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Junior Rf Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

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Junior Rf Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$37.9K

$81.3K

$124K

How much do junior rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior rf engineer in Washington, DC is $81,304.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,900.00 and $90,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Junior RF Engineers during their first year on the job?

Junior RF Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex signal issues, adapting to rapidly changing technology, and interpreting technical documentation. They may also find it challenging to balance hands-on fieldwork with desk-based analysis and to communicate technical findings to non-technical team members. Gaining proficiency in industry-standard software tools and learning to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams are also common hurdles that, once overcome, contribute significantly to professional growth.

What are Junior RF Engineers?

Junior RF Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in the design, testing, and maintenance of radio frequency (RF) systems and equipment. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers and help with tasks such as signal analysis, equipment troubleshooting, and network optimization. Their responsibilities may include collecting data, performing basic simulations, and supporting the development of wireless communication systems. This role is an excellent starting point for those looking to build a career in RF engineering and telecommunications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior RF Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior RF Engineer, you need a solid understanding of radio frequency principles, circuit design, and telecommunications, typically with a degree in electrical or electronics engineering. Familiarity with tools like spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, RF simulation software (e.g., CST, HFSS), and knowledge of industry standards are highly valued. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate system design, troubleshooting, and collaboration essential to the successful deployment and maintenance of RF systems.

What is the difference between Junior Rf Engineer vs RF Technician?

AspectJunior Rf EngineerRF Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field; some certificationsTechnical diploma or associate degree; specialized training
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and development in labs or officesFieldwork, installation, and maintenance at sites
Employer & Industry UsageTelecom, aerospace, defense companiesTelecom providers, network service companies

The main difference is that Junior Rf Engineers focus on designing and testing RF systems, often requiring a degree and some certifications, while RF Technicians handle installation and maintenance tasks in the field with more technical training. Both roles are essential in the telecom and RF industry but serve different functions based on skills and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rf Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Rf Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Junior Field Applications Engineer

Junior Field Applications Engineer

Motorola

Reston, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Motorola Solutions rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Company Overview

At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with our people. We're a global close-knit community, united by the relentless pursuit to help keep people safer everywhere. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions foster the collaboration that's critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals, safer businesses, and ultimately, safer nations. Connect with a career that matters, and help us build a safer future.


Department OverviewCRFS (Cambridge Radio Frequency Systems) is a global leader in RF spectrum monitoring, direction finding, and geolocation technology. Founded in 2007, CRFS designs, builds, programs, and deploys advanced hardware and software solutions that enable military operators, national security agencies, spectrum regulators, and system integrators to detect, identify, and exploit RF signals in the most complex and contested electromagnetic environments.
Our RFeye ecosystem comprises rugged RF sensors, direction-finding arrays, and the RFeye Site, Mission Manager, and DeepView software suite. Together they deliver actionable RF intelligence and full-spectrum situational awareness across fixed, mobile-tactical, airborne, and in-building deployments. From spectrum dominance on the modern battlefield to interference hunting at critical national infrastructure, CRFS technology is trusted by hundreds of organizations across six continents.
CRFS is an agile and flexible company. We work closely with customers, end users, and system integrators to design, refine, and continuously improve the specific capabilities they need to understand and exploit the electromagnetic environment.
Job Description

The Opportunity

CRFS is seeking a Junior Field Applications Engineer who will report to the Manager of the US FAE Team on the US Field Applications Engineering team. The successful candidate will support senior engineers in technical customer engagement, hands-on equipment operations, and field deployments - building the skills and experience needed to grow into a subject matter expert in RF spectrum monitoring and geolocation technology. This position is based at CFRS' U.S. Headquarters in Reston, VA, and is fully onsite.

The following represents the current essential functions of this position. CRFS leadership may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at its discretion.

Role and Responsibilities

  • Customer Support: Provide local assistance to senior Field Applications Engineers, maintain the pool of demonstration equipment, and set up and test systems prior to use in the field.
  • Technical Training: Learn and ultimately deliver customer training to end users on basic CRFS system and software operations.
  • Diagnostic Support: Learn to perform diagnostics and basic repairs on CRFS equipment both in the office and in the field.
  • Field Integration: Deploy to customer locations to assist with the installation, configuration, and testing of CRFS equipment.
  • Documentation: Assist in the development of test plans and contribute to project summary reports.
  • Sales Support: Support Sales Teams by preparing equipment for demonstrations and assisting with technical presentations.
  • Inventory Management: Maintain and manage the demonstration equipment inventory to ensure it is calibrated, updated, and ready for deployment.
  • Travel Requirement: Up to 25% travel, primarily domestic with some international, to customer sites and trade events.
  • Perform other related duties of which the above are representative.

Required Qualifications

  • Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related technical field. Relevant military technical school experience will be highly considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Experience: Entry to early-career (0-3 years). Strong desire to learn and grow in a hands-on technical environment.
  • ESD Awareness: Basic understanding of working on static-sensitive equipment in ESD-controlled environments.
  • Networking Basics: Familiarity with basic networking concepts including TCP/IP, subnets, and hardware configuration.
  • Technical Literacy: Strong computer skills and the ability to quickly learn specialized software and OS environments.
  • Communication: Clear oral and written communication skills with the ability to document technical processes accurately.
  • Adaptability: A "can-do" attitude with a strong desire to learn new technologies and follow guidance from senior mentors.
  • Mobility: Must be willing and able to travel frequently to support customer requirements.
  • Safety: Commitment to safe working practices and following established risk assessment protocols.
  • Eligibility: Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident) due to the nature of work performed under U.S. government and federal contracts.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • RF Foundation: Fundamental understanding of RF concepts (frequency, power, spectrum analysis) and basic familiarity with test equipment such as Spectrum Analyzers and multimeters.
  • Defense/Government Interest: Interest in or prior experience with DoD, Government, or defense contracting environments.
  • Security Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret or TS clearance. An active clearance is a plus.
  • Hands-on Hobbyist: Personal projects involving SDRs (Software Defined Radios), amateur radio, or electronics are a strong indicator of passion for the field.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

  • Standard office environment with access to engineering labs and test equipment.
  • Trade shows, exhibitions, and industry events (e.g., AUSA, AOC Symposium, DSEi).
  • Outdoor or field environments for RF demonstrations, sensor deployments, and customer trials.
  • Occasional exposure to heat, cold, and environmental conditions when performing field tests or demonstrations.
  • While performing the duties of this role, the employee may be required to:
  • Lift and transport RF equipment up to 20 lbs. for demonstrations and field deployments.
  • Perform bending, reaching, and kneeling movements to access equipment and cabling.
  • Handle incoming hardware shipments of up to 50 lbs. as required.

Basic Requirements

Required Qualifications

  • Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related technical field. Relevant military technical school experience will be highly considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Experience: Entry to early-career (0-3 years). Strong desire to learn and grow in a hands-on technical environment.
  • Eligibility: Must be a U.S. Citizen due to clients under U.S. government contracts.

Travel Requirements25-50%
Relocation ProvidedNone
Position TypeNew Grad
Referral Payment PlanNo

Our U.S.Benefitsinclude:

  • Incentive Bonus Plans

  • Medical, Dental, Visionbenefits

  • 401K with Company Match

  • 10 Paid Holidays

  • GenerousPaidTime Off Packages

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan

  • PaidParental & Family Leave

  • and more!


EEO Statement

Motorola Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally-protected characteristic.

We are proud of our people-first and community-focused culture, empowering every Motorolan to be their most authentic self and to do their best work to deliver on the promise of a safer world. If you'd like to join our team but feel that you don't quite meet all of the preferred skills, we'd still love to hear why you think you'd be a great addition to our team.

We're committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruiting experience for candidates with disabilities, or other physical or mental health conditions. To request an accommodation, please complete thisReasonable Accommodations Formso we can assist you.


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About Motorola Solutions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with safety. It's the constant that empowers people to confidently move forward. It can fill a flight or sell out a stadium. It can care for a patient or graduate a class. As a global leader in public safety and enterprise security, we create and connect the technologies that help to keep people safe where they live, learn, work and play. Our integrated technology ecosystem unifies critical communications, video security and access control, and command center software, enabling collaboration in more powerful ways. At Motorola Solutions, we're ushering in a new era in public safety and security. Bring your passion, potential and talents to a career that matters.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1928