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$40.5K

$111.5K

$164.5K

How much do microwave design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 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
Infographic showing various Microwave Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 2% As Needed, 40% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 54% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,500 per year, or $53.6 per hour.
Senior Principal Electrical Engineer - RF/Microwave Design (Onsite)

Senior Principal Electrical Engineer - RF/Microwave Design (Onsite)

Raytheon Technologies

Hollister, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Date Posted:
2026-06-29
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-CA-GOLETA-H01 ~ 6380 Hollister Ave ~ BLDG H01
Position Role Type:
Onsite
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
Security Clearance Type:
DoD Clearance: Secret
Security Clearance Status:
Active and existing security clearance required after day 1
At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world's most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.
Raytheon brings the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today's mission and stay ahead of tomorrow's threat. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedom and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.
At Raytheon, our Electronic Warfare teams design and deliver advanced Radio Frequency and microwave hardware that protects platforms and missions in the most demanding operational environments. The Advanced RF Hardware Section in Goleta, California is the focal point for cutting-edge EW hardware development, from early architecture through production and test.
What You Will Do
  • Requires ability to communicate with executive leadership regarding matters of significant importance to the organization. May conduct briefings with senior leaders.
  • Ability to succeed in an environment where problems and issues faced are numerous and typically undefined where information is difficult to obtain.
  • Own and lead RF/microwave hardware designs from concept through production.
  • Lead in defining system, module, and component-level architecture.
  • Translate system requirements into block diagrams, schematics, and hardware solutions.
  • Design and develop RF, microwave, mixed-signal, and power circuitry.
  • Create schematics, select components, and support PCB/CCA design.
  • Contribute to integrated RF assemblies including amplifiers, filters, mixers, LNAs, PAs, and related subsystems.
  • Use industry-standard tools such as HFSS, ADS, Genesys, SPICE, and MATLAB.
  • Analyze performance across frequency, noise, gain, linearity, and signal integrity domains.
  • Debug and validate designs at the board and module level.
  • Use lab equipment including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, signal generators, and power supplies.
  • Serve as a leader within the RF/microwave design team and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Provide technical leadership to teams of 3-6 people, including plans and execution on one or more simultaneous programs to meet technical, schedule, and cost requirements.
  • Support design reviews and technical trade studies across the full lifecycle.
  • Support proposals for both Cost and Technical Volumes.
  • Mentor and develop the engineering and technical talent within the team.
  • Occasional travel to support integration activities at Raytheon facilities, subcontractors, or customer sites as needed.

Qualifications You Must Have
  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 10 years of prior relevant experience or an advanced degree in a related field and minimum 7 years' experience.
  • Experience leading the design and development of RF/microwave hardware.
  • Experience designing hardware operating into microwave and higher-frequency regimes (up to ~40 GHz and beyond).
  • Experience with RF/microwave, digital, and power electronics on complex boards.
  • Experience with schematic capture, component selection, and hardware debug.

Qualifications We Prefer
  • Background in Electronic Warfare, radar, aerospace, defense, or similarly demanding hardware environments.
  • Experience supporting hardware through integration, test, and production.
  • Experience in defense program engineering oversight including formal tracking of requirements, cost, and schedule.

What We Offer
  • A total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, and work/life benefits; career development and recognition programs. Some of the benefits we offer include parental (including paternal) leave, flexible work schedules, achievement awards, educational assistance and child/adult backup care.
  • Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, Innovation, and Safety.
  • Relocation assistance available.

Learn More & Apply Now!
  • Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.
  • This position requires onsite work in Goleta, CA: Welcome to Raytheon in Goleta, CA
  • This position requires security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm

#LI-TR1
As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.
The salary range for this role is 145,600 USD - 276,800 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.
Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company's performance.
This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.
RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.
RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act.
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