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First Rf Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Relativity Space

Senior RF Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

This is a highly technical, hardware-first role in a scrappy, hands-on environment and team where ... RF architecture & link budgets for challenging environments * Selection, design, and/or integration ...

K2 Space

RF Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

In your first 6 months, you will be pivotal in developing production quality test hardware and ... You will be working alongside the Electrical and RF Engineering teams to interface with Avionics ...

Apex

RF Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$128K - $177K/yr

For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs ... This role sits at the intersection of RF design, spacecraft integration, and hardware test ...

Kratos Defense

Lead RF Test Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

Improve first-pass yield, reduce repeat failures, and decrease troubleshooting time by building stronger RF troubleshooting discipline and root-cause follow-through across the team. * Support ...

BlackSky

Senior RF Engineer

Tukwila, WA · On-site

Understanding of EE fundamentals/RF communications systems from a first principles perspective ... including systems architecture, antennas, signal processing, and/or RF propagation. * Familiarity ...

BlackSky

Senior RF Engineer

Tukwila, WA · On-site

Understanding of EE fundamentals/RF communications systems from a first principles perspective ... including systems architecture, antennas, signal processing, and/or RF propagation. * Familiarity ...

Mj3 Partners, Inc.

Senior RF Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

Within your first year, you will be expected to lead projects with one or more small ... RF devices such as amplifiers, attenuators, phase shifters, and mixers • Experience with RF ...

HawkEye 360

Senior RF Electrical Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

You will perform RF and electrical design of our space platforms with a primary focus on our RF ... Perform first article hardware unit testing, including reception inspection, burn-in testing ...

Xona Space Systems, Inc

RF Test Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Hands-on, solutions-first mindset - you're comfortable debugging at the system level. * Ability to ... Deep familiarity with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators, etc.

HawkEye 360

Senior RF Electrical Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

You will perform RF and electrical design of our space platforms with a primary focus on our RF ... Perform first article hardware unit testing, including reception inspection, burn-in testing ...

Icarus

Senior RF Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120K - $220K/yr

Own RF subsystems end to end: architecture, link budgets, component selection, integration, test ... Comfort working from first principles and validating performance through test and flight data

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First Rf information

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$37K

$117.7K

$183K

How much do first rf jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for first rf in the United States is $117,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,500.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first RF?

First RF engineers are professionals who specialize in the design, development, and testing of radio frequency (RF) systems and components. These engineers typically work on antennas, transmitters, receivers, and related technologies for applications such as telecommunications, defense, and aerospace. The term 'First RF' may refer to a specific company or a primary role in RF engineering projects. Their responsibilities include system modeling, circuit design, prototyping, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal RF performance. They play a crucial role in advancing wireless communications and radar technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first RF engineer?

To thrive as a First RF (Radio Frequency) Engineer, you need a solid understanding of RF principles, circuit design, and electromagnetic theory, typically backed by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with simulation tools like CST, HFSS, or ADS, as well as experience using spectrum analyzers and network analyzers, is often required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for solving complex problems and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure reliable RF system performance and successful project outcomes in fast-evolving technology environments.

What are some common challenges faced by first RF engineers in the field and how can they be addressed?

First RF engineers often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving technology, strict project deadlines, and the need for precise coordination with cross-functional teams. Staying updated on the latest RF technologies and maintaining strong communication with both hardware and software teams can help address these challenges. Additionally, proactive troubleshooting and a collaborative approach are essential for overcoming integration or testing issues that may arise during development cycles.

What is the difference between First Rf vs Radio Frequency Technician?

AspectFirst RfRadio Frequency Technician
Required CredentialsCertifications in RF technology, technical diplomaRF certifications, technical or associate degree
Work EnvironmentTelecom sites, network facilitiesBroadcast stations, telecom infrastructure
Industry UsageTelecommunications, network providersBroadcasting, telecom companies
Job FocusInstallation, maintenance of RF systemsTesting, troubleshooting RF equipment

First Rf and Radio Frequency Technician roles both involve working with RF systems, but First Rf typically emphasizes installation and maintenance within telecom networks, while Radio Frequency Technicians focus more on testing and troubleshooting RF equipment across various industries.

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First Rf jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Rf job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,680 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

Senior RF Engineer

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Relativity Space rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

About the Team:

The Interplanetary Program was established to expand access to scientific exploration across our solar system. Its mission is to make planetary research faster, more affordable, and more capable than ever before by rethinking how science missions are designed, built, and operated. The program aims to enable scientists to send instruments to distant worlds without decades of development or prohibitive costs. By creating a sustainable model for interplanetary exploration, we are transforming space science from an occasional event into a continuous process of discovery that accelerates knowledge, broadens participation, and inspires the next generation of explorers.

About the Role:

As an RF Engineer on Relativity's Interplanetary Program, you will own the architecture, design, development, testing, and operation of next-generation high-reliability RF systems that enable deep-space communication, navigation, and science operations. You will work hands-on across the full lifecycle, from concept and link budgets, to working with ground stations (i.e. DSN, KSAT, etc.) through hardware bring-up, environmental qualification, integrated testing, and flight readiness. This role partners tightly with avionics, optical comms, and spacecraft REs to ensure our RF subsystem integrates cleanly into the overall spacecraft bus. You will be responsible for solving engineering challenges that push the boundaries of RF technologies: designing for extreme distances measuring in AUs, low-SNR environments, radiation effects, and highly constrained mass/power budgets. This is a highly technical, hardware-first role in a scrappy, hands-on environment and team where iteration speed, analytical rigor, and end-to-end ownership of the problem space will be critical to the success of the mission.

About You:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field
  • 5+ years of experience in RF communication system architecture, analysis, and/or component engineering
  • Experience with 3 or more of the following:
    • RF architecture & link budgets for challenging environments
    • Selection, design, and/or integration of RF systems including transmitters, receivers, LNAs, PAs, frequency sources, converters, and front-end architecture.
    • Selection and/or design of RF passive components such as filters, diplexers, couplers, and waveguide components
    • Antenna design, analysis, and modeling tools
    • Hands-on testing with RF lab equipment such as spectrum analyzers, VNAs, SDRs, power meters and data recorders
    • Hands-on integrated testing with ground stations and/or integrated spacecraft RF systems to flow live telemetry and commanding
  • Experience communicating deeply technical topics with individuals from different disciplines

Nice to haves but not required:

  • Experience with space environments (radiation effects, thermal extremes, vacuum operation, component derating)
  • Prior work with deep-space spacecraft comms system design & architecture
  • Prior work with deep-space ground station networks
  • Experience with high-gain antennas, phased arrays, or gimbaled antenna systems
  • Experience designing or validating RF hardware for flight qualification (TVAC, vibe, EMI/EMC)

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