RF Hardware Engineer

Job description

**About Hark** Hark is an artificial intelligence company building advanced, personalized intelligence. One that is proactive, multimodal, and capable of interacting with the world through speech, text, vision, and persistent memory. We're pairing that intelligence with next-generation hardware to create a universal interface between humans and machines. While today's AI largely operates through chat boxes and decade-old devices, Hark is focused on what comes next: agentic systems that interact naturally with people and the real world. To get there, we're developing multimodal models and next-generation AI hardware together - designed from the ground up as a single, unified interface for a new era of intelligent systems. **About the Role** We are looking for RF Hardware Engineer to design, integrate, validate, and certify wireless subsystems (cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS/GNSS, NFC/UWB) in our consumer hardware products. You will own RF performance from architecture through mass production, working cross-functionally with antenna, mechanical, firmware and manufacturing teams, as well as external vendors, test labs, and carriers. **Responsibilities** - Own RF hardware design for one or more radios: architecture definition, RF front-end line-up design and budget analysis (gain, noise figure, linearity, Tx power), component selection, and schematic/PCB design for optimal RF performance. - Review and sign off on PCB/flex layouts, RF routing, impedance control, system-level grounding, shielding, and isolation strategies. - Develop and execute validation and characterization test plans: conducted Tx/Rx measurements, OTA performance (TRP/TIS), desense, and multi-radio coexistence; analyze results and drive design optimization. - Lead RF failure analysis at system level; identify root cause and propose design or process corrective actions. - Assess and mitigate platform-level coexistence and interference issues (radio-to-radio, display/camera/charger noise into radios). - Drive factory RF calibration and test station bring-up (SMT and FATP), define test limits, and support yield and correlation analysis from prototype builds (EVT/DVT/PVT) through mass production. - Own regulatory and carrier certification: plan and support FCC/ISED/CE (RED), PTCRB/GCF testing, SAR/RF exposure, and carrier acceptance programs (e.g., T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon); interface with certification labs and TCBs. - Work with component vendors and module/chipset partners on RF front-end development, tuning, and cost/performance trade-offs. - Support antenna integration: work with antenna engineers on matching, tuner control, and placement trade-offs; correlate simulation with measured results. - Communicate RF status, risks, and data-driven recommendations to cross-functional and executive stakeholders. **Requirements** - BS in Electrical Engineering or related field and 5+ years of RF hardware design experience (or MS and 3+ years). - Hands-on design experience with at least one radio technology: cellular (5G NR/LTE), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS, NFC, or UWB. - Strong RF fundamentals: transmission lines, impedance matching, RF front-end architecture, link budgets, noise, and linearity. - Proficiency with RF lab equipment: vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, communication testers (e.g., Keysight UXM, R&S CMX/CMW), and OTA anechoic chambers. - Experience taking a wireless product through at least one full development cycle to mass production. **Bonus Qualifications** - MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering with emphasis in RF/microwave or wireless communications. - Experience with regulatory and carrier certification processes (FCC, ISED, CE RED, PTCRB/GCF, carrier TA). - Experience with RF simulation tools (ADS, HFSS, CST, AWR) and RF line-up modeling. - Experience with factory RF calibration/test development and station correlation (SMT and FATP OTA). - Test automation and scripting skills (Python, MATLAB, SCPI instrument control). - Knowledge of antenna design, tuning, and OTA measurement methods (CTIA test plans). - Experience with multi-radio coexistence analysis and mitigation in compact consumer devices. The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $120,000 - $300,000 annually. The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.