Principal RF Hardware Development Engineer

Principal RF Hardware Development Engineer

The RF R&D team is seeking a Principal RF Hardware Development Engineer to define, design, and validate high-performance RF/microwave hardware and subsystems for next-generation, high frequency products. You will drive complex RF system development, lead technical decision-making, and collaborate across disciplines to deliver robust, manufacturable solutions aligned to customer needs and business objectives.

You are a strategic, hands-on RF problem solver who takes initiative, anticipates risks, and brings strong analytical discipline to complex engineering challenges. You build deep trust across teams and influence outcomes through clarity, data, and technical leadership. You work independently on complex issues, determining methods, and forming connections across technical areas.

In this role, your responsibilities will:

• Architect and lead RF/microwave designs (e.g. front ends, LO/PLL, filters, mixers, PAs/LNAs, switches/couplers), translating customer and RF subsystem requirements into clear specifications and acceptance criteria, and using Mentor/Cadence/Altium and advanced EM simulation tools (e.g. ADS, HFSS/CST, SPICE/LTspice).
• Perform feasibility assessment of emerging technologies through research, prototyping, early modeling, and rapid experimentation.
• Assess system-level performance including sensing paths, signal conditioning, and inter-device interfaces (SPI, I²C) when applicable to RF subsystems.
• Conduct advanced modeling, troubleshooting, and simulation-to-measurement correlation (e.g., LTspice, Ansys Designer, SI/PI simulation).
• Develop test strategies and perform characterization using VNAs, spectrum/signal analyzers, vector generators, oscilloscopes, and automated test frameworks.
• 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.
• Exercise strong communication, judgment, decision-making, and critical thinking in complex technical environments.
• 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. Collaborate with Digital, Mechanical, Calibration, Software, Systems, and Test engineering disciplines, and Quality, and Operations to ensure integrated product success.
• Occasional domestic/international travel (up to 10%) to support supplier builds, customer evaluations, or factory activities

Who you are:

Viewed as a key technical resource and often the technical leader for the team. Works on complex issues requiring in-depth evaluation of variable factors; independently determines methods and procedures on new assignments; frequently advises others. Networks with key contacts outside own area; influences decisions to elevate long-term product quality and development efficiency.

For this role, you will need:

• 8+ years with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Computer Engineering or any related STEM degree

• 5+ with a Master's or PhD.

• Proven experience designing, simulating, verifying, and releasing RF circuits/subsystems using industry-standard tools.

• Strong proficiency 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.

• 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. MUST be US Citizen or possess a Green Card

Preferred qualifications that set you apart:

• End-to-end ownership from concept to ramp; DFM/DFT/NPI and supplier engagement experience.
• Expertise in SI/PI for mixed-signal RF boards; grounding/shielding best practices and robust layout for isolation and stability.
• Demonstrated research and prototyping to assess emerging technologies and de-risk architectures.
• Working knowledge of requirements management, risk management, and project planning.
• Familiarity with regulatory and material/compliance constraints (e.g., EMC/safety, IEEE, MIL, RoHS/REACH) relevant to our markets.

Our culture & commitment to you:

We recognize that for our organization to support a diverse workforce, we must focus on employee wellbeing. We know that to do your best work, you must have flexible, competitive benefit plans to meet you and your family's physical, mental, financial, and social needs. 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.

At Emerson, we are committed to fostering a culture where every employee is valued and respected for their unique experiences and perspectives. We believe a diverse and inclusive work environment contributes to the rich exchange of ideas and diversity of thoughts, that inspires innovation and brings the best solutions to our customers.

This philosophy is fundamental to living our company's values and our responsibility to leave the world in a better place.

Our training programs and initiatives focus on end-to-end development, from onboarding through senior leadership. We provide a wide range of development opportunities, including face-to-face and virtual training, mentorship and coaching, project management, and on-the-job training.

Our compensation philosophy is simple: we pay a competitive base salary, within the local market in which we operate, and reward performance during our annual merit review process. The salary/pay range for this role is $140,000-$190,000 annually + bonuses, commensurate with the skills, talent, capabilities, and experience each candidate brings to a role.