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Rf Microwave Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the Job We are seeking an experienced RF Microwave Design Engineer with deep expertise in antenna systems and passive microwave hardware to support the development of next‑generation ...

ADI's Aerospace and Defense business has an open position for a Staff RF/Microwave Design Engineer who will design cutting-edge integrated modules and subsystems ranging from miniaturized multi-chip ...

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RF Microwave Design Engineer information

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$37K

$117.7K

$183K

How much do rf microwave design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf microwave design engineer in the United States is $117,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,500.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an RF microwave design engineer do?

An RF Microwave Design Engineer specializes in designing, developing, and testing radio frequency (RF) and microwave circuits and systems, which are essential for wireless communication devices, radar, satellite, and aerospace applications. They work with components such as amplifiers, filters, antennas, and oscillators to ensure optimal performance and compliance with industry standards. The role involves using specialized simulation and measurement tools, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with other engineers to deliver reliable high-frequency solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RF microwave design engineer?

To thrive as an RF Microwave Design Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, electromagnetic theory, and RF circuit design, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation tools like ADS, HFSS, and MATLAB, as well as experience with PCB layout and testing equipment such as network analyzers, is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help engineers collaborate and address complex design challenges. These skills are crucial for developing reliable and high-performance RF systems used in telecommunications, aerospace, and defense industries.

What are some typical challenges faced by RF microwave design engineers when developing new products?

RF Microwave Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing electromagnetic interference, optimizing circuit layouts for high-frequency performance, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. They must balance design requirements with manufacturing constraints, which can be especially complex when working on miniaturized components. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—such as hardware, firmware, and test engineering—is essential to troubleshoot issues and validate prototypes effectively.

What is the difference between Rf Microwave Design Engineer vs RF Test Engineer?

AspectRf Microwave Design EngineerRF Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, RF or Microwave specializationBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, RF or related field, often with testing certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, engineering officesTesting labs, production facilities, field testing environments
Industry UsageDesigning RF/microwave components and systemsTesting and validating RF/microwave devices and systems

While both roles involve RF/microwave technology, the Rf Microwave Design Engineer focuses on creating and developing RF components, whereas the RF Test Engineer specializes in testing and validating these components to ensure performance and quality.

More about RF Microwave Design Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Rf Microwave Design Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Rf Microwave Design Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Rf Microwave Design Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Rf Microwave Design Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Rf Microwave Design Engineer job openings in the United States 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 $117,680 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

Senior Principal Electrical Engineer - RF/Microwave Design (Onsite)

Raytheon

Goleta, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Raytheon rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 99 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-06-29

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-CA-GOLETA-H01 ~ 6380 Hollister Ave ~ BLDG H01

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Raytheon brings the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedom and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

At Raytheon, our Electronic Warfare teams design and deliver advanced Radio Frequency and microwave hardware that protects platforms and missions in the most demanding operational environments. The Advanced RF Hardware Section in Goleta, California is the focal point for cutting-edge EW hardware development, from early architecture through production and test.

What You Will Do

  • Requires ability to communicate with executive leadership regarding matters of significant importance to the organization.  May conduct briefings with senior leaders.
  • Ability to succeed in an environment where problems and issues faced are numerous and typically undefined where information is difficult to obtain.
  • Own and lead RF/microwave hardware designs from concept through production.
  • Lead in defining system, module, and component-level architecture.
  • Translate system requirements into block diagrams, schematics, and hardware solutions.
  • Design and develop RF, microwave, mixed-signal, and power circuitry.
  • Create schematics, select components, and support PCB/CCA design.
  • Contribute to integrated RF assemblies including amplifiers, filters, mixers, LNAs, PAs, and related subsystems.
  • Use industry-standard tools such as HFSS, ADS, Genesys, SPICE, and MATLAB.
  • Analyze performance across frequency, noise, gain, linearity, and signal integrity domains.
  • Debug and validate designs at the board and module level.
  • Use lab equipment including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, signal generators, and power supplies.
  • Serve as a leader within the RF/microwave design team and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Provide technical leadership to teams of 3-6 people, including plans and execution on one or more simultaneous programs to meet technical, schedule, and cost requirements.
  • Support design reviews and technical trade studies across the full lifecycle.
  • Support proposals for both Cost and Technical Volumes.
  • Mentor and develop the engineering and technical talent within the team.
  • Occasional travel to support integration activities at Raytheon facilities, subcontractors, or customer sites as needed.

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 10 years of prior relevant experience or an advanced degree in a related field and minimum 7 years’ experience.
  • Experience leading the design and development of RF/microwave hardware.
  • Experience designing hardware operating into microwave and higher-frequency regimes (up to ~40 GHz and beyond).
  • Experience with RF/microwave, digital, and power electronics on complex boards.
  • Experience with schematic capture, component selection, and hardware debug.


Qualifications We Prefer

  • Background in Electronic Warfare, radar, aerospace, defense, or similarly demanding hardware environments.
  • Experience supporting hardware through integration, test, and production.
  • Experience in defense program engineering oversight including formal tracking of requirements, cost, and schedule.

What We Offer

  • A total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, and work/life benefits; career development and recognition programs. Some of the benefits we offer include parental (including paternal) leave, flexible work schedules, achievement awards, educational assistance and child/adult backup care.
  • Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, Innovation, and Safety.
  • Relocation assistance available.

Learn More & Apply Now!

  • Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.
  • This position requires onsite work in Goleta, CA: Welcome to Raytheon in Goleta, CA
  • This position requires security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm

#LI-TR1

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 145,600 USD - 276,800 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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