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Microwave Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RF/Microwave Design EngineerDesign state-of-the-art RF/microwave components, modules, front-ends ... Responsible for solving major and complex engineering problems in one or more phases of a ...

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RF/Microwave Design EngineerDesign state-of-the-art RF/microwave components, modules, front-ends ... Responsible for solving major and complex engineering problems in one or more phases of a ...

New

ADI's Aerospace and Defense business has an open position for a Staff RF/Microwave Design Engineer who will design cutting-edge integrated modules and subsystems ranging from miniaturized multi-chip ...

Micross is seeking a Semiconductor Package Design Engineer to work in our Apopka, Florida or ... AWR, Momentum and HFSS Software Circuit, system, and EM simulation for RF/microwave product ...

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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 Aug 22, 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 is a microwave design engineer?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a microwave design engineer?

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 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

Who are the top companies hiring for Microwave Design Engineer jobs?

The top employers for Microwave Design Engineer jobs are:

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:

Infographic showing various Microwave Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,500 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Sr Principal RF Microwave Design Engineer - 19023**

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Roy, UT

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Sr. Principal RF Microwave Design Engineer. This position is located in Roy, UT..

What You'll Get To Do:

The Flight Systems Futures team executes the design and development, procurement/manufacturing, and integration & test of novel flight systems across a broad spectrum of applications.

Specific duties to include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Lead a small team of design and RF engineers from conceptual design to final design for a space based vehicle. Overseeing the execution of HWIL testing and iteratively designing and verifying requirements for the operational configuration.

  • Attending internal program, customer and/or supplier technical exchange meetings

  • Support formal program milestone reviews to provide and/or obtain progress status updates.

  • Working in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative/team settings across all levels.

  • Ensure appropriate coordination between electrical and RF design with other integration teams.

  • Coordinate electrical and RF system engineering content and work products.

  • Develop Statement of Work (SOWs)/Analysis Data Packages (ADPs)/ Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and take them through the full review and release process.

  • Review engineering deliverables such as part data sheets, Logical/Electrical ICDs, specifications, link budget analysis and trade studies.

  • May perform research, trade studies, evaluation, and systems integration analyses for SWaP and cost capability.

  • Possess strong interpersonal skills to work effectively to understand system level interdependencies that impact electrical requirements and design constraints. Demonstrate leadership principles - Integrity, respect, organizational, communication etc.pocedures, reports).

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelors degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 8 years of relevant experience, OR a Masters degree and 6 years of relevant experience, OR a PhD and 4 years of relevant experience.

  • Must have an active or current Secret clearance at time of application

  • Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business need.

  • Experience with Hardware in the Loop and subsystem integration, test, and troubleshooting

  • Experience reading and interpreting specifications, schematics and block diagrams for complex RF subsystems

  • Experience with RF hardware and software with the ability to translate system performance and operational capabilities from system requirements

  • Experience with Digital engineering

  • Experience with RF test equipment, such as spectrum analyzer, signal generator, Network Analyzers, oscilloscopes

  • Extensive experience with MATLAB and other scientific programming languages

  • Experience leading teams, mentoring others, communicating with all levels of an organization internally and externally, being adaptable, creative, collaborative, and comfortable working independently and enjoys solving difficult problems

  • Experience with RF component selection for program needs via COTS, MOTS, or custom design trade studies

  • Experience working with vendors and global supply chain

Preferred Qualifications:

  • HFSS and CST experience is a plus

  • Telemetry communications link development and analysis

  • GPS receive system development and C/No analysis

  • Understanding effects of Plasma on maintaining link and incorporating plasma predictions into link budget analysis

  • RF system requirements derivation

  • RF Transmi

  • Supplier & Partner management

  • tter and Receiver hardware designHigh Temperature Antenna DesignMATLAB programing skills

  • Ansys System Tool Kit (STK) skills

  • Team integration and coordination

"This position is contingent upon contract award"

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman Space Systems, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:
- Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
- 401k
- Educational Assistance
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
- Paid Time Off
- Health & Wellness Resources
- Employee Discounts

This positions standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off. This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package.

Primary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00The 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