1

Microwave Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineer RF Microwave Design 2 Location: Camarillo, California (Onsite - 5141A Verdugo Way) Company: Northrop Grumman Clearance: Active Secret Clearance Required Shift: 1st Shift (9/80 Schedule ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Microwave Design information

See salary details

$40.5K

$111.5K

$164.5K

How much do microwave design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for microwave design in the United States is $111,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by professionals in microwave design, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Professionals in microwave design often encounter challenges such as minimizing signal loss, managing electromagnetic interference, and ensuring circuit stability at high frequencies. These issues require careful component selection, precise layout techniques, and thorough simulation and testing. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers and manufacturing specialists, helps identify potential problems early and develop solutions. Continuous learning and keeping up with advancements in materials and simulation tools also play a vital role in addressing these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Microwave Design vs RF Engineer?

AspectMicrowave DesignRF Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, specialized in microwave circuitsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, with focus on RF systems
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, manufacturing facilitiesDesign labs, testing facilities, field deployment environments
Industry UsageTelecommunications, aerospace, defense, satellite systemsWireless communications, radar, satellite, and broadcast systems

Microwave Design and RF Engineer roles share overlapping skills and work environments, but Microwave Design focuses specifically on creating high-frequency microwave circuits and components, while RF Engineers work on broader radio frequency systems and integration. Both roles are essential in industries like telecommunications and aerospace, often requiring similar educational backgrounds and certifications.

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

To thrive as a Microwave Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, RF/microwave theory, and circuit design, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation tools such as HFSS, ADS, or CST, and experience with network analyzers and other RF test equipment are essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in team-based and project-driven environments. These skills ensure the creation of high-performance, reliable microwave components that meet technical and industry standards.

What is microwave design?

Microwave design refers to the engineering discipline focused on creating and optimizing electronic circuits and systems that operate at microwave frequencies, typically between 300 MHz and 300 GHz. This field involves designing components such as amplifiers, filters, antennas, and transmission lines used in applications like radar, wireless communication, and satellite systems. Microwave design requires specialized knowledge of electromagnetic theory, materials, and high-frequency circuit behavior to ensure efficient signal transmission and minimal loss.
More about Microwave Design jobs
Infographic showing various Microwave Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 2% As Needed, 40% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 54% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,500 per year, or $53.6 per hour.
Engineer RF Microwave Design 2

Engineer RF Microwave Design 2

Prolim Global

Camarillo, CA โ€ข On-site

$50 - $65/hr

Contractor

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Engineer RF Microwave Design 2

Location: Camarillo, California (Onsite โ€“ 5141A Verdugo Way)
Company: Northrop Grumman
Clearance: Active Secret Clearance Required
Shift: 1st Shift (9/80 Schedule)
Travel: Up to 10%
Bill Rate: $50โ€“$65/hr
Job ID: 15765


Position Overview

Northrop Grumman is seeking an Engineer RF Microwave Design 2 to support the development of advanced RF and microwave systems for defense applications. This role focuses on hands-on design, testing, and integration of RF hardware within Electronic Warfare (EW) and mission-critical systems.


Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop RF/microwave circuits and subsystems based on system requirements

  • Evaluate and select RF components (antennas, amplifiers, filters, transceivers) for optimal performance

  • Perform RF testing, analysis, and troubleshooting using standard lab equipment

  • Support system integration, prototyping, and validation including chamber testing

  • Ensure compliance with military standards (EMI/EMC) and maintain technical documentation


Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Microwave Engineering, or related field

    • 2+ years of relevant experience (or 1+ year with Masterโ€™s)

  • Hands-on experience with RF/microwave design and testing

  • Active Secret Clearance required

  • Strong understanding of RF fundamentals and microwave theory

  • Ability to work onsite in a secure environment


Preferred Qualifications
  • Active Top Secret Clearance

  • Experience with Electronic Warfare (EW) systems

  • Familiarity with RF simulation tools (ADS, HFSS, CST, etc.)

  • Experience with RF system integration and component selection

  • Knowledge of EMI/EMC standards (MIL-STD-461/464)

  • Experience with avionics or airborne RF systems

  • Familiarity with Agile tools (Jira, Confluence)