Sr. RF Hardware Systems Engineer

About the Role

Samsara is seeking a Senior Hardware Engineer, RF Systems to take ownership of critical RF subsystems and define platform-level RF architectures for its connected hardware. This role involves deep RF expertise, strong product intuition, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver high-volume hardware. The hardware team manages end-to-end product development, from architecture and component selection to validation and mass production.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test RF circuits, modules, and antennas through all development phases.
• Review board-level schematics and PCB layouts for RF circuits and system integration.
• Bring up RF subsystems and enable product teams for next-generation products.
• Characterize and validate RF performance, margins, and sensitivities.
• Perform root-cause analysis for field failures and drive corrective actions.
• Evaluate the latest wireless technologies (4G/5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS, UWB, satellite, etc.) from semiconductor vendors.
• Integrate evaluation kits (EVKs) for new technology concepts and demos.
• Actively participate in sampling customer experience and improving RF product performance.
• Collaborate with product teams and JDM partners for product design, validation, certification, and manufacturing.
• Champion Samsara's values and leadership principles within the cross-functional team.
• Mentor other engineers in RF best practices and lab methodology.

Minimum Requirements

• 5+ years of professional industry experience in RF circuit and module development.
• Proficiency in board-level schematic design and PCB layout of RF circuits, with knowledge of RF layout guidelines.
• Hands-on experience with 4G/5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS, UWB, or satellite communications in shipped products.
• Experience working with RF chipset/module vendors, test instrument suppliers, and JDM/ODM partners for high-volume hardware shipping.
• Proficiency with RF simulation tools (CST, ADS) and EDA tools (Altium, Cadence).
• Experience using RF lab instruments (network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes).
• Ability to navigate ambiguous product requirements and complex design trade-offs.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in RF Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including explaining RF trade-offs to non-RF stakeholders.
• This role is based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Ideal Candidate Also Has

• Experience with antenna simulation and design.
• Knowledge of EMI/EMC design and mitigation techniques.
• Thrives in an environment requiring rapid deployment and iteration based on customer feedback.
• Practical, hands-on experience with Wi-Fi, BLE, LTE, 5G, satellite, UWB, GNSS, and related wireless standards.
• Experience setting up and scaling RF labs for hardware development, characterization, validation, and failure analysis.
• A forward-looking mindset for process improvement and serving as a technical expert for RF issues.
• Experience with system engineering best practices and product compliance/certification (FCC, PTCRB, CTIA, ETSI, TIA/EIA).

Compensation

Annual Base Salary: $177,225—$240,000 USD

Total Rewards

Samsara offers above-market total compensation, including base salary, performance-based bonus/variable pay, and equity. Benefits include a flexible, employee-led remote model, professional development stipend, and comprehensive health and parental leave plans.

Flexible Working

Samsara embraces a flexible working model, supporting both in-office and remote work where operationally aligned. Specific location requirements will be indicated in job descriptions. Offers are contingent on legal work authorization.