ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Microwave Planning Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMicrowave Planning Engineer Jobs

Microwave Planning Engineer information

See salary details

$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:
What job categories do people searching Microwave Planning Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Microwave Planning Engineer jobs are:
Microwave Planning Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Microwave Planning Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,100 per year, or $45.2 per hour.
LEAD ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - Microwave/Radar Electronic Support

LEAD ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - Microwave/Radar Electronic Support

Southwest Research Institute - Fulltime

San Antonio, TX

$94K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Southwest Research Institute rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 57 rated research

Job description

Who We Are: Join the Tactical Products Department helping us expand and develop radar and electronics intelligence capabilities such as target detection/tracking/processing, tactical displays, and antenna advancements on mobile platforms. Objectives of this Role: Design architectures within a high growth environment and then lead a multi-disciplinary team to develop, integrate, and test complex systems. Work collaboratively to establish hardware requirements for complex radar processing hardware (ELINT).

Interact directly with clients and company staff to establish system requirements and design architectures that meet client expectations. Support Department management in specific marketing activities, writing proposals, and developing product/technology roadmaps. Daily and Monthly Responsibilities: Develop complex radar electronics intelligence capabilities for new, sustainment and modernization programs.

Develop, integrate, and test hardware/firmware/software within complex intelligence systems (ELINT). This may include leading a multi-disciplinary team. Meet with internal and external customers to establish technical requirements and facilitate development of specification documents and system architectures.

Lead trade studies within and across the relevant domains. Support department roadmaps, IRAD's, marketing, and Strategic planning. Requirements: Requires a Bachelors degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related Engineering degree with related experience.

8+ years: Experience designing electronic intelligence system architectures, microwave frequency antennas, and radar signal processing systems. 5-10 years: Experience developing, deriving, allocating and testing complex microwave/radar processing system requirements. 5-10 years: Experience leading engineering teams.

A valid/clear driver's license is required.

What Southwest Research Institute employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply