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Entry Level Rf Communications Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RF Systems Engineer

Hoboken, NJ · Hybrid

$104K - $147K/yr

RF/Systems Engineer Location: Hoboken, NJ Division: Revenue Department: Defense About Us: Quantum ... Strong experience with RF communication bands, modulations and protocols. * Hands-on experience ...

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Entry Level Rf Communications Engineer information

See salary details

$62.5K

$110.7K

$137.5K

How much do entry level rf communications engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level rf communications engineer in the United States is $110,693.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level RF Communications Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level RF Communications Engineer, you need a solid understanding of radio frequency principles, circuit design, and a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with RF simulation tools such as Keysight ADS, MATLAB, and network analyzers, as well as any relevant industry certifications, is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set candidates apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for developing reliable RF systems, collaborating on technical teams, and ensuring successful project outcomes in the fast-evolving communications industry.

What is the difference between Entry Level Rf Communications Engineer vs Radio Frequency Technician?

AspectEntry Level Rf Communications EngineerRadio Frequency Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; certifications like FCC licensesAssociate's degree or technical certification; FCC licensing often required
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and troubleshooting RF systems; office and lab settingsInstallation, maintenance, and repair of RF equipment; field and technical environments
Industry UsageTelecommunications, defense, aerospaceBroadcasting, telecommunications, military
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve RF technology, Entry Level Rf Communications Engineers focus on designing and testing RF systems, often requiring a degree and certifications. Radio Frequency Technicians primarily handle installation and maintenance of RF equipment, typically with technical training. Both roles are essential in telecommunications and related industries, but they differ in responsibilities and work environments.

What are some common challenges entry-level RF Communications Engineers face during their first year on the job?

Entry-level RF Communications Engineers often encounter challenges such as learning to use specialized test equipment, interpreting complex signal data, and troubleshooting interference issues in real-world environments. Adapting to fast-paced project timelines while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards is also common. New engineers typically work closely with senior team members and cross-functional teams, which helps them quickly develop both technical and communication skills. Overcoming these initial hurdles is a valuable part of the learning process and can set the foundation for future growth in the field.

What does an Entry Level RF Communications Engineer do?

An Entry Level RF Communications Engineer helps design, test, and maintain radio frequency (RF) systems and components, such as antennas, transmitters, and receivers. They often assist senior engineers in analyzing RF signals, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring systems meet performance standards. Their work supports wireless communication technologies used in industries like telecommunications, defense, and broadcasting. Typically, they also use specialized software and equipment to model and measure RF performance as part of a larger engineering team.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Rf Communications Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Rf Communications Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Rf Communications Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Rf Communications Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Rf Communications Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Rf Communications Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Rf Communications Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,693 per year, or $53.2 per hour.
RF Test Engineer I/II

RF Test Engineer I/II

Rocket Lab Corporation

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Rocket Lab rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SPACE SYSTEMS  

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

RF TEST ENGINEER I/II 

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, theRF TEST ENGINEER I/II is responsible for testing RF components and spacecrafts for the space systems team.  The RF Test Engineer supports test setup design, qualification of components, and production troubleshooting. This RF Test Engineer will be the focal for EMI/EMC testing and evaluation.  The ideal RF Test Engineer will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, and reliably meet tight project deadlines.  

 WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: 

 Test Planning and Preparation: 

  • Design test setups.
  • Develop test scripts to automate tests.
  • Develop test plans and procedures.
  • Seek input from RF engineers as necessary to support test setup design/analysis.
  • Arrange/purchase test equipment and components as needed.

 Test Conduct and Reporting: 

  • Establish test setups.
  • Conduct testing.
  • Post-process test data.
  • Develop test reports.

 Production Support: 

  • Train and support production technicians.
  • Support the production process.
  • Seek input from RF engineers as necessary.

 QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS RF TEST ENGINEER I: 

  • Bachelor's degree in Electronics, Communications, RF, or other technical discipline
  • Working knowledge of common RF components such as splitters, attenuators, amplifiers and frequency converters and their general RF performance characteristics. 
  • Solid theoretical understanding of RF test and measurement principles. 
  • General understanding of EMI/EMC testing 

 QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS RF TEST ENGINEER II: 

  • Bachelor's degree in Electronics, Communications, RF, or other technical discipline
  • 2+ years' experience across all aspects of RF device/system testing including test planning, conduct, and reporting. 
  • Working knowledge of common RF components such as splitters, attenuators, amplifiers and frequency converters and their general RF performance characteristics. 
  • Solid theoretical understanding of RF test and measurement principles. 
  • Highly proficient in using RF test and measurement equipment such as; Vector Network Analyzers (VNA) and spectrum analyzer. 
  • Understanding of MIL-STD-461 and SMC-S-016 

 THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

  • Experience developing test scripts and automated test setups.
  • Ability to meet tight deadlines in a fast paced environments.
  • Effective communication and documentation skills and the ability to build strong working relationships.
  • Working knowledge of RF communications systems including; modulation and coding, cascaded RF device performance, and link analysis.
  • Experience performing end-to-end testing of RF communications systems for example; Eb/N0 vs BER testing.
  • Familiarity with the ITU radio regulations along with general RF licensing processes and dependencies.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.