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How much do antenna test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for antenna test engineer in the United States is $111,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Antenna Test Engineer vs RF Test Engineer?

AspectAntenna Test EngineerRF Test Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related; knowledge of antenna theoryBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related; expertise in RF systems
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, testing facilities, field testing sitesLaboratories, manufacturing, testing labs
Industry UsageTelecommunications, aerospace, defenseWireless devices, telecommunications, consumer electronics
Common Search IntentTesting antennas, antenna performance analysisTesting RF components, signal integrity

While both roles involve testing and analyzing radio frequency systems, the Antenna Test Engineer specializes in antenna performance and design, whereas the RF Test Engineer focuses on RF components and systems. Understanding these differences helps employers and professionals target the right skills and certifications for each role.

What are some common challenges faced by antenna test engineers during measurement and validation processes?

Antenna Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as minimizing signal interference, accurately calibrating equipment, and ensuring measurements are consistent across different environments. Working in anechoic chambers or outdoor ranges can present logistical and technical hurdles, such as dealing with reflections, noise, or weather effects. Additionally, collaborating with design teams to interpret test data and provide actionable feedback is crucial for refining antenna performance. Addressing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with cross-functional teams.

What is an antenna test engineer?

Antenna Test Engineers are professionals who specialize in evaluating the performance of antennas and related wireless devices. They design and execute testing procedures to measure parameters like gain, radiation pattern, efficiency, and impedance using specialized equipment such as anechoic chambers and network analyzers. Their work ensures that antennas meet industry standards and function correctly within various communication systems. Antenna Test Engineers often collaborate with design teams to troubleshoot issues and suggest improvements based on test results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an antenna test engineer?

To thrive as an Antenna Test Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, RF principles, and antenna theory, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with test equipment like network analyzers, anechoic chambers, and simulation tools such as CST or HFSS is often required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are standout soft skills for interpreting test data and collaborating with development teams. These skills ensure accurate antenna performance validation, efficient troubleshooting, and successful integration into complex systems.
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Antenna Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Antenna Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,500 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Antenna Test Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Charlottesville, VA

$98K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 15 hours ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 537 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SAPTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

At the heart of who we are, Northrop Grumman is a leading American manufacturing company delivering advanced technologies in support of national security. Our Blue Ridge Advanced Manufacturing Center in Waynesboro, Virginia supports production of advanced electronics, radar, and communication systems within our broader portfolio of defense capabilities. Our teams work collaboratively to ensure manufacturing excellence, production readiness, and continuous improvement across programs.

We are looking for you to join our team as an Antenna Test Engineer / PrincipalAntenna Test Engineerto be an instrumental part of Northrop Grumman's Central Virginia manufacturing Test Engineering Team.

What You'll Get To Do:

  • Antenna test equipment design in support of factory phased array testing
  • Integrate new equipment and programs in a state-of-the-art facility
  • Test software and test equipment design related to phased array testing
  • Software development for automating test processes and data analysis
  • Troubleshoot RF issues during test of advanced antenna systems
  • Support technicians with troubleshooting and training
  • Analyze test data and identify early trends
  • Support program meetings in developing root cause and corrective actions
  • Collaborate with design engineering for hardware and test improvements
  • Maintain sensitivity to cost, schedule and quality as well as Northrop Grumman policies and procedures

This position may be filled at a level 2 or 3, depending on the candidate's experience.

Basic Qualifications for the Antenna Test Engineer (Level 2):

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or related STEM discipline plus 2 or more years of relevant experience; or a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or related STEM discipline plus 1 or more years of relevant experience

  • Experience with electrical and/or RF test equipment, such as oscilloscopes, power meter, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, etc.

  • Professional software development experience using languages such as C#, Visual Basic, MATLAB, Mate, etc.

  • Current, active U.S.Government Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP).

  • U.S. citizenship

Basic Qualifications for the Principal Antenna Test Engineer (Level 3):

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or related STEM discipline plus 5 or more years of relevant experience; or a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or related STEM discipline plus 3 or more years of relevant experience

  • Experience with electrical and/or RF test equipment, such as oscilloscopes, power meter, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, etc.

  • Professional software development experience using languages such as C#, Visual Basic, MATLAB, Mate, etc.

  • Current, active U.S.Government Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP)

  • U.S. citizenship

Preferred Qualifications for Both Levels:

  • Software development experience with RF and antenna systems

  • Test development experience in a nearfield and/ or compact antenna range

  • RF test experience and/or antenna test/range experience

  • Familiarity with RF and antenna theory

  • Current, active U.S Government Special Access Program (SAP) Clearance.

MANUMS

What We Can Offer You:

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family. Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, and Paid Time Off. Additional benefits, including Education Assistance, Training and Development and a 9/80 schedule at many sites.https://totalrewards.northropgrumman.com/

Primary Level Salary Range: $79,300.00 - $118,900.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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