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Contract Rf Ic Design Engineer Jobs in Bowie, MD

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

Cymertek

Hardware Design Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

... RF Design Engineer, Power Systems Engineer, ect. DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Helsing

Senior RF Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

You will design, develop, and deploy advanced datalink systems for UAS-to-ground and UAS-to-UAS ... contracts * We actively encourage healthy, proactive, and diverse debate internally about what we ...

Helsing

Senior RF Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

You will design, develop, and deploy advanced datalink systems for UAS-to-ground and UAS-to-UAS ... contracts * We actively encourage healthy, proactive, and diverse debate internally about what we ...

Cymertek

RF Systems Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

In this role, you will design, develop, and optimize radio frequency systems and components that ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Cymertek

RF Systems Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

In this role, you will design, develop, and optimize radio frequency systems and components that ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Markon

RF Software Engineer 1

Annapolis Junction, MD

$160K - $170K/yr

Design, develop, and implement advanced RF and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms for ... Collaborate with systems engineers, software developers, and mission stakeholders to develop and ...

Markon

RF Software Engineer 2

Annapolis Junction, MD

$210K - $220K/yr

Design, develop, and implement advanced RF and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms for ... Collaborate with systems engineers, software developers, and mission stakeholders to develop and ...

Markon

RF Software Engineer 1

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$160K - $170K/yr

Design, develop, and implement advanced RF and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms for ... Collaborate with systems engineers, software developers, and mission stakeholders to develop and ...

Markon

RF Software Engineer 2

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$210K - $220K/yr

Design, develop, and implement advanced RF and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms for ... Collaborate with systems engineers, software developers, and mission stakeholders to develop and ...

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All JobsContract Rf Ic Design Engineer JobsContract Rf Ic Design Engineer Jobs in Bowie, MD

Contract Rf Ic Design Engineer information

See Bowie, MD salary details

$35.7K

$113.6K

$176.7K

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

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract rf ic design engineer in Bowie, MD is $113,614.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,100.00 and $134,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract RF IC design engineer?

A Contract RF IC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit) Design Engineer is a specialist who designs, develops, and tests integrated circuits that operate at radio frequencies, typically for wireless communication products. Working on a contract basis, these engineers are hired for specific projects and may work for different companies as needed. Their responsibilities include circuit design, simulation, layout, and verification of RF components such as amplifiers, mixers, and oscillators. They often collaborate with other engineers to ensure the circuits meet performance specifications and industry standards. Contract RF IC Design Engineers are essential in industries like telecommunications, consumer electronics, and aerospace.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract RF IC design engineer?

To thrive as a Contract RF IC Design Engineer, you need a strong background in analog and RF circuit design, semiconductor physics, and relevant engineering degrees, typically in electrical or electronics engineering. Experience with EDA tools like Cadence Virtuoso, ADS, or Mentor Graphics, and knowledge of industry standards for IC layout and verification are essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set top candidates apart. These competencies ensure the development of high-performance, reliable ICs that meet demanding technical specifications and project deadlines.

What are some common challenges faced by contract RF IC design engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Contract RF IC Design Engineers often face challenges such as quickly adapting to new project requirements, integrating with existing design teams, and managing tight deadlines. Since each client or project may use different design tools or methodologies, flexibility and strong communication skills are essential. Building a solid understanding of the project's specifications early on and maintaining open communication with both in-house engineers and project managers can help ensure smooth collaboration and timely delivery. Proactively seeking feedback and clarifying expectations also aids in overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Contract Rf Ic Design Engineer vs Contract Digital IC Design Engineer?

AspectContract Rf Ic Design EngineerContract Digital IC Design Engineer
Required SkillsRF circuit design, analog and mixed-signal design, simulation toolsDigital logic design, HDL (VHDL/Verilog), FPGA/ASIC design
Work EnvironmentSemiconductor companies, telecommunications, aerospaceConsumer electronics, computing, data centers
CertificationsRelevant EE degrees, RF design certificationsEE degrees, digital design certifications

The main difference between a Contract Rf Ic Design Engineer and a Contract Digital IC Design Engineer lies in their focus areas. RF IC engineers specialize in high-frequency analog and RF circuit design, while digital IC engineers focus on digital logic and FPGA/ASIC development. Both roles require strong EE backgrounds but differ in their technical skills and industry applications.

Contract Rf Ic Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Rf Ic Design Engineer job openings in Bowie, MD as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, 60% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,614 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

RF Design Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted just now

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

2nd of 74 rated research

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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