Radio Frequency Engineer IV

Frontgrade Technologies; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401K matching

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Frontgrade Technologies is seeking an experienced RF Design Engineer IV to independently apply extensive RF engineering knowledge to design RF components and complex ICs. The role centers on RF SoC technology and leading RF hybrid microelectronics per MIL-PRF-38534 requirements.

You will guide analog, digital, and mixed-signal design efforts, perform system analysis, and mentor junior engineers while collaborating across disciplines to ensure manufacturability and performance in demanding

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of RF/SoC design experience; multiple pathways allowed as per listing.
• MIL-PRF-38534/5 knowledge or familiarity.
• Ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead RF device and IC design with multidisciplinary teams.
• Define RF SoC architectures including PAs, LNAs, mixers, VCOs, filters.
• Design and optimize circuits using EDA tools to meet specs.
• Work with ceramic, plastic, organic, and heterogeneous materials.
• Collaborate across engineering teams to integrate RF with baseband and peripherals.
• Perform RF system analysis, testing, and debugging for manufacturability.
• Develop hardware prototypes to validate design performance.
• Explore materials and substrates with suppliers to meet requirements.
• Develop calibration methods to address manufacturing variations.
• Contribute to design package creation for PDR/CDR reviews.
• Lead proposals with technical summaries, cost estimates, and schedules.

Skills

RF principles

Electromagnetic theory

Transmission lines

Signal processing

Analog design

RF circuit design

EDA tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

EDA tools

Job description

Job Description

The RF Design Engineer IV independently applies extensive knowledge of RF engineering principles to the design and development of RF components and complex integrated circuits (ICs). This role focuses on RF System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and leads the design of RF hybrid microelectronics in accordance with MIL-PRF-38534 requirements. The position leads complex analog, digital, and mixed-signal design efforts, including electrical and mechanical analysis, process development, and continuous improvement.

Job Description

The RF Design Engineer IV independently applies extensive knowledge of RF engineering principles to the design and development of RF components and complex integrated circuits (ICs). This role focuses on RF System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and leads the design of RF hybrid microelectronics in accordance with MIL-PRF-38534 requirements. The position leads complex analog, digital, and mixed-signal design efforts, including electrical and mechanical analysis, process development, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering design and development efforts for RF devices and complex integrated circuits with support from multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Define RF system architectures for System-on-Chip (SoC) applications, including power amplifiers (PAs), low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), mixers, filters, voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), and other RF building blocks
• Design and optimize RF circuits using electronic design automation (EDA) tools and simulation techniques to meet performance, power, linearity, sensitivity, and other technical requirements
• Execute complex integrated circuit and RF hybrid microelectronics design assignments utilizing ceramic, plastic, organic, and heterogeneous materials
• Collaborate with analog, digital, mechanical, manufacturing, and other engineering disciplines to integrate RF circuitry with baseband processing, memory, power management, data interfaces, and system peripherals
• Perform RF system analysis and testing, troubleshoot test and product issues, and develop solutions to achieve required performance and manufacturability
• Lead the development of new hardware prototypes to validate design performance and manufacturability
• Research and evaluate substrates, materials, interconnects, lids, and other technologies; collaborate with suppliers to develop solutions based on product requirements
• Develop calibration methods, algorithms, and procedures to address manufacturing variations and support consistent RF performance
• Participate in hardware architecture decisions affecting RF performance, including amplification, efficiency, linearization technologies, data interfaces, and system peripherals
• Lead the development of internal design packages and prepare technical reports and presentations for internal and external customers, including Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and Critical Design Review (CDR) packages
• Lead proposal development in response to customer RFIs and RFQs, including technical summaries, cost assessments, and schedule estimates; assist with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposals and support business development activities, including customer visits and trade shows
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to less experienced engineers, designers, and drafters in the tools, techniques, and skills required to successfully complete assignments
• Comply with company policies, procedures, and applicable engineering standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Related Field of Study
• Minimum eight (8) years of experience in a specialized functional discipline
  • OR (12) years of experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelors Degree
  • OR (6) years of experience may be considered w/ a Masters Degree
  • OR (3) years of experience may be considered w/ a PhD
• Working knowledge of MIL-PRF-38534/5 requirements
• Strong knowledge of RF principles, including electromagnetic theory, transmission lines, antenna design, and signal processing
• Experience designing high-power RF transceivers (20W–200W) across frequencies ranging from 20 MHz to 20 GHz
• Experience with high-efficiency RF power amplification and RF linearization techniques
• Expertise in analog and RF circuit design techniques, including applicable EDA/design tools
• Experience with integrated circuit design methodologies, including layout, verification, and system-level simulation of RF/SoC performance
• Ability to obtain and/or maintain a Security Clearance

About Frontgrade

ABOUT US

At Frontgrade, we build mission-critical electronics that perform without compromise in the world’s most demanding environments, from deep space to national defense. With decades of proven heritage, we deliver high-reliability components, subsystems, and integrated solutions trusted when failure is not an option. But our strength is not just in what we build. It is in the people who make it possible. From engineers and product managers to sales teams, marketers, and skilled manufacturing professionals, every role plays a direct part in enabling missions that protect, explore, and connect our world. We move with purpose, collaborate across disciplines, and take pride in delivering solutions our customers rely on in the highest-stakes environments. If you want your work, whatever your specialty, to contribute to something bigger, you will find your place at Frontgrade.

Why Work for Us

We believe mission success starts with taking care of our people. That’s why we offer competitive health, wealth, and wellbeing benefits from day one. You’ll also find real opportunities to learn, grow, and advance, whether you’re building technical expertise, leading teams, or expanding into new areas. Here, your growth is part of the mission.

Additional Information

This position may require access to technology, materials, software or hardware that is controlled by either ITAR or EAR U.S. export laws. As a condition of any job offer, in order to be employed in this position, you may need to obtain a U.S. Government export license(s), as required by law.

Other Benefits Include

• Immediate Medical (FSA and HSA), Dental, and Vision
• 401K Match with 100% immediate vesting
• 9X80 compressed work schedule for qualifying roles
• Career Opportunity and Growth
• Tuition Reimbursement/Student Loan Repayment
• Generous PTO and 11 paid Holidays per year (9 designated holidays and 2 floating holidays)
• 8 weeks of 100% Paid Family Leave