ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Microwave Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NEOTECH

Design Engineer III (24903)

Naperville, IL

This role requires deep expertise in RF/microwave design, PCB materials, and system integration, along with the ability to work in a customer-facing environment. Key Responsibilities * Design and ...

Raytheon

Senior RF Design Engineer

Mckinney, TX · On-site

RF/Microwave Design Verification Test (DVT) experience with network/spectrum analyzers and/or antenna measurement systems. * Experience using Keysight ADS and Mentor Graphics Xpedition design ...

Raytheon

Senior RF Design Engineer

Mckinney, TX

RF/Microwave Design Verification Test (DVT) experience with network/spectrum analyzers and/or antenna measurement systems. * Experience using Keysight ADS and Mentor Graphics Xpedition design ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsMicrowave Design Jobs

Microwave Design information

See salary details

$40.5K

$111.5K

$164.5K

How much do microwave design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 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
RF/Microwave Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

RF/Microwave Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$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 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 59 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
RF/MICROWAVE ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK)
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.
Our Satellite Payload Engineering team develops the RF devices that power our satellites and ground antennas - from power amplifiers to waveguide components to reflectors to antennae. The ideal candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary team focused on developing all elements of new high performance wireless digital communication systems from antenna to protocol level. You will be responsible for the design, implementation and verification of the electrical hardware for the satellites and ground communication systems.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Simulate and model communication systems
  • Work with system architects, RF engineers, antenna engineers, modem/DSP, and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains
  • Assess feasibility of various designs in support of architectural definition
  • Deriving top-level specifications for RF links and RF and antenna subsystems
  • Characterize and analyze system performance
  • Provide technical support to regulatory, coordination, and market access teams

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics or other engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of research and/or industry experience in the areas of RF/microwave circuit design (internships and co-ops can apply)
  • 1+ years of experience using one of the 3D EM simulation tools (CST, HFSS, FEKO, SEMCAD, EMPro, TICRA or XFDTD)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree in electrical or computer engineering discipline (or 2y+ industry experience) 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 tool
  • 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 extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
RF/Microwave Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
RF/Microwave Engineer/Level II: 145,000 - $175,000/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 and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply