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Principal Rf Engineer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

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Principal Rf Engineer information

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$71.8K

$142.9K

$206.2K

How much do principal rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,883 per year, or $68.7 per hour.

Principal/Sr. Principal RF Hardware Subsystem Integration and Test Engineers

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking Principal/Sr. Principal RF Hardware Subsystem Integration and Test Engineers
Typical Roles and Responsibilities include:
Responsibilities may include subsystem analysis including hardware from RF to digits, performance modeling, support for performance testing, and more. Work will be performed under consultative direction toward predetermined long-range goals and objectives. Assignments are often self-initiated.
These roles are contingent upon having a current Active Secret Clearance and future ability to achieve a SAP Clearance.
These roles are contingent upon Program Award.
Basic Qualifications Principal level role:
  • Must have a Bachelors Degree in Engineering or related discipline with 5 years of experience in the areas described in the job description or 3 years of experience with a Masters Degree and/or 1 years of experience with a Ph. D. An additional 4 years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • US Citizenship is required
  • Current Active Secret Clearance
  • Exhibit proficiency in near field or compact antenna test ranges on tasks including antenna range integration, test, data collection, data analysis, and system integration
  • Exhibit proficiency with RF test equipment including network analyzers, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and oscilloscopes
  • Ability to develop highly novel solutions to a broad variety of RF/Microwave design and test related problems of complex difficulty which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity
  • Established subject matter expertise in numerous areas of RF/Microwave discipline including but not limited to: Antenna, RF performance analysis, RF test verification, and production test support
  • Exhibit proficiency in electrical and mechanical troubleshooting
  • Exhibit proficiency in software scripting and debugging in MATLAB, Visual Basic, and C++
  • Exhibit general aptitude in antenna range scheduling, staffing, technical team leadership, requirements, prioritization, time management, team building, work dissemination, planning, and early identification of issues
  • Ability to design, implement, install and maintain electrical systems

Basic Qualifications Sr. Principal level role:
  • Must have a Bachelors Degree in Engineering or related discipline with 8 years of experience in the areas described in the job description or 6 years of experience with a Masters Degree and/or 4 years of experience with a Ph. D. An additional 4 years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • US Citizenship is required
  • Current Active Secret Clearance
  • Exhibit proficiency in near field or compact antenna test ranges on tasks including antenna range integration, test, data collection, data analysis, and system integration
  • Exhibit proficiency with RF test equipment including network analyzers, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and oscilloscopes
  • Ability to develop highly novel solutions to a broad variety of RF/Microwave design and test related problems of complex difficulty which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity
  • Established subject matter expertise in numerous areas of RF/Microwave discipline including but not limited to: Antenna, RF performance analysis, RF test verification, and production test support
  • Exhibit proficiency in electrical and mechanical troubleshooting
  • Exhibit proficiency in software scripting and debugging in MATLAB, Visual Basic, and C++
  • Exhibit general aptitude in antenna range scheduling, staffing, technical team leadership, requirements, prioritization, time management, team building, work dissemination, planning, and early identification of issues
  • Ability to design, implement, install and maintain electrical systems

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Ability to obtain a SAP Clearance
  • Expert user of both near-field and compact antenna test ranges
  • Expert user of NSI-MI Technology antenna range test systems
  • Expert user of MATLAB for post-processing antenna range test data

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
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. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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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