading 401(k) and profit-sharing plan.
Variety of medical insurance plans with dental and vision coverage.
Family formation benefits.
Paid parental leave (maternal and paternal).
Employee Assistance Program.
Tuition reimbursement.
Employee resource groups.
Recognition programs.
Work-life balance.
Flexible time off plans (inclusive of vacation, holiday, and sick leave).
Competitive base salary within the local market.
Annual merit review process.
Bonuses.

Skills

PythonMATLABLabVIEWRFMicrowaveVNASpectrum AnalyzerSignal AnalyzerVector GeneratorOscilloscopeSPII2CLTspiceAnsys DesignerADSHFSSCSTAWR

#RF Engineer#Microwave#Hardware Design#Test and Measurement

About Emerson

Emerson is a leading global technology, software, and engineering company providing innovative solutions for customers in industrial and commercial markets. We help customers in the world’s most essential industries solve the biggest challenges of modern life. Every day, our global workforce fulfills our unified Purpose and lives out the Values we hold close as an organization: Integrity, Safety & Quality, Support Our People, Customer Focus, Continuous Improvement, Collaboration, and Innovation. Across the globe, we are united by a singular Purpose: We drive innovation that makes the world…

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Company

Emerson

Job Posted

4 weeks ago

Employment Type

Full Time

Work mode

Hybrid

Salary

US$180,872–200,700 · Negotiable

Experience Level

Senior

Locations

Santa Rosa, United States

Qualification

Bachelor, Master, Doctoral

Applicants

Be an early applicant

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