RF Design Engineer

Checkpoint Systems; New Jersey; On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) Matching

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Discount

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Flexible Spending Account

Health Savings Account

Job summary

Checkpoint Systems is seeking an RF Engineer to design, simulate, validate Sub-GHz and Wi‑Fi/BLE radio systems, and perform RF PCB layout. The role spans architecture, simulation, prototyping, lab validation, and certification, with end‑to‑end ownership of RF front end, antenna integration, and complex PCBs used in retail RFID products.

You will work with cross‑functional teams to deliver robust, manufacturable RF designs, and you will drive lab bring‑up, environmental tests, and certification

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years owning RF designs from concept → production.
• Experience with Sub‑GHz ISM radios and 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi/BLE coexistence.
• Proficiency in RF layout, stack‑up, and parasitic control.
• Experience guiding FCC/CE certification with minimal NCs.

Responsibilities

• Design Sub‑GHz ISM and 2.4 GHz RF front ends and perform link budgets.
• Own RF zones on multilayer PCBs, define stack‑up and controlled impedance routing.
• Lead simulations and EM analysis for antenna tuning and layout parasitics.
• Coordinate lab bring‑up, validation, and certification with external labs.

Skills

RF design

antenna integration

RF layout

coexistence testing

lab validation

Education

B.S./M.S. in EE

IPC CID certification

Tools

Siemens PADS

Dassault CST

Siemens HyperLynx

Keysight ADS

Cadence AWR

MATLAB

Job description

Job Description

We are looking for an RF Engineer who can design, simulate, and validate Sub‐GHz and Wi‐Fi/BLE radio systemsand perform RF PCB layout. This is an end‐to‐end role spanning architecture, simulation, PCB implementation, prototyping, lab validation, and certification (FCC/CE only — no carrier certification).

We build RF/RFID anti-theft technology solutions for apparel labeling, item tagging, and tag readers for retail and industrial environments. You will own the RF front end, antenna integration, controlled‑impedance layout, and bring‑up of complex PCBs used in our wireless products. You will work closely with electrical, mechanical, firmware, manufacturing, and test teams to deliver robust, manufacturable RF designs.

JOB DUTIES:

RF System Design

• Design Sub‑GHz ISM (e.g., 850 - 950 MHz) and 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi/BLE RF front ends.
• Create link budgets, block diagrams, matching networks, power budgets, and specifications.
• Component selection for PAs, LNAs, filters, switches, mixers, couplers, and RF shields.
• Antenna evaluation and integration (chip, PCB trace, external, diversity).

RF PCB Design

• Full ownership of RF zones on multilayer PCBs.
• Define stack‑up, controlled impedance routing, grounding, isolation, stitching, and keep‑outs.
• Work directly in Siemens PADS for schematics + layout (not just oversight).
• Lead DFM/DFT reviews and coordinate with fabrication/assembly partners.

Simulation & Analysis

• Use Dassault CST, Siemens HyperLynx, Keysight ADS, or similar tools for S‑parameters, matching, stability, and radiation effects.
• Perform EM analysis for antenna tuning and layout‑dependent parasitics.
• Support coexistence analysis between Sub‑GHz and 2.4 GHz radios.

Lab Bring‑Up & Validation

• Use VNA, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, power meter, and oscilloscopes.
• Conduct S11/S21 measurements, EVM checks, output power, sensitivity, desense analysis, and coexistence testing.
• Tune antenna/matching networks and document all tuning steps.
• Support environmental testing (temperature, vibration, humidity) as relevant to RF performance.

Compliance & Certification

• Execute FCC/CE/UKCA and EMC/EMI requirements (no cellular carrier certification).
• Work with external labs for testing; generate test reports and resolve findings/NCs.

Cross‑Functional Support

• Collaborate with FW for RF calibration/test flows.
• Work with manufacturing on golden units, calibration constants, and test limit development.
• Support field failure analysis and yield improvements during NPI.

EDUCATION:

• B.S. or M.S. in EE or related field.
• IPC CID certification (plus).

EXPERIENCE:

• 5–8+ years owning RF designs from concept → production.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Deep experience with Sub‑GHz ISM radios and Wi‑Fi/BLE coexistence.
• Strong proficiency in RF layout, isolation, stack‑up, and parasitic control.
• Experience taking products through FCC/CE certification with minimal NCs.
• Experience using Dassault CST, Siemens HyperLynx, Keysight ADS, Cadence AWR, Matlab, or EM simulation (antenna/matching).
• High‑volume manufacturing experience (DFM for HDI, low‑loss laminates, shields).
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and lead design reviews.
• Familiarity with OTA, SAR, and EMC testing environments.
• Work with Qualcomm/NXP/Nordic/TI/Silicon Labs chipsets.

Job Type: Full-Time - Exempt

Pay: $120,000.00-$140,000.00

Benefits:

• 401 (k)
• 401 (k) Matching
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discount
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In office

Company Description

Checkpoint Systems, a divi