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Antenna Test Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

You will also be responsible for supporting the iterative design and test of our spacecraft payload ... Determine spacecraft antenna types, number, and placement required on spacecraft. * Perform ...

SIMILAR CAREER TITLES RF Design Engineer, RF Test Engineer, Microwave Engineer, Communications Systems Engineer, Signal Processing Engineer, Wireless Systems Engineer, Antenna Engineer ...

SIMILAR CAREER TITLES RF Design Engineer, RF Test Engineer, Microwave Engineer, Communications Systems Engineer, Signal Processing Engineer, Wireless Systems Engineer, Antenna Engineer ...

SIMILAR CAREER TITLES RF Design Engineer, RF Test Engineer, Microwave Engineer, Communications Systems Engineer, Signal Processing Engineer, Wireless Systems Engineer, Antenna Engineer ...

Experience or interest in RF circuit and antenna design is a significant plus. The ideal candidate ... Conducts research, development, test, and integration of custom embedded systems and special ...

Experience or interest in RF circuit and antenna design is a significant plus. The ideal candidate ... Conducts research, development, test, and integration of custom embedded systems and special ...

Showing results 41-60

Antenna Test Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$40.2K

$110.5K

$163.1K

How much do antenna test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for antenna test engineer in Virginia is $110,543.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,300.00 and $137,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 job categories do people searching Antenna Test Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Antenna Test Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Antenna Test Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Antenna Test Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Antenna Test Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,543 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Mechanical Antenna Engineer - Level 3 - Dulles

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Dulles, VA

$75K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

90th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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.

Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations. Northrop Grumman's Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As a Mechanical Systems Engineer - Level 3 located in Dulles, VA, you'll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems Division designs, builds and delivers space, defense and aviation-related systems to customers around the world. Our main products include launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; missile products, subsystems and defense electronics; precision weapons, armament systems and ammunition; satellites and associated space components and services; and advanced aerospace structures.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems Division is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to assist a team of mechanical engineers to perform mechanical, systems, mechanisms, and design engineering tasks on one or more spacecraft systems or subsystems.

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Work on Spacecraft Antenna, Feeds, OMTs, and Deployable system
  • Work closely with RF team in generating antenna optics, optimizing reflectors, feed location, procuring hardware, and supporting the build, integration, and testing of the subsystem on to a spacecraft.
  • Write specifications and SOWs.
  • Design, develop, and release drawings for Antenna Deployable Supports and Secondary Structure. Procure hardware and support build, integration, and testing.
  • Interfacing and communicating with customers, program and functional management, RF engineers and other spacecraft engineering disciplines, and component suppliers.
  • Develop test plans and procedures and support structural, RF, and deployment testing at component and spacecraft levels.
  • Perform detailed design tasks using CREO Parametric Computer Aided Design (CAD) and other software tools to develop and document designs.
  • Expected to be self-motivated and provide technical solutions to a wide range of difficult problems under limited oversight.
  • Skills include, but not limited to, Computer Aided Design (CAD), knowledge of Geometric Dimension and Tolerancing (GD&T), 3D Printing, Design for Manufacturing, and Mechanics of Metallic and Composite Materials, Antenna and Reflector Design.
  • Other duties as assigned

If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree with 5 years of professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 3 years of professional experience - OR - PhD with 1 year of professional experience.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top-Secret security clearance
  • Ability to perform engineering tasks associated with design, manufacturing, and testing of space Antenna, Reflectors, and Deployable Support Structures.
  • Experience with CREO Parametric CAD software.
  • Experience with cost and schedule management.
  • Ability and willingness to obtain government clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with Antennas system design (UHF to V-band), Deployable Support structures, and Secondary Structures.
  • Advance proficiency with CREO Parametric CAD software.
  • Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) standards and preparation of manufacturing documentation.
  • Experience with 3D Printing, Design for Manufacturing, and hands-on hardware fabrication.
  • Strong math background

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00The 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