Chief RF Engineer

About the role

Test and Measurement Systems, also known as NI, Product R&D is seeking a Chief RF Engineer to join our RF R&D team in Santa Rosa, CA.

Responsibilities

• RF Technical Leadership & Architecture
• Influence design decisions through data-driven analysis, simulation, and empirical results
• Guide RF/microwave designs (e.g. front ends, LO/PLL, filters, mixers, PAs/LNAs, switches/couplers) to meet specifications and acceptance criteria
• Perform feasibility assessment of emerging technologies through research, prototyping, early modeling, and rapid experimentation
• Drive concepts through prototyping, development, V&V, compliance (EMC/safety, RoHS/REACH), NPI, and sustaining activities with minimal oversight—determining methods and procedures for new assignments
• Lead and review advanced RF system modeling, troubleshooting, and simulation-to-measurement correlation (e.g., LTspice, Ansys Designer, SI/PI simulation)
• Assess system-level performance including sensing paths, signal conditioning, and inter-device interfaces (SPI, I²C) when applicable to RF subsystems
• Review and strengthen test strategies, validation approaches, and design rigor are applied consistently across project teams
• Mentor other engineers, guide design reviews, and promote consistent engineering rigor across the team
• Apply or support design controls, risk analysis, and robust documentation
• Build strong cross-functional relationships, influencing decisions through well-supported technical rationale
• Occasional domestic/international travel (up to 10%) to support supplier builds, customer evaluations, or factory activities

Requirements

• 12+ years with a Bachelors in EE/ECE; OR 10+ with an advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D.)
• Proven experience designing, simulating, verifying, and releasing RF circuits/subsystems using industry-standard tools
• Mastery with RF instrumentation (VNA, spectrum/signal analyzers, vector generators, oscilloscopes)
• Ability to troubleshoot, simulate, and resolve embedded or mixed-signal issues at the board/system level
• Programming or scripting proficiency (Python required; MATLAB/LabVIEW beneficial)
• Excellent communication, critical thinking, and technical decision-making abilities; demonstrated ability to lead through influence and mentor engineers
• Demonstrated research and prototyping to assess emerging technologies and de-risk architectures
• Experience with end-to-end ownership from concept to ramp; DFM/DFT/NPI and supplier engagement experience

Qualifications

• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now and in the future
• Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1 (including those with OPT or CPT), H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Skills

• Expertise in SI/PI for mixed-signal RF boards; grounding/shielding best practices and robust layout for isolation and stability
• Familiarity with regulatory and material/compliance constraints (e.g., EMC/safety, IEEE, MIL, RoHS/REACH) relevant to our markets
• Test and Measurement industry experience

Benefits

Our Culture & Commitment to You: We recognize that for our organization to support a diverse workforce, we must focus on employee wellbeing. We provide a market-leading 401(k) and profit-sharing plan, a variety of medical insurance plans, with dental and vision coverage, family formation benefits in addition to paid parental leave (maternal and paternal), Employee Assistance Program, tuition reimbursement, employee resource groups, recognition, and much more. Our culture prioritizes work-life balance and offers flexible time off plans, inclusive of vacation, holiday, and sick leave. Our goal is to offer a strong benefits foundation while allowing employees the flexibility to choose options that best suit their needs.

Pay

$180,872--$248,700 annually + bonuses, commensurate with the skills, talent, capabilities, and experience each candidate brings to a role.

Schedule

N/A