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Microwave Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

INFOTRON

Senior Microwave Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Senior Microwave Engineer Location : San Francisco (Onsite) Type: W2/C2C Infotron is seeking a Senior Microwave Engineer for an innovative Environmental Services client based in San Francisco. This ...

Aircapture

Senior Microwave Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

Design the technology of our lifetime as a Senior Microwave Engineer at Aircapture! You will use your deep expertise in microwave technology to advance a cutting-edge approach to Direct Air Capture ...

Aircapture

Senior Microwave Engineer

Berkeley, CA

$170K - $200K/yr

Design the technology of our lifetime as a Senior Microwave Engineer at Aircapture! You will use your deep expertise in microwave technology to advance a cutting-edge approach to Direct Air Capture ...

Reach

Staff RF Microwave Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$180K - $260K/yr

As a Microwave Engineer, you will be a key part of Reach's RF engineering team and develop state of the art systems that are integral to Reach's wireless power beaming capability. Your technical know ...

Reach

Staff RF Microwave Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$180K - $260K/yr

As a Microwave Engineer, you will be a key part of Reach's RF engineering team and develop state of the art systems that are integral to Reach's wireless power beaming capability. Your technical know ...

Reach

Staff RF Microwave Engineer

Redwood City, CA

$180K - $260K/yr

As a Microwave Engineer, you will be a key part of Reach's RF engineering team and develop state of the art systems that are integral to Reach's wireless power beaming capability. Your technical know ...

Raytheon

RF & Microwave Engineer II

El Segundo, CA

Raytheon is looking for an RF & Microwave Engineer II with a track record in RF and Microwave designing and testing methods and techniques, and hands-on experience in automation programing to work ...

Raytheon

RF & Microwave Engineer II

El Segundo, CA

Raytheon is looking for an RF & Microwave Engineer II with a track record in RF and Microwave designing and testing methods and techniques, and hands-on experience in automation programing to work ...

Z-Communications, Inc.

Be Seen First

RF Microwave Engineer or Technician

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

... Engineering or related field * Strong understanding of RF principles * Experience with LabView * 2-3 years experience with designing and/or testing RF/Microwave subsystems * Experience with VCOs and ...

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All JobsMicrowave Engineer JobsMicrowave Engineer Jobs in California

Microwave Engineer information

See California salary details

$35.5K

$92.9K

$138.7K

How much do microwave engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for microwave engineer in California is $92,867.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is Microwave Engineering?

Microwave engineering involves the theory and development of microwave circuits, systems, and components. As a microwave engineer, you specialize in the design, production, and repair of devices that move small electromagnetic waves. Your duties may involve meeting with clients to determine product specifications, working with computer programs to model potential product designs, and testing the models for performance and quality. You may also check your designed products against FCC guidelines and oversee the development process. The career typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field and relevant work experience. Management positions may require a master’s degree and five or more years of experience. Additional qualifications include excellent analytical, technical, and communication skills, along with the ability to work as part of a team.

What is the difference between Microwave Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectMicrowave EngineerRF Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, certifications in microwave technologyBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, certifications in RF and wireless systems
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, manufacturing plantsTelecom companies, testing labs, field sites
Industry UsageCommunications, radar, satellite systemsWireless networks, mobile devices, broadcasting

Microwave Engineers focus on designing and testing microwave frequency systems, often working with high-frequency components. RF Engineers work on radio frequency systems, including wireless communication and broadcasting. While both roles require similar credentials and work environments, Microwave Engineers specialize in microwave-specific applications, whereas RF Engineers cover a broader range of radio frequency systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Microwave Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Microwave Engineer, you need a solid background in RF engineering, electromagnetic theory, and a degree in electrical or electronics engineering. Familiarity with design and simulation tools such as HFSS, CST, ADS, and experience with network analyzers and spectrum analyzers are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate and troubleshoot complex technical issues. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing reliable high-frequency systems and ensuring optimal performance in telecommunications, radar, and satellite applications.

What are some common challenges Microwave Engineers face when working on wireless communication systems?

Microwave Engineers often encounter challenges such as minimizing signal loss, managing interference, and ensuring system reliability in complex environments. They must carefully design and test components to handle high-frequency signals while complying with safety and regulatory standards. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as hardware designers and project managers, is essential to troubleshoot issues and optimize system performance. Staying current with emerging technologies and evolving industry standards is also crucial for long-term success in this role.

What are Microwave Engineers?

Microwave Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test devices and systems that operate in the microwave frequency range, typically from 300 MHz to 300 GHz. Their work includes creating components such as antennas, transmitters, receivers, and waveguides used in applications like telecommunications, radar, satellite communications, and medical equipment. They often use specialized simulation software and testing equipment to ensure optimal performance and compliance with industry standards. Microwave Engineers typically have backgrounds in electrical engineering, physics, or related fields.
More about Microwave Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Microwave Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Microwave Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Microwave Engineer jobs in California? For Microwave Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Microwave Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Microwave Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Microwave Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Microwave Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Microwave Engineer jobs in CA? For Microwave Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Microwave Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Microwave Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,867 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Senior Microwave Engineer

INFOTRON

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Title : Senior Microwave Engineer
Location : San Francisco (Onsite)
Type: W2/C2C
Infotron is seeking a Senior Microwave Engineer for an innovative Environmental Services client based in San Francisco. This is a hands-on R&D role focused on advanced RF and microwave technologies supporting next-generation industrial systems.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop advanced RF and microwave-based industrial systems operating across high-power frequency ranges
  • Perform electromagnetic simulation, system modeling, laboratory testing, and experimental validation activities
  • Optimize RF structures, resonant assemblies, and energy delivery components using industry-standard simulation platforms such as COMSOL or HFSS
  • Support prototype development, execute validation procedures, analyze performance data, and implement iterative design improvements
  • Ensure compliance with RF, microwave, and high-voltage safety standards and operational best practices
  • Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering and research teams in a fast-paced R&D environment
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in RF/microwave engineering, applied electromagnetics, or advanced hardware R&D
  • Strong understanding of RF fundamentals including impedance matching, wave propagation, electromagnetic behavior, resonant structures, and material interactions
  • Experience working with high-power RF/microwave systems and electromagnetic simulation tools (COMSOL, HFSS, CST, ADS, or similar)
  • Hands-on experience with laboratory experimentation, prototype development, testing, and system validation
  • Familiarity with RF shielding, leakage mitigation, electrical safety, and high-voltage operational environments
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
Preferred Backgrounds
Industrial microwave systems, RF power engineering, semiconductor equipment, plasma systems, aerospace/defense RF, or applied electromagnetics.
Industry
  • Business Consulting and Services