Principal RF Hardware Development Engineer
Santa Rosa, CA - USA
Job Summary
The RF R&D team is seeking a Principal RF Hardware Development Engineer to define design and validate highperformance RF/microwave hardware and subsystems for nextgeneration high frequency products. You will drive complex RF system development lead technical decisionmaking and collaborate across disciplines to deliver robust manufacturable solutions aligned to customer needs and business objectives.
You are a strategic handson RF problem solver who takes initiative anticipates risks and brings strong analytical discipline to complex engineering challenges. You build deep trust across teams and influence outcomes through clarity data and technical leadership. You work independently on complex issues determining methods and forming connections across technical areas.
IN THIS ROLE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL:
- Architect and lead RF/microwave designs (e.g. front ends LO/PLL filters mixers PAs/LNAs switches/couplers) translating customer and RF subsystem requirements into clear specifications and acceptance criteria and using Mentor/Cadence/Altium and advanced EM simulation tools (e.g. ADS HFSS/CST SPICE/LTspice).
- Perform feasibility assessment of emerging technologies through research prototyping early modeling and rapid experimentation.
- Assess systemlevel performance including sensing paths signal conditioning and interdevice interfaces (SPI I²C) when applicable to RF subsystems.
- Conduct advanced modeling troubleshooting and simulationtomeasurement correlation (e.g. LTspice Ansys Designer SI/PI simulation).
- Develop test strategies and perform characterization using VNAs spectrum/signal analyzers vector generators oscilloscopes and automated test frameworks.
- Drive concepts through prototyping development V&V compliance (EMC/safety RoHS/REACH) NPI and sustaining activities with minimal oversightdetermining methods and procedures for new assignments.
- Exercise strong communication judgment decisionmaking and critical thinking in complex technical environments.
- Mentor other engineers guide design reviews and promote consistent engineering rigor across the team. Apply or support design controls risk analysis and robust documentation.
- Build strong crossfunctional relationships influencing decisions through wellsupported technical rationale. Collaborate with Digital Mechanical Calibration Software Systems and Test engineering disciplines and Quality and Operations to ensure integrated product success.
- Occasional domestic/international travel (up to 10%) to support supplier builds customer evaluations or factory activities
WHO YOU ARE: Viewed as a key technical resource and often the technical leader for the team. Works on complex issues requiring indepth evaluation of variable factors; independently determines methods and procedures on new assignments; frequently advises others. Networks with key contacts outside own area; influences decisions to elevate longterm product quality and development efficiency.
FOR THIS ROLE YOU WILL NEED:
8 years with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Computer Engineering or any related STEM degree
5 with a Masters or PhD.
Proven experience designing simulating verifying and releasing RF circuits/subsystems using industrystandard tools.
Strong proficiency with RF instrumentation (VNA spectrum/signal analyzers vector generators oscilloscopes).
Ability to troubleshoot simulate and resolve embedded or mixedsignal issues at the board/system level.
Programming or scripting proficiency (Python required; MATLAB/LabVIEW beneficial).
Excellent communication critical thinking and technical decisionmaking abilities; demonstrated ability to lead through influence and mentor engineers.
- Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now and in the future
- Individuals with temporary visas such as E F-1 (including those with OPT or CPT) H-1 H-2 L-1 B J or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future are not eligible for hire. MUST be US Citizen or possess a Green Card
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS THAT SET YOU APART:
- Endtoend ownership from concept to ramp; DFM/DFT/NPI and supplier engagement experience.
- Expertise in SI/PI for mixedsignal RF boards; grounding/shielding best practices and robust layout for isolation and stability.
- Demonstrated research and prototyping to assess emerging technologies and derisk architectures.
- Working knowledge of requirements management risk management and project planning.
- Familiarity with regulatory and material/compliance constraints (e.g. EMC/safety IEEE MIL RoHS/REACH) relevant to our markets.
Our Culture & Commitment to You
We recognize that for our organization to support a diverse workforce we must focus on employee wellbeing. We know that to do your best work you must have flexible competitive benefit plans to meet you and your familys physical mental financial and social needs. We provide a market-leading 401(k) and profit-sharing plan a variety of medical insurance plans with dental and vision coverage family formation benefits in addition to paid parental leave (maternal and paternal) Employee Assistance Program tuition reimbursement employee resource groups recognition and much more. Our culture prioritizes work-lifebalance and offers flexible time off plans inclusive of vacation holiday and sick leave. Our goal is to offer a strong benefits foundation while allowing employees the flexibility to choose options that best suit their needs.
At Emerson we are committed to fostering a culture where every employee is valued and respected for their unique experiences and perspectives. We believe a diverse and inclusive work environment contributes to the rich exchange of ideas and diversity of thoughts that inspires innovation and brings the best solutions to our customers.
This philosophy is fundamental to living our companys values and our responsibility to leave the world in a better place.
Our training programs and initiatives focus on end-to-end development from onboarding through senior leadership. We provide a wide range of development opportunities including face-to-face and virtual training mentorship and coaching project management and on-the-job training.
Our compensation philosophy is simple: we pay a competitive base salary within the local market in which we operate and reward performance during our annual merit review process. The salary/pay range for this role is $140000-$190000 annually bonuses commensurate with the skills talent capabilities and experience each candidate brings to a role.
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Required Experience:
Staff IC
About Company
Emerson has refocused its business portfolio to deliver solutions that bring greater value to our customers. About Emerson We concentrate on the most complex, profound challenges facing the world in the process, industrial, commercial and residential markets. Our global talent, best-i ... View more