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Microwave Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ignite Human Capital

Design Engineer III

Naperville, IL · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

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 ...

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Microwave Design information

See salary details

$40.5K

$111.5K

$164.5K

How much do microwave design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 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 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.

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 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 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.

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
Infographic showing various Microwave Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,500 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Sr. RF/Microwave Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$165K - $270K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design RF/microwave circuits, MMICs, passive/printed components, substrates, transitions, chip breakouts, matching networks, and packages.

  • Test RF components such as RFICs, MMICs, and modules in the lab.

  • Develop hardware including PCBAs, coupons, and sockets, and procure test equipment for RF component characterization and qualification.

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 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.
SR. RF/MICROWAVE ENGINEER (RFIC ENGINEERING)
At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink and Starlink Mobile. Starlink is the world's most advanced broadband internet system, and the world's largest satellite constellation, providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. The Starlink Mobile network expands Starlink's vision by providing global cellular connectivity from space.
We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, the backhaul gateways on the ground, the user terminals that allow customers 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 and technically excellent Sr. RF/Microwave engineer to help develop cutting-edge RFICs, MMICs, RF modules, and System-in-Package (SiP) solutions for deployment in Starlink's satellites, ground infrastructure, and user terminals. We are working on next-generation hardware with operating frequencies ranging from cellular to mmWave. Come join us and contribute to RF systems that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design RF/microwave circuits, MMICs, passive/printed components, substrates, transitions, chip breakouts, matching networks, and packages (e.g. QFN, BGA)
  • Design RF modules and SiPs, consisting of RFICs, BAW/SAW filters, SMDs, printed passives, etc.
  • Test RF components (RFIC, MMICs, Modules) in the lab
  • Develop hardware (PCBAs, coupons, sockets) and procure the necessary test equipment for complete RF component characterization and qualification (probing, bench testing, ESD testing, HTOL, etc.)
  • Derive RF system and RF block specifications
  • Work with manufacturing engineers and customer teams on production test and debug of RF assemblies

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 5+ 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/systems 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 and EM principles
  • MMIC and/or RFIC design (full cycle) experience
  • Module/SiP design (full cycle) experience
  • RF/microwave design using ADS, HFSS, AWR or similar
  • RF/microwave design in cellular, Ku, Ka, V, E, and/or W-band frequency range
  • 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
  • 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
  • Python programming experience for test automation

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 3: $165,000.00 - $270,000.00
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 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:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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