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Microwave Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

360 IT Professionals

Microwave designer

Denver, CO

Microwave Design Engineer OIT PSCN Pearl Plaza Bldg, Denver CO 80203 * Perform Microwave planning and design task in a highly complex microwave engineering and backhaul network * Guide and support ...

SpaceX

RF/Microwave Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

RF/MICROWAVE ENGINEER (RFIC ENGINEERING) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink ...

TTM Technologies

RF/Microwave Engineer II

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$86K - $144K/yr

RF microwave engineering responsibilities associated with new product development or internal R&D efforts. These include design efforts ranging from simple RF microwave components to complex ...

Ttmtech

RF/Microwave Engineer II

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$86K - $144K/yr

RF microwave engineering responsibilities associated with new product development or internal R&D efforts. These include design efforts ranging from simple RF microwave components to complex ...

Geologics

RF Engineer

Chelmsford, MA

$64.20/hr

RF - Microwave Engineer On Site: Chelmsford MA W2 hourly rates: $64.20 to 79.70 per hour* First Shift (Monday-Thursday) from 6:30AM - 4:00PM Active or Interim Secret Clearance required to Start ...

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 ...

Geologics

RF Engineer

Chelmsford, MA

$64.20/hr

RF - Microwave Engineer On Site: Chelmsford MA W2 hourly rates: $64.20 to 79.70 per hour* First Shift (Monday-Thursday) from 6:30AM - 4:00PM Active or Interim Secret Clearance required to Start ...

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All JobsMicrowave Engineer Jobs

Microwave Engineer information

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$36K

$94.1K

$140.5K

How much do microwave engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for microwave engineer in the United States is $94,100.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, petroleum, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and work in high-demand industries or executive-level responsibilities.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior microwave engineers or specialized RF engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries like aerospace, defense, or telecommunications. Achieving this level typically requires advanced certifications, a strong track record, and working in senior or executive positions.

Are microwave engineers in demand?

Microwave engineers are in demand due to the ongoing need for advanced communication systems, radar, and satellite technology. Employment opportunities are strong in industries such as telecommunications, defense, and aerospace, often requiring specialized skills in RF design and certification. The field offers steady job prospects for those with relevant technical expertise and experience with microwave components and tools.

What does a Microwave Engineer do?

A Microwave Engineer designs, tests, and maintains microwave communication systems and components, such as antennas, transmitters, and receivers. They often work with high-frequency electronics, use specialized tools like network analyzers, and require knowledge of electromagnetic theory and certifications in RF engineering. Their work environment typically involves labs, manufacturing facilities, or field installations.

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.
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Microwave Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Microwave Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,100 per year, or $45.2 per hour.
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 9 hours ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 60 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

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