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Principal Rf Engineer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

$185 - $250/hr

Principal RF Communications & Electronic Warfare Engineer $185,000-$250,000 Base Salary $15,000 Signing Bonus, Annual Bonus, Equity, Relocation Assistance Hybrid | Huntsville, AL | Full-Time | 9/80 ...

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Principal Rf Engineer information

See Maryland salary details

$71.8K

$142.9K

$206.2K

How much do principal rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal rf engineer in Maryland is $142,883.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,000.00 and $167,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal RF engineer?

A Principal RF Engineer is a senior-level engineering professional responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing radio frequency (RF) systems and components. They lead complex RF projects, analyze system performance, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. This role typically involves mentoring junior engineers, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and solving technical challenges related to wireless communication, antenna design, or signal propagation. Principal RF Engineers work in industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, and defense to enhance wireless networks and communication systems.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a principal RF engineer?

As a Principal RF Engineer, you can expect to spend your days designing and optimizing RF circuits and systems, conducting simulations and testing prototypes, and troubleshooting performance issues. You’ll frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware designers, software engineers, and project managers, to ensure seamless integration of RF components within larger systems. Additionally, you may mentor junior engineers, review technical documentation, and contribute to strategy discussions for new product initiatives. This dynamic role combines technical expertise with leadership and teamwork, offering both hands-on and strategic responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the principal RF engineer position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Principal RF Engineer, extensive knowledge of radio frequency (RF) design, system integration, and a degree in electrical engineering or related field are essential. Experience with RF simulation tools (such as HFSS, ADS, or CST), familiarity with spectrum analyzers, and relevant certifications like the IEEE Wireless Communication certification are commonly expected. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, leadership, and clear communication skills help drive projects and support multidisciplinary collaboration. These attributes ensure successful RF system development, effective project leadership, and seamless integration of complex technologies in demanding environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Rf Engineer jobs in Maryland?

The most popular types of Principal Rf Engineer jobs in Maryland are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Rf Engineer jobs in Maryland look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Rf Engineer jobs in Maryland are:

Infographic showing various Principal Rf Engineer job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,883 per year, or $68.7 per hour.

RF & Digital Test Engineer - Secret Clearance, 2nd Shift

Northrop Grumman Corp. (AU)

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$108K - $163K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 542 rated manufacturers


Job description

Relocation Assistance

Relocation assistance may be available.

Clearance & Travel

Clearance required: Yes (Secret level).

Travel: Yes, 10% of the time.

Overview

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems Manufacturing Operations Test Engineering Team in Baltimore, MD seeks an RF/Digital Test and Development Engineer or Principal RF Test and Development Engineer to join our team for a 2nd shift position.

Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and implement testing methods and equipment.
  • Troubleshoot and support RF and digital hardware.
  • Support First Time Through Test Yield (FTTTY) and hardware deliveries.
  • Analyze test data and identify early trends.
  • Compile data and define changes required in testing equipment, testing procedures, manufacturing processes, or new testing requirements.
  • Collaborate with design engineering to develop and implement hardware improvements and solutions.
  • Support technicians through troubleshooting and training.
  • Monitor product yields and maintain program yield targets.
  • Support program meetings in developing root cause and corrective actions.
  • Attend program meetings to report yield issues, yield detractor investigation findings, and corrective actions.
  • Interface with manufacturing management, test technicians, production engineers, design engineers, system engineers, program management and program support teams.
Basic Qualifications – RF/Digital Test and Development Engineer 2
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related STEM field and a minimum of 2+ years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related STEM field and a minimum of 0 years of experience.
  • Experience reading and interpreting specifications, schematics, and block diagrams.
  • Experience with RF hardware and software.
  • Experience with Digital engineering.
  • Experience with RF test equipment such as oscilloscopes, power meters, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.
  • Current, active Department of Defense (DoD) Secret level clearance.
  • U.S. Citizenship.
  • Ability to work 2nd Shift.
Basic Qualifications – Principal RF/Digital Test and Development Engineer 3
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related STEM field and a minimum of 5+ years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related STEM field and a minimum of 3+ years of experience.
  • Experience reading and interpreting specifications, schematics, and block diagrams.
  • Experience with RF hardware and software.
  • Experience with Digital engineering.
  • Experience with RF test equipment such as oscilloscopes, power meters, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.
  • Current, active Department of Defense (DoD) Secret level clearance.
  • U.S. Citizenship.
  • Ability to work 2nd Shift.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in Engineering or related STEM discipline.
  • Experience with FPGA.
  • Experience with LabWindows CVI, C/C++ programming.
  • TestStand programming.
  • Experience with digital, analog, RF test equipment, RF theory, and high‑speed digital.
  • Experience with differential digital interfaces like LVDS.
  • PXI/PXIe and VME bus experience.
  • Hands‑on troubleshooting of electrical hardware.
Salary and Benefits

Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 – $131,400.00.

Secondary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 – $163,200.00.

Benefits include health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, company‑paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal business.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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.

U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance.

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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