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Principal Rf Engineer Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

To support these missions, the Division's efforts span multiple technical areas, including RF ... PhD, MS, or BS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical ...

To support these missions, the Division's efforts span multiple technical areas, including RF ... PhD, MS, or BS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical ...

To support these missions, the Division's efforts span multiple technical areas, including RF ... PhD, MS, or BS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Rf Engineer information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$71.2K

$141.6K

$204.4K

How much do principal rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal rf engineer in Atlanta, GA is $141,575.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,000.00 and $166,400.00 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 Atlanta, GA?

The most popular types of Principal Rf Engineer jobs in Atlanta, GA are:

Infographic showing various Principal Rf Engineer job openings in Atlanta, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $141,575 per year, or $68.1 per hour.

Principal RF Communications & Electronic Warfare Engineer

Secmation

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$185 - $250/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

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 Schedule

This isn't another defense contractor job.

Join a mission-focused engineering team developing next-generation RF communications and Electronic Warfare capabilities for national defense. Lead system architecture, collaborate directly with DoD customers, and work hands-on across SDR, radar, resilient networking, and secure communications technologies - with meaningful technical ownership from concept through operational deployment.

Why top engineers choose Secmation

  • Own technical direction instead of maintaining legacy systems.
  • Influence architecture from early concept through field deployment.
  • Work directly with DoD customers, decision makers, and mission users.
  • Solve challenging RF, Electronic Warfare, SDR, radar, and secure communications problems.
  • Collaborate with a small, highly technical team where every engineer has real impact.
  • Build technology designed to transition into operational use.

What you'll build and lead

Lead the development of advanced RF technologies that directly support critical defense missions. You will shape system architecture, guide technical strategy, and move innovative capabilities from early concept through modeling, integration, HWIL testing, field demonstration, validation, and operational implementation.

You’ll work across:

  • Electronic Warfare capabilities, including Electronic Attack, Electronic Support, Electronic Protection, and countermeasure development.
  • Software Defined Radio solutions spanning software, firmware, and secure embedded communications platforms.
  • Tactical RF communications, SATCOM, resilient networking, radar, and RF sensing technologies.
  • AI-enabled RF analysis, mission systems, and adaptive signal-processing capabilities.
  • RF algorithm development, communications-system modeling, mission simulation, and scenario development using MATLAB and Python.
  • System integration, hardware-in-the-loop testing, field testing, validation, and live customer demonstrations.
  • Cross-program technical leadership, engineering mentorship, and direct engagement with government stakeholders.

What we’re looking for

  • U.S. citizenship and an active DoD Security Clearance.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
  • 12+ years of relevant RF, communications, radar, or EW experience with demonstrated principal-level technical leadership; 15+ years preferred.
  • Deep experience designing, implementing, and analyzing military RF communications systems for tactical and defense applications.
  • Hands-on experience with SDR frameworks and platforms such as GNU Radio, REDHAWK, USRP/UHD, Epiq, or comparable technologies.
  • Experience with Electronic Warfare system design and applications, including EA, ES, EP, or countermeasure development.
  • Experience with SATCOM, radar, tactical communications, resilient networking, or RF sensing systems.
  • Strong background in signal processing, waveform performance, adaptive tuning, optimization, and error-correction techniques.
  • Proficiency with MATLAB and Python for modeling and simulation, plus embedded C/C++ for systems-level applications.
  • Experience leading system integration, HWIL testing, mission simulation, field testing, and customer demonstrations.
  • Ability to independently lead complex technical work while collaborating effectively within a small, multidisciplinary engineering team.
  • Strong technical communication skills and the ability to present findings and recommendations to internal teams, program leadership, and government customers.

Compensation & Benefits

  • $185,000-$250,000 base salary
  • $15,000 signing bonus
  • Discretionary annual performance bonus
  • Company equity
  • Relocation assistance
  • Hybrid 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off
  • Paid time off and flexible work schedules
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life and short- and long-term disability insurance
  • 401(k) retirement benefits with company contribution

Work Environment

  • Hybrid role with on-site work required in Huntsville, Alabama.
  • Flexible 9/80 work schedule supporting every other Friday off.
  • Collaborative, fast-paced, and technically innovative environment with distributed team integration.

About Secmation

Secmation develops AI-enabled software, embedded cybersecurity, secure RF systems, and advanced communications technologies for the U.S. defense community. Our mission is to deliver next-generation secure technologies for Electronic Warfare, autonomous systems, and critical defense applications.

Small company. Big mission. Real engineering.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Secmation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any status protected by applicable law.

The salary range represents a general guideline. Secmation considers the scope and responsibilities of the position, as well as a candidate's experience, education, skills, work location, current market conditions, and other bona fide factors when determining compensation.

This position qualifies for a discretionary performance-based bonus based on individual and company performance.

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