Senior Manager RF Engineering

Zebra Technologies; Holtsville (NY); Hybrid; USD 157,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Annual incentive plan

Job summary

Zebra Technologies seeks a Senior Manager RF and EE to oversee a team that designs, develops, evaluates, and modifies RF/wireless-enabled products. You will ensure deliverables meet customer, regulatory, and network operator requirements, leading complex analysis and simulations.

The role requires deep low-level RF circuit design expertise and responsibility for delivering end-to-end RF solutions across multiple environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline required.
• Minimum 12+ years of engineering experience.
• 5+ years of hands-on industry experience in embedded RF/wireless circuit design & System integration.
• High proficiency in verbal & written communication, cross-functional collaboration, EM fields and microwaves, RF/wireless system design, radio transceiver design, circuit design, PCB design, EM-simulation, troubleshooting, budget control, and project planning.
• Must have deep low-level RF circuit design expertise.

Responsibilities

• Directs and controls the RF department's activities and budget.
• Contributes to policy innovation and integrated business solutions.
• Manages development programs and strategic initiatives.
• Develops and implements operational policies within area managed.
• Contributes to profitability and cost containment.
• Develops and implements programs to improve processes and reduce costs.
• Recognized leader exercising judgment within broad practices to obtain results.
• Uses RF wireless expertise to contribute to innovative solutions.

Skills

RF design

PCB design

EM simulation

RF transceiver design

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Job description

Overview

At Zebra, we are a community of innovators who come together to create new ways of working. United by curiosity and a culture of caring, we develop smart solutions that anticipate our customer’s and partner’s needs and solve their challenges.

Being part of Zebra Nation means you are seen, heard, valued, and respected. Drawing from our unique perspectives, we collaborate to deliver on our purpose. Here you are part of a team pushing boundaries today to redefine the work of tomorrow for organizations, their employees, and those they serve.

You’ll have opportunities to learn and lead in a forward-thinking environment, defining your path to a fulfilling career while channeling your skills toward causes you care about—locally and globally.

Come make an impact every day at Zebra.

What We're Looking For

Our RFID products offer the most comprehensive range of innovative RFID technology solutions in the market. We enable organizations to identify, track, manage, and optimize the deployment of critical assets, thus improving business efficiency. Our team caters to every environment – from the carpeted office space to the retail sales floor, the warehouse, the production line, and even the dock doors. We provide business and industrial lines of fixed, handheld, and hands‑free RFID readers to meet diverse needs. By joining us, you'll be contributing to the leading‑edge RFID technology Zebra brings to the world. This is your chance to be part of a fast‑growing company that is revolutionizing the industry.

We are seeking a Senior Manager RF and EE! In this role you will oversee a team of talented individuals that design, develop, evaluate, and/or modify RF/wirelessly enabled products in development consistent with customer, wireless Standards bodies, regulatory and/or Network Operator requirements. Supervises product design and ensures the integrity of the deliverables from the team. Determines and develops optimal approach to delivering RF/wireless-enabled product solutions. Work will normally require complex engineering analysis and computer simulation to achieve the end goals. Results are thoroughly evaluated upon completion to ensure objectives have been fully met.

The ideal candidate must have deep low‑level RF circuit design expertise.

Come, capture your edge with us!

This role is on‑site 3-days a week in Zebra's Holtsville, NY office; 2 days remote (US).

Responsibilities

• Directs and controls the activities and associated operating budget of the RF department in a functional discipline within a product group, division, sub-region, or country
• Contributes to the development of policy innovation and integrated business solutions with input into strategy formulation.
• Manages development programs and/or strategic initiatives
• Develops and establishes operational policies within area managed, and delegates assignments.
• Accountable for and contributes significantly towards profitability and/or cost containment by indirectly impacting the P&L through Account, Product Line, Research and Development,
• Operations, or functional management
• Develops and implements programs/solutions to improve processes, reduce costs and cycle time, and improve customer service/satisfaction
• Internally recognized leader who exercises judgment within broadly defined practices and policies in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results
• Uses RF wireless expertise to contribute to the development of creative solutions

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline required.
• Minimum 12 + years of engineering experience
• 5+ years of applicable hands‑on Industry experience in

• embedded RF/wireless circuit design & System integration

• High proficiency in verbal & written communication, Cross functional collaboration, Electromagnetic (EM) fields and Microwaves, RF/wireless system design, Radio transceiver design, Circuit design, PCB design, EM‑simulation, Troubleshooting, Budget control, Project planning.
• Must have deep low‑level RF circuit design expertise.

Preferred Requirements

• Master’s degree (in an engineering discipline) preferred
• Proven expertise architecting high‑power, high‑sensitivity RF transceivers across active/passive wireless tracking systems—specifically UHF RFID (860–960 MHz) and Ultra‑Wideband
• Deep technical knowledge in front‑end RF design, LNA/PA matching networks, directional couplers, and mitigation of self‑jamming/co‑site interference among co‑located radios (e.g., RFID, BLE, Wi‑Fi 6/6E, Cellular 5G/LTE)
• Advanced hands‑on mastery in collaborating with Electrical Engineering on multilayer rigid and rigid‑flex board layouts, including controlled impedance transmission lines (microstrip, stripline, coplanar waveguides), RF grounding techniques, and phase‑matched routing for multi‑port antenna arrays.
• Extensive background in antenna synthesis, array design (beamforming/beamsteering, patch, planar inverted‑F), and EM simulation platforms (Ansys HFSS, CST Studio Suite, Keysight ADS) for compact form factors and fixed reader portals.
• Practical experience troubleshooting power delivery networks (PDN) supplying high‑output PAs and sensitive receiver chains; identifying and suppressing switching regulator harmonics and digital clock bleed‑through into RF bands.
• Mastery of RF test benches including Vector Network Analyzers (VNA), high‑speed Real‑Time Spectrum Analyzers (RTSA), and anechoic OTA chambers; proven track record designing automated calibration/test routines for production lines.
• Strong command of worldwide radio regulatory standards for frequency‑hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) and ultra‑wideband emissions (FCC Part 15, ETSI EN 302 208, RED directive) and SAR compliance.

Approximately 20% travel (domestic/international) may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Zebra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability and protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance in applying for a position, please contact us at [e-mail].

Know Your Rights

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Conozca Sus Derechos

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRightsSp_10_20.pdf

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at [e-mail].

Pay Range

$156,960.00 - $235,440.00 Annual

Incentive Compensation

In addition to base pay, Zebra offers this role the opportunity to earn a performance‑based annual cash incentive, at a target equal to 20% of base pay, in accordance with the terms of the applicable incentive plan.

Zebra Total Rewards

Zebra Total Rewards includes more than just pay and is structured to meet the needs of our changing global business and evolving talent. We are committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is comprehensive and competitive – including healthcare, wellness, inclusion networks, and continued learning and development offerings. We offer community service days, in addition to the traditional insurances, compensation, parental leave, employee assistance program and paid time off offerings depending on the country where you work.

Salary offered will vary depending on your location, job‑related skills, knowledge, and experience.

Additionally, all Zebra roles are eligible for cash incentive programs. For example, sales roles have additional opportunity to earn substantial variable compensation tied to quota achievement. In most other roles, the Zebra annual cash incentive program links Company and individual performance together. Some roles may also be eligible for long‑term incentive equity awards.

Benefits

We understand the importance of work‑life balance and wellbeing, which is why we offer flexibility for our teams including: hybrid work, adaptable hours, Summer Flex Fridays, Focus Fridays, and an annual companywide well‑being day to promote revitalization and success.