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Principal Rf Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

... Principal Radar Systems Engineer to support/lead the architecting, design, development, and ... Researching, understanding, and leading new RF sensing implementations for advanced radar solutions.

... Principal Radar Systems Engineer to support/lead the architecting, design, development, and ... Researching, understanding, and leading new RF sensing implementations for advanced radar solutions.

... Principal Radar Systems Engineer to support/lead the architecting, design, development, and ... Researching, understanding, and leading new RF sensing implementations for advanced radar solutions.

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Principal Rf Engineer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$80.8K

$160.8K

$232.1K

How much do principal rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal rf engineer in Massachusetts is $160,782.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,400.00 and $188,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 is a Principal RF Engineer job?

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 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 Massachusetts? The most popular types of Principal Rf Engineer jobs in Massachusetts are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Rf Engineer jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Rf Engineer jobs in Massachusetts are:
What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Principal Rf Engineer jobs? Cities in Massachusetts with the most Principal Rf Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Principal Rf Engineer job openings in Massachusetts as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $160,782 per year, or $77.3 per hour.

Principal Digital Signal Processing System Engineer

Draper Labs

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$95K - $245K/yr

Other

Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Overview:

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary:

As Principal Signal Processing System Engineer you will work directly with customers and program managers to create innovative, multidisciplinary technical solutions, for a broad range of highly-complicated mission needs.
You will perform highly-competent analysis of the core system at a post-graduate level, consistently exhibiting good judgement for which problems must be solved, and which may be delegated or deferred.
You will have hands-on engagement with prototype development, which may include software or firmware coding, test equipment operation and programming, integration and validation, and field tests and customer demonstrations.
As a leader in the signal processing organization your advice will be sought for business development, IR&D strategy, hiring strategy and execution, and university engagements.
Due to the nature of our customers' missions, this position is necessarily performed onsite in our recently-renovated Cambridge facility and laboratories. Typical candidates have ten years of relevant experience beyond the doctorate, or 15 years of relevant experience post masters degree.
Aligned with our goal of developing long-term relationships with key staff, we offer the best benefits package and retirement plan in our industry.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities

  • Designs RF and Communications systems that solve challenging problems.

  • Manages complex engineering projects in a fast-paced environment.

  • Develops and maintains effective internal/external relationships.

  • Performs analysis and modeling of complex radio frequency systems.

  • Subject Matter Expert (SME) in RF and Communications systems.

  • Independently drives solutions to complex problems-develops requirements, proposes ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapts appropriately to changes in requirements.

  • Able to analyze Draper strategy and work with management to build capabilities in key areas to help sustain business growth.

  • Capable of helping customers shape their needs and develop requirements for programs that solve their most challenging technical problems.

  • Focuses on advancing State of the Art (SOA) solutions and techniques in their field.

  • Contributes to capability expansion, talent acquisition and mentoring graduate students.

  • Assembles and delivers customer presentations that inspire a high degree of confidence in Draper and our work.

  • Able to provide insights and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines.

  • Identifies program/system-level technical risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies for them.

  • Develops, documents, and teaches best practices to less experienced engineers.

  • Demonstrates strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals.

  • Ability to lead cross functional teams.

  • Supports business development activities including leading the development of proposals and engaging with sponsors.

  • Performs other related duties as assigned.


Skills/Abilities

  • Knowledge of RF systems and architectures.

  • Knowledge of fundamental of electrical engineering.

  • Skills with RF and Communications software tools.

  • Hands on experience with instrumentation for RF measurements.

  • Strong problem solving skills.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability and willing to work in highly collaborative team environment.

  • Excellent management and organizational skills: proven ability to meet deadlines, task prioritization and attention to details.


Education

Requires bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field. Advanced degree preferred.


Experience

Requires 10+ years experience in Radio Frequency or Communications Engineering or related field.

Additional Job Description:

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance.

Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.

Job Location - City:

Cambridge

Job Location - State:

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code:

02139-3563

The US base salary range for this full-time position is

$95,000.00 - $245,000.00

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com.