RF principal engineer H/F

SAGEMCOM; Richardson (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SAGEMCOM seeks an experienced RF/Microwave Engineer for our US R&D center to drive RF architectures for residential gateways and Wi-Fi products. You will lead end-to-end RF design, validation, and regulatory compliance across concept to mass production, working with hardware, software, and packaging teams.

The role requires a strong background in RF lab methods, antenna design, and EM simulation, with a focus on DECT/DCS/Wi‑Fi standards and regulatory approvals.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electronics, Telecommunications, or RF/Microwave Engineering.
• At least 10 years of RF/microwave system design experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with RF lab equipment and measurement techniques.

Responsibilities

• Act as RF expert and reference for the R&D organization.
• Define and validate end-to-end RF system architectures for gateways and extenders.
• Drive trade-offs between performance, cost, and regulatory margin.
• Review RF designs from internal teams and external partners.

Skills

RF system design

Antenna characterization

RF lab equipment

VNA measurements

EVM testing

EM simulation

MATLAB

Python automation

Education

Master's or PhD in Electronics/Telecommunications/RF/Microwave

Tools

VNA

Vector signal analyzers

Anechoic chamber testing

CST / HFSS

ADS / AWR

LabVIEW

Job description

• Work on next generation residential gateways and Wi Fi technologies deployed worldwide
• Be part of a global R&D organization with strong local ownership and decision‑making
• Collaborate with hardware, RF, software, mechanical, and chipset partners
• See your designs go from concept to mass production
• Thrive in a fast paced, innovative, and multicultural environment

Reporting to the HW Manager, you act as RF technical authority for wireless products developed in our US R&D center. You drive RF architecture choices, ensure high‑level RF performance, and secure regulatory compliance across the full product lifecycle, from early concept to mass production and field deployment.

Responsibilities:

• Act as RF expert and reference for the R&D organization.
• Define and validate end‑to‑end RF system architectures (Wi‑Fi, Cellular, ISM, DECT) for gateways and extenders.
• Drive trade‑offs (performance, cost, complexity, regulatory margin) and support product roadmap decisions.
• Review and challenge RF designs from internal teams and external partners (ODM, chipset vendors, antenna suppliers).

Product Definition & Development

Define RF specifications aligned with customer needs, standards, and FCC regulations in collaboration with HW, mechanical, and system teams.

Lead RF development including feasibility studies, RF/antenna architecture definition, schematic reviews, antenna optimization, and PCB layout guidance.

Ensure robust RF integration within constrained mechanical environments.

Define and apply EMC design rules (layout, grounding, shielding, filtering) at system and product levels.

RF Validation, Calibration & Performance

Define advanced RF validation strategies: conducted/radiated tests, coexistence, immunity, TRP/TIS, EVM, sensitivity, throughput.

Develop calibration strategies: lab characterization, manufacturing flows, field tuning mechanisms.

Perform EMC pre‑compliance to anticipate FCC certification.

Identify and mitigate EMI sources (power switching, high‑speed interfaces, RF/digital coupling, antenna interactions).

Work with PCB, mechanical, and power teams to implement cost‑effective solutions.

Regulatory & Certification

Lead radio certification strategy and execution (FCC, BT, Thread, regional approvals).

Interface with test labs, certification bodies, and consultants.

Anticipate regulatory changes and ensure early compliance.

Cross‑functional Collaboration

Work closely with software, manufacturing, test, supply chain, and quality teams.

Define and review RF manufacturing test specifications.

Support production ramp‑up and yield improvement.

Field Support & Root Cause Analysis

Lead RF performance investigations from field issues.

Profile

You hold a Master's degree or PhD in Electronics, Telecommunications, or

RF/Microwave Engineering.

You have at least 10 years of experience in the following areas:

• Strong expertise in RF and microwave system design
• Hands‑on mastery of RF lab equipment:
  • Vector Network Analyzers (VNA) for S‑parameter measurements, impedance matching, antenna characterization, and RF component validation.
  • Vector signal analyzers for modulated signal qualification (EVM, IQ, phase
• Extensive experience in antenna characterization in anechoic chambers (microwave bands).
• Advanced use of 2D/3D electromagnetic simulation tools (CST, HFSS or equivalent) for antenna and RF design.
• RF simulation tools (ADS, AWR, or equivalent)
• Wireless standards and technologies, including:
  • DECT and related standards
• Software & Automation:
  • MATLAB, Scilab or equivalent for RF analysis and algorithm development.
  • LabVIEW for RF test and measurement automation.
  • Python for automation, data analysis, and test support.