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Microwave Planning Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Perform Microwave planning and design task in a highly complex microwave engineering and backhaul network * Guide and support vendor in planning, design, development and optimization efforts of a ...

RF Manufacturing Engineer

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Proven project management experience leading cross-functional engineering teams through full product lifecycle, including planning, execution, risk management, and delivery of complex RF/microwave ...

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Microwave Planning Engineer information

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$36K

$94.1K

$140.5K

How much do microwave planning engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for microwave planning 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 are Microwave Planning Engineers?

Microwave Planning Engineers are professionals responsible for designing, planning, and optimizing microwave communication links that transmit data, voice, and video signals wirelessly over long distances. They analyze signal paths, select appropriate equipment, calculate link budgets, and ensure that microwave networks meet technical and regulatory requirements. These engineers play a crucial role in telecommunications, supporting the backbone infrastructure for mobile networks, internet service providers, and broadcast systems.

What is the difference between Microwave Planning Engineer vs Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer?

AspectMicrowave Planning EngineerRadio Frequency (RF) Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or Telecommunications; certifications like FCC or RF-specific coursesBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or Telecommunications; RF certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentTelecom companies, network planning sites, field surveysTelecom and wireless companies, lab and field testing
Industry UsageDesigning microwave links, network planning, spectrum managementRF system design, signal testing, equipment calibration

While both roles involve working with wireless communication systems, Microwave Planning Engineers focus on designing and optimizing microwave links for network connectivity, whereas RF Engineers work on the broader spectrum of radio frequency systems, including testing and calibration. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, often overlap in work environments, and are essential in telecom infrastructure development.

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

To thrive as a Microwave Planning Engineer, you need a solid background in telecommunications engineering, radio frequency (RF) theory, and network planning, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with microwave planning tools such as Pathloss, Atoll, or Mentum, as well as knowledge of spectrum management and link budget calculations, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with teams and address complex network challenges. These skills are crucial for designing reliable, efficient microwave links that support robust telecommunication networks.

What are some common challenges faced by Microwave Planning Engineers in coordinating with field teams during network deployment?

Microwave Planning Engineers often encounter challenges in ensuring their designs are accurately implemented by field teams, particularly when dealing with difficult terrain or unexpected site constraints. Effective communication is essential to translate technical specifications into practical installation steps and to address real-time obstacles, such as line-of-sight issues or local regulations. Regular site surveys, clear documentation, and ongoing collaboration with installation crews help bridge the gap between planning and execution, ensuring network reliability and project timelines are maintained.
More about Microwave Planning Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Microwave Planning Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Microwave Planning Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Microwave Planning Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,100 per year, or $45.2 per hour.
Microwave engineer(Multi year) C2H Job

Microwave engineer(Multi year) C2H Job

360 IT Professionals

Denver, CO

Contractor

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Company Description

360 IT Professionals is a Software Development Company based in Fremont, California that offers complete technology services in Mobile development, Web development, Cloud computing and IT staffing. Merging Information Technology skills in all its services and operations, the company caters to its globally positioned clients by providing dynamic feasible IT solutions. 360 IT Professionals work along with its clients to deliver high-performance results, based exclusively on the one of a kind requirement.


Job Description

We are looking to fill a position for Microwave engineer in Denver CO.

Qualifications


Responsibilities of Microwave Engineer:

Perform Microwave planning and design task in a highly complex microwave engineering and backhaul network

Guide and support vendor in planning, design, development and optimization efforts of a microwave network; including TDM and IP/MPLS backhaul network as per specified design rules and topology guidelines

Design and document of statewide complex microwave links and topology for existing and new sites

Review LOS studies, site visits as necessary, creating augments in state network working with field technicians and creating MW RFDS, CIQ, and BOMs

PathLoss v5.1, Link Planner and Google Earth experience is required

Microsoft office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, MySQL, Perl/Python) tools experience

Planet design experience beneficial but not required

RF planning and dimensioning: routing and microwave path analysis based on diverse maps or terrain databases, radio path calculations and antenna sizing, frequency planning

Solid understanding in network topologies like, Linear backbones, Ring, Mesh

Capacity/Traffic planning of transport network backhaul like, SONET/SDH, T3/DS3, T1/DS1, DSOs and cutovers

Plan and build VRF's to migrate TDM traffic to IP/MPLS with knowledge of OSPF, RIP, EIGRP, MPLS, VRFs, VPNs, Tunnels (L2TP, L3TP), BGP, QoS (RFC 2544)

Ensure timing and synchronization across TDM and IP networks (IEEE 1588, RFC 1305)

Experience configuring and deploying Avait Microwave Radios, routers, switches and firewalls in an MPLS network environment

Support Microwave IP transport systems critical data payloads used for RF signaling of Aviat and Motorola Radio and switch environments.

Support and troubleshooting a mix of networking technologies including MPLS, VRF and BGP working within in an ISP / Telecoms service provider environment

Work in cross functional environment with Vendors, PMO, Network Engineering and Regional Operations team

Architect and Design networks for new services, identify areas of improvement, and develop/implement acceptance-test plans

Additional Information

Webcam interview is acceptable