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Contract Rf Filter Design Engineer Jobs in Gaithersburg, MD

Umbra

Senior Antenna & RF Design Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

About the Job We are seeking an experienced RF Microwave Design Engineer with deep expertise in antenna systems and passive microwave hardware to support the development of next‑generation ...

Umbra

Senior Antenna & RF Design Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

About the Job We are seeking an experienced RF Microwave Design Engineer with deep expertise in antenna systems and passive microwave hardware to support the development of next-generation spaceborne ...

Umbra

Senior Antenna & RF Design Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

About the Job We are seeking an experienced RF Microwave Design Engineer with deep expertise in antenna systems and passive microwave hardware to support the development of next-generation spaceborne ...

HawkEye 360

Senior RF Electrical Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

... Design for Manufacturing (DFM). * Work closely with PCB Contract Manufacturers (CMs) to ensure ... Bachelor's degree in RF/Electrical Engineering, or a related field. * Expert understanding of ...

CACI

RF Design Electrical Engineer

Dulles, VA · On-site

$86K - $181K/yr

RF Design Electrical Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance ... and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies ...

HawkEye 360

Senior RF Electrical Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

... Design for Manufacturing (DFM). * Work closely with PCB Contract Manufacturers (CMs) to ensure ... Bachelor's degree in RF/Electrical Engineering, or a related field. * Expert understanding of ...

Cymertek

RF Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ... Design and test RF systems * Analyze and optimize RF performance * Develop and simulate RF circuits

Cymertek Corporation

RF Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ... Design and test RF systems * Analyze and optimize RF performance * Develop and simulate RF circuits

Cymertek

RF Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ... Design and test RF systems * Analyze and optimize RF performance * Develop and simulate RF circuits

Cymertek

RF Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ... Design and test RF systems * Analyze and optimize RF performance * Develop and simulate RF circuits

Cymertek

RF Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ... Design and test RF systems * Analyze and optimize RF performance * Develop and simulate RF circuits

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All JobsContract Rf Filter Design Engineer JobsContract Rf Filter Design Engineer Jobs in Gaithersburg, MD

Contract Rf Filter Design Engineer information

See Gaithersburg, MD salary details

$40K

$127.1K

$197.7K

How much do contract rf filter design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract rf filter design engineer in Gaithersburg, MD is $127,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,300.00 and $150,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract RF filter design engineer?

Contract RF Filter Design Engineers are professionals who specialize in designing radio frequency (RF) filters on a contractual basis, rather than as permanent employees. They work with clients or companies to develop, analyze, and optimize electronic filters that control signal frequencies in RF systems, such as those found in wireless communications, radar, and broadcasting. Their work may involve using simulation software, prototyping, and testing to ensure filters meet specific performance criteria. These engineers often have expertise in electrical engineering, signal processing, and practical experience with various filter topologies. Contract roles can range from short-term projects to longer engagements, depending on the client's needs.

What are some typical challenges faced by a contract RF filter design engineer when joining a new project team?

As a Contract RF Filter Design Engineer, one common challenge is quickly adapting to different design methodologies and toolsets used by various clients. You may also encounter tight project timelines that require efficient problem-solving and rapid prototyping. Additionally, integrating your designs with existing system architectures and collaborating with cross-functional teams—such as hardware, testing, and manufacturing—can require strong communication skills to ensure all requirements are met. Being proactive in understanding client expectations and documentation standards is key to a smooth onboarding process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract RF filter design engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Contract RF Filter Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, expertise in RF/microwave filter theory, and experience with circuit simulation and design, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with design and simulation tools such as ADS, HFSS, CST, and familiarity with network analyzers and CAD software is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that set top engineers apart. These capabilities ensure the development of high-performance, reliable RF filters that meet stringent client and project requirements.

What is the difference between Contract Rf Filter Design Engineer vs Contract RF Circuit Design Engineer?

AspectContract Rf Filter Design EngineerContract RF Circuit Design Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning RF filters for signal integrity and frequency selectionDesigning RF circuits including amplifiers, mixers, and oscillators
Skills & CertificationsRF filter theory, simulation tools, relevant certificationsRF circuit design, PCB layout, simulation tools
Work EnvironmentElectronics manufacturing, telecommunications, aerospaceWireless devices, telecommunications, defense

While both roles involve RF design, the Contract Rf Filter Design Engineer specializes in creating filters to shape signal spectra, whereas the Contract RF Circuit Design Engineer focuses on broader RF circuit components. The choice depends on whether the project emphasizes filter performance or overall RF circuitry development.

What are popular job titles related to Contract Rf Filter Design Engineer jobs in Gaithersburg, MD?

For Contract Rf Filter Design Engineer jobs in Gaithersburg, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Rf Filter Design Engineer jobs in Gaithersburg, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Rf Filter Design Engineer jobs in Gaithersburg, MD are:

What cities near Gaithersburg, MD are hiring for Contract Rf Filter Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Gaithersburg, MD with the most Contract Rf Filter Design Engineer job openings:

Contract Rf Filter Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Rf Filter Design Engineer job openings in Gaithersburg, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,148 per year, or $61.1 per hour.

RF Design Engineer

Laurel, MD • On-site

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratoryexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
Are you passionate about providing real, immediate impact to the country's toughest national security problems?
Do you love designing, building, and testing prototype radio frequency (RF) waveforms and systems?
Do you enjoy combining state-of-the-art antennas with cutting edge RF technology and digital signal processing to solve challenging communications problems?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking an RF Design Engineer to help us research, design, and deliver groundbreaking RF capabilities to our sponsors. You would be joining our team, which provides creative solutions and systems for Special Operations missions in the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC).
As a member of our team, you will be responsible for designing, testing, demonstrating, and delivering RF antennas and sensors as well as associated RF circuits, for systems that function throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. Specific applications span several mission and research areas in the DoD and IC.
As an RF Design Engineer, you will...
  • Stay up-to-date on the latest antenna, RF electronics, and signal processing innovations.
  • Participate in and lead component- and system-level hardware design teams from 3 to 30 engineers.
  • Develop hardware specifications and system requirements from high-level operational need statements.
  • Design and develop innovative hardware solutions such as antennas, electromagnetic sensors, RF circuits, and RF systems.
  • Develop and refine RF simulations to study RF propagation and performance.
  • Define and execute hardware tests to assess component and system performance.
  • Conduct HW/SW trade-off analyses, develop system block diagrams, perform Analysis-of-Alternatives studies, and guide vendor selection for critical sub-systems.
  • Document and present work to sponsors, technical teams, and APL management.
  • Continually grow your skills in engineering, communication, and leadership.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or another field relevant to the duties as described above.
  • 5+ years of experience developing RF or electromagnetic hardware.
  • Experience with RF lab test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, etc.
  • Experience with RF concepts such as network parameters, impedance, and distributed RF circuits.
  • Familiarity with full-wave electromagnetic and RF circuit solvers.
  • Experience developing digital signal processing solutions.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work independently or as part of a multi-discipline team.
  • The ability to work on-site at APL's main campus as well as at commercial and government test sites.
  • Are able to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Master's or Doctorate degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field with a focus in RF or electromagnetic sensors or systems.
  • 8+ years of experience with antenna design and testing
  • Strong understanding of network parameters and how to use them to solve wide-ranging RF and electromagnetic problems.
  • Experience with electromagnetic concepts and derivations for radiating elements and fields.
  • Experience with mathematical methods of full-wave electromagnetic solvers.
  • Lead teams of 3+ engineers with all levels of seniority.
  • Deep understanding of statistical digital signal processing and signal estimation theory.
  • Hold a TS/SCI security clearance.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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