Staff RF Design Validation and Test Engineer – Wireless Connectivity & System Integration

Qualcomm • San Diego, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Qualcomm is a leading technology company at the forefront of wireless connectivity innovation, designing and optimizing RF solutions that power next-generation communication devices. Our collaborative environment fosters technical excellence and continuous learning. If you are a seasoned RF engineer looking to make a significant impact in RF system integration, validation, and testing, we invite you to join our team.
We are seeking an experienced Senior RF Design Validation and Test Engineer specializing in wireless connectivity technologies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE, 5G sub-6 GHz, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) IEEE 802.15.4ab (6-9 GHz). The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience in radio system integration and system-level RF characterization, including modem and radio components. This role requires expertise in RF Concepts, knowledge of system level performance specifications, ability to hands on troubleshoot and optimize RF performance in real-world applications. A minimum of 10 years of experience is required, along with the ability collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan, execute, and debug complex RF systems in a lab environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Systems Test Engineering or related work experience.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Systems Test Engineering or related work experience.
• PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Systems Test Engineering or related work experience.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in electrical engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in RF design validation, system integration, and testing for wireless connectivity technologies (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE, 5G sub-6 GHz, and UWB 802.15.4ab).
• Expertise in system-level RF characterization and radio system integration, including modem and radio testing.
• Proficiency with RF test equipment, including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, and oscilloscopes.
• Hands-on experience in a lab environment, conducting detailed RF measurements, system integration, and debugging complex RF systems.
• Knowledge of front-end tuning, impedance matching, and RF circuit troubleshooting is a plus.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, guiding them in RF test methodologies, system integration best practices, and debugging techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a strong attention to detail in analyzing and resolving RF issues.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate across multiple disciplines.
• Experience with wireless regulatory compliance testing (FCC, CE, etc.).
• Knowledge of antenna characterization, OTA testing, and UWB positioning algorithms.
• Prior leadership experience in RF system integration and validation teams.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for RF validation, system integration, and test efforts for wireless connectivity technologies, ensuring optimal system performance and compliance with industry standards.
• Perform system-level RF characterization and radio system integration, including modem and radio testing, RF coexistence testing, power measurements, and interference tests.
• Work on validation of UWB (IEEE 802.15.4ab, 6-9 GHz) systems, ensuring optimal performance in positioning, ranging, and communication applications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including RF analog designers, modem algorithm developers, hardware board designers, and antenna engineers, to troubleshoot and resolve RF performance issues.
• Conduct hands-on lab testing, utilizing RF test equipment such as vector network analyzers (VNAs), spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, oscilloscopes, and over-the-air (OTA) test setups.
• Develop automated test scripts and procedures to improve testing efficiency and repeatability.
• Analyze test data, document results, and present findings to engineering teams to drive design improvements and optimize RF system integration.
• Stay up to date on the latest advancements in wireless RF technology and implement best practices in RF validation, integration, and testing.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level