Principal RF Design Engineer

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Performance incentives

Annual leave

Training & certifications

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal RF Design Engineer to lead the end-to-end design of advanced RF systems in a hybrid role based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will drive concept, simulation, prototyping, testing, and validation to deliver state-of-the-art wireless solutions.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of RF circuit design experience in telecom, expertise in RF/microwave design, and strong leadership and collaboration skills to mentor junior engineers and shape technology roadmaps.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive RF design experience in the telecom industry.
• Expertise in RF/microwave circuit design, analog and mixed-signal.
• Proficiency with RF simulation and design tools: ADS, HFSS, Cadence.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of complex RF circuits, subsystems, and systems for wireless applications.
• Perform electromagnetic simulations and analysis using industry-standard tools.
• Develop schematics, select components, and create detailed RF PCB layouts.
• Design and optimize antennas, filters, amplifiers, mixers and other RF components.
• Conduct rigorous RF testing and validation, including S-parameter and noise measurements.

Skills

RF design

EM theory

S-parameters

RF testing

leadership

communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Keysight ADS

Ansys HFSS

Cadence

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in wireless communication technologies, is seeking a highly accomplished and visionary Principal RF Design Engineer. This hybrid role, based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA , is pivotal in conceiving and developing advanced Radio Frequency (RF) systems and components. You will be responsible for the end-to-end design lifecycle, from initial concept and simulation through to prototyping, testing, and validation, ensuring state-of-the-art performance and reliability. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in RF circuit design, electromagnetic field theory, and a proven track record of delivering innovative RF solutions in the telecommunications sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex RF circuits, subsystems, and systems for wireless applications.
• Perform electromagnetic simulations and analysis using industry-standard tools (e.g., HFSS, CST, ADS).
• Develop schematics, perform component selection, and create detailed layout designs for RF PCBs.
• Design and optimize antennas, filters, amplifiers, mixers, and other RF components.
• Conduct rigorous testing and validation of RF designs, including S-parameter measurements, noise figure, and power measurements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve challenging RF performance issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware, software, and systems engineers.
• Stay abreast of emerging RF technologies, trends, and industry best practices.
• Mentor junior RF engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Contribute to technical roadmaps and strategic planning for RF product development.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in RF design and development within the telecommunications industry.
• In-depth expertise in RF/microwave circuit design, analog and mixed-signal design.
• Proficiency with RF simulation and design tools (e.g., Keysight ADS, Ansys HFSS, Cadence).
• Strong understanding of electromagnetic theory, transmission lines, S-parameters, and matching networks.
• Experience with RF testing equipment (e.g., VNA, spectrum analyzers, signal generators).
• Knowledge of wireless communication standards (e.g., LTE, 5G NR, Wi-Fi).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working in a hybrid team environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and an attractive benefits package, including comprehensive medical aid, a retirement annuity fund, performance-based incentives, and generous annual leave. This hybrid role allows for a blend of in-office collaboration at our facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA , and remote flexibility. Employees benefit from significant opportunities for professional growth, including advanced training, conference attendance, and support for relevant certifications. Join a team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of wireless technology.