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Microwave Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Microwave Design Engineer OIT PSCN Pearl Plaza Bldg, Denver CO 80203 * Perform Microwave planning and design task in a highly complex microwave engineering and backhaul network * Guide and support ...

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Microwave Design Engineer information

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$40.5K

$111.5K

$164.5K

How much do microwave design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for microwave design engineer 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 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 circuit theory, and experience with high-frequency component design, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with industry-standard simulation tools like HFSS, ADS, or CST, as well as experience with PCB layout software and test equipment such as network analyzers, is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective problem-solving and communication skills help you excel in collaborative and innovative environments. These skills are vital for developing reliable microwave systems that meet performance requirements and industry standards.

What are some typical challenges Microwave Design Engineers face when working on new product development?

Microwave Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing signal integrity at high frequencies, minimizing electromagnetic interference, and optimizing circuit layouts for compact spaces. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams—like mechanical engineers and manufacturing specialists—is essential to balance design feasibility with production requirements. Staying updated with the latest simulation tools and materials is also crucial for overcoming technical hurdles and ensuring that designs meet performance specifications throughout the development cycle.

What are Microwave Design Engineers?

Microwave Design Engineers are specialized electrical engineers who design, develop, and test components and systems that operate using microwave frequencies, typically ranging from 300 MHz to 300 GHz. Their work includes creating devices such as antennas, amplifiers, filters, and transmitters used in applications like wireless communications, radar, satellite systems, and medical devices. They use advanced simulation tools to model electromagnetic behavior and ensure devices meet performance standards. Additionally, they often collaborate with other engineers to integrate microwave components into larger systems. The role requires strong knowledge in electromagnetics, circuit design, and RF (radio frequency) engineering.

What is the difference between Microwave Design Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectMicrowave Design EngineerRF Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, specialized in RF/microwaveBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, with RF specialization
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, manufacturing facilitiesDesign labs, testing facilities, field deployment
Industry UsageTelecommunications, aerospace, defense, radar systemsWireless communication, mobile devices, satellite systems

Microwave Design Engineers focus on designing high-frequency microwave circuits and systems, often working on radar and satellite technology. RF Engineers have a broader scope, working on radio frequency systems across various applications like wireless networks and mobile devices. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, Microwave Design Engineers specialize in higher frequency ranges and complex microwave components, making their roles distinct within the RF engineering field.

More about Microwave Design Engineer jobs
What states have the most Microwave Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Microwave Design Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Microwave Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,500 per year, or $53.6 per hour.
RF Microwave Design Engineer

$124K - $207K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Keysight Technologies rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 137 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Overview

Keysight is at the forefront of technology innovation, delivering breakthroughs and trusted insights in electronic design, simulation, prototyping, test, manufacturing, and optimization. Our ~15,000 employees create world-class solutions in communications, 5G, automotive, energy, quantum, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor markets for customers in over 100 countries. Learn more about what we do.

Our award-winning culture embraces a bold vision of where technology can take us and a passion for tackling challenging problems with industry-first solutions. We believe that when people feel a sense of belonging, they can be more creative, innovative, and thrive at all points in their careers.

About the Job:

This critical position has an opportunity to shape Keysight’s future product architectures and impact the World around us by creating and delivering new measurement capability.  You will apply your skills to all phases of the product development process including conceptual design, electromagnetic analysis, prototyping, and ensuring that your work meets Keysight's quality/regulatory requirements.

This is your opportunity to join a team that is bringing to market some of the most advanced solutions in the world. While part of a team, you will also be working independently on your priorities and tasks. The scope and complexity of your tasks will be based on your existing knowledge and capabilities as well as how fast you can acquire new skills.

About the Team:

As an RF/Microwave Design Engineer you will be part of Keysight Lab’s mm-Wave subsystems design group.  Our group designs leading mm-wave front-end products that address a variety of market applications (AI/ML, 5G, 6G, Automotive Radar, Aero/Defense) partnering with our Centers of Excellence and Industry Solutions Groups.


Responsibilities
  • Help lead the architecture and definition of new products and own all phases of the RF/Microwave design process from concept to production ensuring that the product meets performance and manufacturability goals and reliability qualifications requirements.
  • Design novel RF/Microwave signal conditioning components in several different cutting-edge technology platforms.
  • Develop electromagnetic models to fully characterize complex subsystems.
  • Work within a multi-discipline project team to create new products and ensure new designs meet both internal and customer requirements.
  • Work with our internal and external manufacturing partners to prototype designs and bring them to manufacturing

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • BS and MS or PhD Degrees in Electrical Engineering or equivalent with an emphasis in RF and Microwave Design or equivalent industry experience.
  • Mastery of electrical engineering, electronics, and RF principles.
  • Proficiency with microwave modeling tools (1D, 2.5D, and 3D simulators). 
  • Works well in a collaborative team environment.
  • Ability to generate new ideas.
  • Good listening and communication skills.
  • Organizes work effectively and uses available resources.

Desired Qualifications:

  • 5+ years of experience in RF/mm-wave/microwave subsystem design.
  •  Proficiency with ADS, Genesys, and emPro.

Santa Rosa, CA Pay Range MIN $124,000.00 - MAX $207,000.00

#LI-MO1

Careers Privacy Statement***Keysight is an Equal Opportunity Employer.***

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications:

  • BS and MS or PhD Degrees in Electrical Engineering or equivalent with an emphasis in RF and Microwave Design or equivalent industry experience.
  • Mastery of electrical engineering, electronics, and RF principles.
  • Proficiency with microwave modeling tools (1D, 2.5D, and 3D simulators). 
  • Works well in a collaborative team environment.
  • Ability to generate new ideas.
  • Good listening and communication skills.
  • Organizes work effectively and uses available resources.

Desired Qualifications:

  • 5+ years of experience in RF/mm-wave/microwave subsystem design.
  •  Proficiency with ADS, Genesys, and emPro.

Santa Rosa, CA Pay Range MIN $124,000.00 - MAX $207,000.00

#LI-MO1

Careers Privacy Statement***Keysight is an Equal Opportunity Employer.***

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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