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Microwave Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Industrial Microwave Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$61K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Design, develop, and optimize industrial microwave heating systems used in production and processing environments. * Develop microwave system design documents, calculations, reports, and engineering ...

RF/Microwave Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, WA

$175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer ... RF/microwave design using ADS, HFSS, AWR or similar * Understanding of electromagnetic propagation ...

RF/Microwave Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

Redmond, WA

$145K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

RF/MICROWAVE ENGINEER (RFIC ENGINEERING) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building ... We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer ...

Sr. RF Engineer

Mckinney, TX · On-site

$86.80 - $165.20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsibilities Design, develop, and sustain state‑of‑the‑art Transmit/Receive (T/R) microwave products (modules, TRIMMs, planar arrays, etc.). Implement best‑practice standards for ...

RF/Microwave Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$145K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

RF/MICROWAVE ENGINEER (RFIC ENGINEERING) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building ... We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer ...

RF/Microwave Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer ... RF/microwave design using ADS, HFSS, AWR or similar * Understanding of electromagnetic propagation ...

RF/Microwave Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer ... RF/microwave design using ADS, HFSS, AWR or similar * Understanding of electromagnetic propagation ...

RF/Microwave Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$145K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

RF/MICROWAVE ENGINEER (RFIC ENGINEERING) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building ... We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer ...

Design Engineer III (24903)

Naperville, IL · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Microwave Design information

See salary details

$40.5K

$111.5K

$164.5K

How much do microwave design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 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?

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
Infographic showing various Microwave Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,500 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

RF Microwave Design Engineer Level 4 - Baltimore

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Baltimore, MD

$135K - $203K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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.

The Electronics and Payload Division within Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Eastern Region pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking experienced engineers in the following areas: Antennas, Receiver/Processors and RF/Microwave design and test. Senior Principal RF Microwave Design Engineer will lead a team working toward the delivery of space production hardware across multiple test campaigns. These positions will support our Electronics and Payloads Team, located in Baltimore, MD.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Designs, develops, tests radio frequency (RF) and/or microwave systems architecture, Sub-systems, circuits, or products. Includes antenna design, both reflector and array systems, frequency synthesizers, transmitters, and receivers. General frequent use and application of technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques. Demonstrates the skill and ability to perform moderately complex professional tasks. Provides solutions to a variety of technical problems of increasing scope and complexity as assigned.

In addition, this candidate should demonstrate familiarity/technical ability in one or more of the following areas:

  • Active electronically scanned arrays (AESAs)

  • Conducting Test Readiness Reviews (TRR)

  • Documentation experience, generating test procedures, test reports, RF requirements, data analysis, data presentations

  • Data Processing

  • Highly integrated subsystems including antenna hardware

  • Antenna/RF Performance Analysis

  • Antenna or Subsystem Control Design

  • Antenna Measurements and Data Reduction

  • Systems Architecture

  • Antenna range integration, test, and system integration

  • Subsystem requirements (hardware and software) derivation, flow-down, and configuration

  • Leading a team of antenna design engineers and RF analysts through the integration, test, and analysis of complex and highly integrated antenna systems.

  • Presenting to internal and external customers.

  • Mentoring junior engineers on antenna design and analysis.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must have a Bachelor's STEM degree or in a related discipline with 8 years of applicable work experience, 6 years of experience with a Master's degree and/or 3 years of experience with a Ph.D.

  • Must have current and active Secret security clearance at time of application and have the ability to obtain and maintain an active TS/SCI clearance

  • Experience with AESA's

  • Experience using RF test equipment (Signal Generators, Network Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers, O-scopes)

  • Must be able collaborate in a team environment and lead/develop teams

  • Experience presenting complex technical programs and concepts to non-technical personnel and customers

  • Able to develop technical solutions to complex problems

  • Experience using MATLAB, Python, C#

  • Experience with high rate production hardware, tools and processes or hardware designed for space environments

  • Experience with debugging hardware and working through test failures.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active TS/SCI security clearance

  • Experience using modeling tools such as STK

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

Primary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00The 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