1

Microwave Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The applicant must have extensive experience in microwave design techniques, FPGA and embedded system development, radio signal processing, simulation tools and microwave test equipment. This ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Microwave Design Engineer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$111.5K

$164.5K

How much do microwave design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 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.

How much does a design engineer get paid?

A Microwave Design Engineer typically earns a median annual salary between $80,000 and $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can vary based on industry, company size, and specific technical skills such as RF circuit design and simulation tools.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, petroleum, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a track record of significant project management or technical expertise.

Are microwave engineers in demand?

Microwave engineers are in demand due to their expertise in designing and developing high-frequency communication systems, radar, and satellite technology. The field offers opportunities in industries such as telecommunications, defense, and aerospace, often requiring skills in RF circuit design and simulation tools. Job growth is driven by advancements in wireless technology and the need for reliable high-speed data transmission.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, and typically requires advanced degrees and extensive industry experience.

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.

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 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.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Full Time, 67% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,500 per year, or $53.6 per hour.
RF/Microwave Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

RF/Microwave Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA

$145K - $175K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

RF/MICROWAVE ENGINEER (RFIC ENGINEERING) 

At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe. 

We are seeking a motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious RF/Microwave engineer who will work alongside world-class cross-disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering). In this role, you will be developing cutting-edge next-generation RFICs for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has previously not been available, affordable or reliable. Join us to help deliver cutting-edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Simulate/model RF front-end systems, working with system architects, modem/DSP and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains 
  • Derive RF HW specifications for the RF system and RF blocks 
  • Develop RF/microwave circuits, components, MMICs, board and packages 
  • Evaluate and characterize prototypes and RF components 
  • Characterize and analyze full radio performance 
  • Assist in the development of automated test equipment for lab measurements 
  • Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing of RF avionics components and systems 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline 
  • 2+ years of research and/or industry experience in RF/microwave circuit design 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • Master's degree or PhD in an engineering discipline with emphasis in RF/microwave circuits or electromagnetic theory 
  • Experience with design of linear and non-linear circuits such as power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, mixers, filters and PLLs 
  • Thorough understanding of RF passive components 
  • Familiar with radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generator, network analyzers 
  • Experience characterizing radio performance at microwave frequencies 
  • Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single and multi-carrier techniques and modulation types such as QPSK, APSK and QAM 
  • RF/microwave design using ADS, HFSS, AWR or similar 
  • Understanding of electromagnetic propagation and antenna systems 
  • Schematic and layout using Altium Designer or other PCB design tools 
  • Experience in Matlab, Python, C++ or equivalent tools for modeling and analyzing RF systems 
  • Python and/or LabVIEW programming experience for test automation 
  • Digital communication theory with emphasis on bit error rate and system noise figure 
  • RF/microwave design in the Ku, Ka, V and E-band frequency range 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 

Pay range:  
RF Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year  
RF Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year  
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. 

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.


What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom