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Microwave Design information

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$40.5K

$111.5K

$164.5K

How much do microwave design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 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
What job categories do people searching Microwave Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Microwave Design jobs are:
Microwave Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Microwave Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,500 per year, or $53.6 per hour.
RF/Microwave Design Engineer

RF/Microwave Design Engineer

Spectrum Control

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

At Spectrum Control, most departments operate on a 4-day, 10-hour work schedule in exchange for a 3-day weekend. We offer competitive wages and PTO, plus our benefits begin on day 1 of employment. Come join a workforce where we put you first!
Job Summary: The RF/Microwave Design Engineer supports the design, development, testing, and continuous improvement of high-frequency and high-power RF and microwave products utilizing advanced thin-film and thick-film resistive technologies. This role is responsible for applying RF engineering principles to develop new products, enhance existing designs, and support manufacturing and customer requirements.
Working within a collaborative engineering environment, the RF Design Engineer contributes to product development activities from concept through production, including design simulation, prototype evaluation, performance testing, and technical documentation. The position interfaces regularly with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality, Sales, and Program Management to ensure products meet performance, quality, cost, and schedule objectives.
Relocation Assistance: A competitive relocation package is available for qualified candidates.
Essential Job Functions
  • Design and develop new RF and microwave products covering frequency ranges from DC to 65 GHz+ and average power levels up to 2,000 watts.
  • Support new product development efforts through concept generation, design analysis, simulation, prototyping, testing, qualification, and production release.
  • Research and evaluate new technologies, materials, and design approaches to improve existing products and support future product development initiatives.
  • Contribute to the design and support of RF passive product lines, including but not limited to:
    • Attenuators
    • Terminations and loads
    • Bias tees
    • Gain equalizers
    • Directional couplers
    • Power dividers/combiners
    • Temperature-sensitive resistors and attenuators
    • Coaxial and surface-mount RF/microwave components
  • Perform RF and electromagnetic modeling, simulation, and design optimization using industry-standard software tools.
  • Design, assemble, and evaluate prototypes, conducting electrical characterization and performance testing including S-parameter analysis, power handling validation, and thermal performance evaluation.
  • Analyze test data and implement design improvements to ensure compliance with product specifications and customer requirements.
  • Assist Sales, Manufacturing Engineering, Production, and Quality teams in resolving product issues, investigating customer concerns, evaluating waiver requests, and responding to technical inquiries.
  • Support manufacturing process improvements, yield enhancement initiatives, and product cost-reduction efforts.
  • Create and maintain engineering documentation including drawings, specifications, bills of materials (BOMs), test procedures, work instructions, and design records.
  • Participate in design reviews and technical discussions to support successful product development and production activities.
  • Adhere to company quality standards, regulatory requirements, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in RF, microwave, electrical, or related product development environments.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of hands-on RF/microwave design experience utilizing computer-aided design and simulation tools such as:
    • Keysight ADS
    • Cadence AWR Microwave Office
    • Ansys HFSS
    • CST Microwave Studio
    • Or equivalent RF/EM simulation platforms
  • Experience designing and testing RF and microwave circuits, components, or assemblies.
  • Strong understanding of RF measurement techniques and test equipment, including Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and power measurement systems.
  • Experience performing S-parameter characterization, data analysis, and performance validation.
  • Experience with programming or test automation tools; LabVIEW, HPVEE, or similar platforms are preferred.
  • Experience using CAD systems such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent.
  • Working knowledge of modern manufacturing processes and electrical/electronic assembly methods.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to travel occasionally as required.
  • Must be eligible to access export-controlled information and technology in accordance with U.S. export control regulations.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance in the future, if required. This requires U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with thin-film and thick-film resistive technologies.
  • Experience with high-power RF design, thermal management, and reliability considerations.
  • Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or related continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Experience supporting aerospace, defense, medical, communications, or other high-reliability applications.

Work Environment
  • This position is located at our Ann Arbor, MI manufacturing facility and requires regular on-site collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, and production teams. The role supports the development and production of high-performance RF and microwave components and assemblies serving aerospace, defense, medical, industrial, and communications markets.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
Third-Party Recruiters
Please note, that per Spectrum Control Policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters are engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening and in alignment with our values and expectations. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that Spectrum Control will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity. If you or your agency are interested in becoming an approved vendor please contact scirecruiting@am.spectrumcontrol.com.

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