Senior RF Engineer

RF Hardware EngineerQualcomm Technologies, Inc. is seeking an RF Hardware Engineer. The RF Hardware Engineer is responsible for the architecture, design, integration, validation, and optimization of RF hardware systems and subsystems supporting advanced wireless products and platforms. This role requires deep expertise in RF circuit design, RF system integration, PCB/layout considerations, measurement, characterization, and cross-functional execution across product lifecycles, from concept and feasibility through commercialization.The position demands technical leadership, independent problem solving, and close collaboration with system, digital, software, and manufacturing teams to deliver robust, high-performance RF solutions for modern wireless standards and emerging technologies.Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 2+ years of Electrical Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience. ORMaster's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 1+ year of Electrical Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience. ORPhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.Principal Duties and ResponsibilitiesDefine RF hardware architectures and specifications derived from system-level requirements, owns significant RF subsystems or end-to-end hardware blocksDesign, integrate, and optimize RF hardware circuits and subsystems, makes design tradeoffs impacting performance, cost, schedule, and manufacturabilityLead RF bring-up, debug, tuning, and validation activitiesPerform RF simulations, modeling, and sensitivity analysisExecute and interpret RF measurements:S-parametersNoise figureLinearityPhase noiseEVMSpurious and harmonicsResolve complex RF performance and integration issuesDrive RF design reviews and contribute to cross-disciplinary technical discussions and work closely with:System engineeringDigital and baseband teamsSoftware and algorithm engineersManufacturing and testContribute to design documentation, technical reviews, and knowledge sharingRequired Fundamental KnowledgeRF and microwave engineeringAnalog and mixed-signal circuit designElectromagnetics and transmission linesWireless communications and RF system theorySemiconductor devices and integrated circuitsSignal processing fundamentalsPreferred Technical Expertise and SkillsRF Hardware Design and PrototypingHands-on experience with PA, LNA, mixers, switches, matching networks, filters, and duplexers across sub-6 GHz and/or mmWave bands.Proven ability to translate performance targets into detailed RF circuit implementations, covering schematic design, device selection, biasing, matching, layout considerations, and design tradeoffs impacting gain, noise, linearity, efficiency, and stability.Solid understanding of how component-level design choices affect module- and product-level performance, including EVM, ACLR, noise figure, output power, efficiency, and thermal behavior.System-Level Analysis & SimulationProven experience with full RF system simulations (end-to-end TX/RX chain), including cascaded nonlinear effects, impairments, and KPI evaluation.Proficiency using system simulation tools (e.g., SystemVue/MATLAB class environments) to evaluate waveform–PA–DPD interactions and performance envelopes.Standards & WaveformsWorking knowledge of OFDM-based waveforms (e.g., 5G NR) and their spectral/linearity implications on RF systems.Familiarity with system performance metrics used in standards and prototyping (ACLR, EVM, PAPR, spectral efficiency).Cross-Functional & Leadership SkillsAbility to work across RFIC, system, digital, and standards teams, supporting RAN contributions and prototype demonstrations.Technical leadership in problem decomposition, data-driven decision making, and mentoring in complex RF system studies.Preferred QualificationsMaster's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, or a closely related field with 3+ years of professional experience in the RF hardware and RF system field, including RF circuit, module, or system-level design, integration, validation, and characterization.ORPh.D. Degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline with 1+ years of professional, internship or post-doctoral experience in RF hardware and RF system design, including hands-on work in RF circuits, RF front-end architectures, or wireless system implementations beyond academic research.Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits: $122,500.00 - $183,700.00