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Microwave Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Microwave designer

Denver, CO · On-site

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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How much do microwave design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 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:
What job categories do people searching Microwave Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Microwave Design Engineer jobs are:
Microwave Design Engineer jobs near you
Sr Principal Engineer RF Microwave Design

Sr Principal Engineer RF Microwave Design

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Baltimore, MD

$135.80K - $203.60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 336 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

102nd of 512 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

The Electronics and Payload Division within Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Eastern Region pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking experienced engineers in the following areas: Antennas, Receiver/Processors and RF/Microwave design and test. Senior Principal RF Microwave Design Engineer will lead a team working toward the delivery of space production hardware across multiple test campaigns. These positions will support our Electronics and Payloads Team, located in Baltimore, MD.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Designs, develops, tests radio frequency (RF) and/or microwave systems architecture, Sub-systems, circuits, or products. Includes antenna design, both reflector and array systems, frequency synthesizers, transmitters, and receivers. General frequent use and application of technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques. Demonstrates the skill and ability to perform moderately complex professional tasks. Provides solutions to a variety of technical problems of increasing scope and complexity as assigned.

In addition, this candidate should demonstrate familiarity/technical ability in one or more of the following areas:

  • Active electronically scanned arrays (AESAs)

  • Conducting Test Readiness Reviews (TRR)

  • Documentation experience, generating test procedures, test reports, RF requirements, data analysis, data presentations

  • Data Processing

  • Highly integrated subsystems including antenna hardware

  • Antenna/RF Performance Analysis

  • Antenna or Subsystem Control Design

  • Antenna Measurements and Data Reduction

  • Systems Architecture

  • Antenna range integration, test, and system integration

  • Subsystem requirements (hardware and software) derivation, flow-down, and configuration

  • Leading a team of antenna design engineers and RF analysts through the integration, test, and analysis of complex and highly integrated antenna systems.

  • Presenting to internal and external customers.

  • Mentoring junior engineers on antenna design and analysis.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must have a bachelor's degree STEM degree or related discipline with 8 years of experience in the areas described in the job description. 6 years of experience with a master's degree and/or 3 years of experience with a Ph.D.

  • Experience with AESA's

  • Experience using RF test equipment (Signal Generators, Network Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers, O-scopes)

  • Must be able collaborate in a team environment

  • Must be able to lead and develop teams

  • Experience presenting complex technical programs and concepts to non-technical personnel and customers

  • Able to develop technical solutions to complex problems

  • Experience using MATLAB, Python, C#

  • Must have current and active Secret security clearance at time of application and have the ability to obtain and maintain an active TS/SCI clearance

  • Experience with high rate production hardware, tools and processes or hardware designed for space environments

  • Experience with debugging hardware and working through test failures.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active TS/SCI security clearance

  • Experience using modeling tools such as STK

Primary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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