Senior RF Engineer, Devices

About the role

You will architect and validate the wireless RF systems that form the nervous system of Gridware's Active Grid Response platform, ensuring robust and reliable data flow across distributed sensor networks. You will own the full lifecycle of RF hardware, from initial concept and electromagnetic simulation through prototyping, compliance testing, and high-volume manufacturing support. You will collaborate closely with hardware, firmware, and software teams to debug intricate interference and performance issues in real-world grid environments. You will define and enforce RF performance metrics, test procedures, and design for manufacturing guidelines that directly impact product quality and scalability. You will evaluate and integrate emerging RF components and technologies to continuously advance the capabilities of Gridware's sensing infrastructure. You will lead root cause analysis for field failures, developing corrective actions that preserve system integrity and long-term reliability. You will mentor junior engineers by providing clear technical guidance, design reviews, and hands-on support during critical project phases. You will act as the primary RF technical authority, communicating trade-offs and system-level impacts to cross-functional stakeholders throughout the product development process.

Key facts

What you'll do

Conduct architectural trade studies to select optimal RF topologies, protocols, and frequency bands for grid-scale distributed sensing and control applications.

Develop detailed system specifications and block diagrams that translate reliability, latency, and coverage requirements into concrete RF performance targets and component choices.

Create and maintain electromagnetic simulation models to predict antenna behavior, propagation characteristics, and co-site interference in complex industrial environments.

Design and characterize high-frequency circuits and filters, ensuring low noise, high linearity, and efficient power delivery in battery-powered and grid-connected form factors.

Lead the prototyping and iterative refinement of RF front ends, integrating antennas, amplifiers, mixers, and transceivers with custom PCBs under strict thermal and mechanical constraints.

Establish comprehensive test and measurement methodologies using spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, and channel emulators to validate over-the-air performance and regulatory compliance.

Debug elusive RF issues in laboratory and field settings, correlating measured data with simulation to identify root causes such as multipath, shielding defects, or component interactions.

Define and implement automated test flows that verify RF consistency, calibration, and long-term stability across production lots and environmental conditions.

Collaborate with firmware and software teams to optimize link budgets, data rates, and error correction schemes for reliable communication across diverse grid topologies.

Support manufacturing ramp activities by generating test procedures, qualifying suppliers, and implementing statistical process controls to maintain RF performance at scale.

Lead failure analysis investigations using field data, laboratory measurements, and simulation to drive design improvements and prevent recurrence.

Champion design for manufacturability practices, ensuring RF solutions are robust, testable, and cost-effective for large-scale grid deployments.

Partner with compliance specialists to navigate FCC, CE, and other regional regulatory requirements, ensuring timely approvals for new products and markets.

Continuously monitor the competitive landscape and academic research to identify novel RF techniques and components that can be leveraged in future Gridware products.

Requirements

Demonstrate a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical field, with a strong focus on RF, electromagnetics, and wireless systems.

Bring 8+ years of professional experience in RF circuit design, system integration, or a related field, with a proven track record of delivering production-ready wireless hardware.

Showcase advanced expertise in electromagnetic theory, antenna design, and radio propagation models as they apply to real-world industrial and outdoor environments.

Provide deep knowledge of RF transceiver architectures, signal chain design, and calibration techniques, including experience with direct conversion or heterodyne topologies.

Exhibit mastery of RF simulation tools such as ADS, AWR, or similar platforms, and the ability to correlate simulation results with measured data.

Have hands-on experience with test and measurement equipment including vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators, along with scripting capabilities for automated test workflows.

Display a thorough understanding of wireless standards and protocols relevant to industrial, IoT, and telemetry applications, even if not specific to grid technology.

Commit to working effectively within cross-functional teams, communicating complex RF behavior to non-specialists and incorporating their constraints into design decisions.

Nice to have

Experience with software-defined radio (SDR) platforms and real-time digital signal processing concepts.

Familiarity with power electronics and energy harvesting considerations for devices that operate in grid-connected environments.

Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices for wireless communication in critical infrastructure.

Experience with environmental testing, such as thermal cycling, vibration, and ingress protection validation relevant to outdoor grid hardware.

Practical notes

This is a full-time position based in San Francisco, California.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship at this time.

The role may require occasional travel to customer sites or test facilities as needed.