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Associate Rf Engineer Jobs in Sterling, VA (NOW HIRING)

ActioNet

Wireless Engineer SR

Vienna, VA · On-site

Devises and supports RF link performance, reliability, and quality. Enables data and system ... High school diploma or associate degree with 10 years performing as a Broadband/Wireless Engineer ...

ActioNet

Wireless Engineer SR

Vienna, VA · On-site

Devises and supports RF link performance, reliability, and quality. Enables data and system ... High school diploma or associate degree with 10 years performing as a Broadband/Wireless Engineer ...

Alarm.com

Device Engineer II

Tysons Corner, VA

The RF/EMC Engineer position is ideal for candidates who want to work hands-on with technologies such as cellular networks (LTE, Cat-M, NB-IoT, RedCap, eRedCap), WiFi, Bluetooth, LoRa and mesh/star ...

New

Maxtena Inc

PCB Layout Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

Associate Degree or higher in Electrical Engineering discipline or demonstrated PCB layout skillset * 7+ years of experience with multi-layer PCB layout, including prototyping, SMT, RF, mixed signal ...

Maxtena Inc

PCB Layout Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

Associate Degree or higher in Electrical Engineering discipline or demonstrated PCB layout skillset * 7+ years of experience with multi-layer PCB layout, including prototyping, SMT, RF, mixed signal ...

Motorola

Field Engineer - Washington

Washington, DC · On-site

... RF and Broadband architectures, as well as essential network infrastructure. Key Duties and ... Associate's Degree, EET, Technical Certification, Project Management Certification, IT ...

Phase2 Technology

Solution Architect, Senior

Mclean, VA · On-site

$99 - $225/hr

Experience with RF engineering and systems integration * Experience with test procedures and test ... CompTIA Network+, Aruba Certified Mobility Associate (ACMA), or Cisco Certified Network Associate ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Solution Architect, Senior

Mclean, VA · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Experience with RF engineering and systems integration * Experience with test procedures and test ... CompTIA Network+, Aruba Certified Mobility Associate (ACMA), or Cisco Certified Network Associate ...

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All JobsAssociate Rf Engineer JobsAssociate Rf Engineer Jobs in Sterling, VA

Associate Rf Engineer information

See Sterling, VA salary details

$41.1K

$81.8K

$130.7K

How much do associate rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate rf engineer in Sterling, VA is $81,839.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,900.00 and $94,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Rf Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectAssociate Rf EngineerRF Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; some certificationsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering; often more experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects, testing, and troubleshootingMore independent, involved in design, optimization, and deployment
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in RF testing, data collection, and basic troubleshootingDesigning RF systems, performance analysis, and advanced troubleshooting

The main difference between an Associate Rf Engineer and an RF Engineer lies in experience and responsibility level. Associate Rf Engineers typically handle entry-level tasks such as testing and data collection, while RF Engineers are more involved in system design and optimization. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but RF Engineers usually have more industry experience and take on more complex projects.

What is an associate RF engineer?

Associate RF Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in the design, implementation, and maintenance of radio frequency (RF) systems and equipment. They typically work under the supervision of senior RF engineers to help optimize wireless communication networks, troubleshoot signal issues, and ensure regulatory compliance. Their duties may include performing site surveys, analyzing RF coverage, and supporting the deployment of wireless infrastructure. This role often requires a background in electrical engineering or a related field, and familiarity with RF testing tools and software.

What are some typical challenges an associate RF engineer may face when working on wireless network projects?

As an Associate RF Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as optimizing signal coverage in complex environments, mitigating interference between frequency bands, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Working closely with senior engineers and field technicians, you'll frequently analyze drive test data, adjust network parameters, and troubleshoot coverage gaps. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential, as projects often require input from design, operations, and customer support to deliver reliable and efficient wireless networks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate RF engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate RF Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, RF principles, and telecommunications, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with RF simulation tools (like CST or HFSS), spectrum analyzers, and network analyzers is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork make candidates stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring reliable wireless system performance and successful project delivery in complex technical environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Rf Engineer jobs in Sterling, VA? The most popular types of Rf Engineer jobs in Sterling, VA are:
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What cities near Sterling, VA are hiring for Associate Rf Engineer jobs? Cities near Sterling, VA with the most Associate Rf Engineer job openings:
Associate Rf Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Rf Engineer job openings in Sterling, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,839 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

2026 Associate I&T RF Engineer - Dulles VA

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Sterling, VA • On-site

$76K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Entry Level opportunities at Northrop Grumman are unique. Are you interested in boosting your knowledge through experience and exposure, while supporting a mission that seeks to protect our nation and its allies? If so, then Northrop Grumman is the place you!
Our professionals live and breathe different perspectives; we are curious about the world, accepting each other, and aware that the more ideas, backgrounds, opinions and experiences we bring to our work, the stronger that work will be. Just as you would invest your time and hard work into our company, we focus on investing back into you through enriching professional experiences and high-quality learning and development opportunities. We want you to bring your whole self to work, and for you to have meaningful connections with your coworkers, customers and communities, while providing the best products, systems and technologies to protect our world.
Northrop Grumman is seeking an Associate RF Engineer . This position will be located at our Space sector in Dulles, VA
The qualified candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman's Integration and Test Team.
Duties:
  • Assist lead engineers in testing of RF for spacecraft satellite systems
  • Use electronics test equipment to evaluate system performance, and troubleshoot operation issues.
  • Configure, operate, and troubleshoot RF test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, receivers, software-defined radios, antennas, vector network analyzers, data acquisition systems, and related instrumentation.
  • Evaluate RF system performance against defined test requirements
  • Identify test limitations, data gaps, anomalies, instrumentation issues, and equipment problems

Basic Qualifications for the I&T RF Test Engineer:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related STEM field
  • Knowledge of RF fundamentals, including frequency, bandwidth, modulation, propagation, antennas, gain/loss, noise, interference, transmitters, receivers, link performance, and signal characterization.
  • Experience using RF test and measurement equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, antennas, vector network analyzers, receivers, and software-defined radios.
  • Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills across RF hardware and software systems
  • Comfortable performing hands-on work in a fast-paced environment
  • Work effectively with engineers, test personnel, technicians, program managers, Government leads, and cross-functional technical teams.
  • Willing and able to work flexible shifts to include 2nd and 3rd shifts occasionally
  • Able to travel in and out of the country
  • Willing and able to obtain DOD security clearance including a polygraph.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.

Preferred Qualifications for the I&T RF Test Engineer:
  • Fundamental knowledge of RF, microwave, or electronic systems engineering.
  • Experience reading RF test procedures for engineering or production environments
  • Experience with Python, C++, Matlab, or Labview programming.
  • Experience with hands-on troubleshooting of RF/communications hardware

Salary Range: 76,200 - 114,400
Primary Level Salary Range: $76,200.00 - $114,400.00
The 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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