In your career, let’s prove what’s possible.

At Lam Research, we create equipment that drives technological advancements in the semiconductor industry. Our innovative solutions enable chipmakers to power progress in nearly all aspects of modern life, and it takes each member of our team to make it possible.

Across our organization, our employees come to work and change the world. We take on the toughest challenges with precision and accuracy. We push for the next big semiconductor breakthrough. We lead the way in one of the most critical and fast-moving industries on the planet. And we do it together, with deep connections and limitless collaboration.

The impact we have on the world is made possible by focusing on our people. So we recognize and celebrate our teams’ achievements. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse culture where everyone’s contribution and voice has value. We evaluate and evolve our offerings, so our people receive the support and empowerment to do meaningful things for their lives, careers, and communities.

Because at Lam, we believe that when people are the priority and they’re inspired to unleash the power of innovation for a better world together, anything is possible.


RF Technical Director

Date:  May 18, 2026
Location: 

Fremont, CA

Req ID:  199360
Worker Category: 

The group you’ll be a part of

 

In the Global Products Group, we are dedicated to excellence in the design and engineering of Lam's etch and deposition products. We drive innovation to ensure our cutting-edge solutions are helping to solve the biggest challenges in the semiconductor industry. 

 

The impact you’ll make

You will define and drive the technical vision for RF engineering across multiple product lines, leading the development of advanced RF subsystems and system architectures that enable next-generation semiconductor equipment performance. As a recognized technical authority, you will establish RF design direction, influence technology strategy, and ensure engineering rigor across the full product lifecycle—from concept through high-volume manufacturing and field performance.

Through deep technical leadership, cross-functional influence, and a commitment to engineering excellence, you will shape RF innovation, strengthen organizational capability, and deliver differentiated solutions that drive customer and business outcomes.

What you’ll do

RF Technology Leadership & Strategy

  • Define RF system architecture, design strategy, and long-term technology roadmap aligned to product and business objectives
  • Direct and oversee RF development activities spanning RF subassembly design, RF system design, and integration into complex plasma delivery and control systems
  • Establish technical direction for high-power RF delivery, matching networks, and advanced RF subsystems
  • Drive innovation in RF performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost optimization

Technical Governance & Execution Excellence

  • Establish and enforce RF engineering standards, design methodologies, and review rigor across programs
  • Lead critical design reviews, failure analysis (RCCA), and risk mitigation activities for complex RF systems
  • Provide hands-on technical leadership for escalated issues impacting system performance, reliability, or customer outcomes
  • Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, safety requirements, and internal engineering processes

What you'll do, con't

Cross-Functional & Business Leadership

  • Partner with Product Management, Systems Engineering, Program Management, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain to drive execution of complex programs
  • Translate customer and business requirements into RF technical strategies, roadmaps, and resourcing plans
  • Influence product architecture decisions and trade-offs at the system and platform level
  • Contribute to strategic planning, capital allocation, and operational improvement initiatives

Organizational & Talent Development

  • Build and mentor a high-performing organization of RF engineers and technical leaders
  • Develop technical leadership pipelines and foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning
  • Guide organizational capability in RF system design, modeling, validation, and production support
  • Drive alignment and collaboration across global and matrixed engineering teams

Who we’re looking for

A highly accomplished RF engineering leader with deep domain expertise, strong system-level thinking, and a proven ability to influence technical direction at scale. You balance hands-on technical credibility with strategic leadership and thrive in complex, cross-functional environments.

 

Minimum Qualifications

•  Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a closely related field

•  15+ years of related RF engineering experience; or 12+ years with a Master’s degree; or 8+ years with a PhD; or equivalent experience

•  Demonstrated leadership in RF system design, RF subassemblies, and high-performance RF solutions

•  Proven track record of driving complex RF development efforts from concept through production

•  Experience leading large-scale or multi-team engineering initiatives

 

Preferred qualifications

  • Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
  • Expertise in high-power RF systems, matching networks, plasma applications, or semiconductor equipment RF delivery
  • Strong background in RF modeling, simulation, validation, and performance optimization
  • Experience with design reviews, FMEA, RCCA, and structured engineering processes
  • Demonstrated success operating in global, matrixed organizations and influencing without direct authority
  • Track record of building high-performing teams and developing future technical leaders

Our commitment

 

We believe it is important for every person to feel valued, included, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By bringing unique individuals and viewpoints together, we achieve extraordinary results.

Lam Research ("Lam" or the "Company") is an equal opportunity employer. Lam is committed to and reaffirms support of equal opportunity in employment and non-discrimination in employment policies, practices and procedures on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. It is the Company's intention to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees.

Lam offers a variety of work location models based on the needs of each role. Our hybrid roles combine the benefits of on-site collaboration with colleagues and the flexibility to work remotely and fall into two categories – On-site Flex and Virtual Flex. ‘On-site Flex’ you’ll work 3+ days per week on-site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, with the opportunity to work remotely for the balance of the week. ‘Virtual Flex’ you’ll work 1-2 days per week on-site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, and remotely the rest of the time.

Salary

 

CA San Francisco Bay Area Salary Range for this position: $145,000.00 -  $303,000.00.

 

The above salary range for this position is relevant to applicants that reside or work onsite in the California, San Francisco Bay Area only. Salary offers will depend on factors that include the location you work from, your level, education, training, specific skills, years of experience and comparison to other employees already in this role. Actual salary may vary from salary offered due to numerous factors including but not limited to unpaid time off, unpaid leave, company mandated shutdown, and other relevant factors.

 

Our Perks and Benefits
 

At Lam, our people make amazing things possible. That’s why we invest in you throughout the phases of your life with a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits.

Discover more at Lam Benefits


Nearest Major Market: San Francisco
Nearest Secondary Market: Oakland

Job Segment: RF Engineer, Electrical Engineering, Supply Chain, Systems Engineer, Engineer, Engineering, Operations