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Rf Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior RF Electrical Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Experience handling ESD-sensitive components and operating in cleanroom environments. Desirable: * Experience working in the smallsat or space industry with RF payloads or communication systems.

Rf Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$106K - $197K/yr

Utilize modeling tools and equipment to establish operating data, conduct experimental tests, and ... Knowledge of RF/microwave engineering principles and hands-on experience with RF/microwave and ...

Our operating model is built around three interlocking pillars. The Support Groups provide a global ... Perform functional, RF, and environmental testing of circuit boards and top-level assemblies

As an RF Engineer for Communications and Networking, you will work in one of the most contested ... Your work will ensure robust, encrypted communications links for UAS operating in non-cooperative ...

Operating test equipment like DC power supplies, RF signal generators, scalar and network analyzers * Understanding DC theory (Ohm's Law) * Following ESD procedures Required Qualifications: * High ...

Senior RF Test Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

... products operating in the 3-7 GHz frequency bands. In this role, you will be responsible for prototype validation, RF performance testing, troubleshooting units, and production support for RF ...

The impact you'll make You will lead and grow a highperforming RF Engineering organization ... Experience operating in global, matrixed organizations and influencing stakeholders without direct ...

Job/Position Summary We are seeking a Radio Frequency (RF) Test Engineer to join a growing test ... Previous reliability testing experience, including operating life testing, environmental ...

RF Test Technician

Torrance, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

RF Test Technician Job Location: Torrance, CA Salary: $30.00-$35.00/hr DOE The RF Test Technician ... Work from schematics, work instructions, drawings and operating procedures * May assist engineers ...

Showing results 41-60

RF Operator information

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How much do rf operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for rf operator in the United States is $23.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an RF operator?

RF Operators, or Radio Frequency Operators, are professionals who set up, monitor, and maintain equipment that transmits or receives radio frequency signals. They are commonly employed in industries such as broadcasting, telecommunications, military, and manufacturing. Their responsibilities include adjusting frequencies, troubleshooting signal issues, and ensuring regulatory compliance. RF Operators play a crucial role in maintaining clear and uninterrupted communication channels.

What are some common challenges faced by RF operators when maintaining and troubleshooting radio frequency equipment?

RF Operators often encounter challenges such as signal interference, equipment calibration issues, and unexpected downtime due to hardware faults. Diagnosing and resolving these problems requires a strong understanding of electronic circuits, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret technical manuals and schematics. Working closely with engineers and other technical staff, RF Operators must also keep up with evolving technologies to ensure optimal equipment performance and compliance with safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RF operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an RF Operator, you need a solid understanding of radio frequency (RF) theory, electronics, and troubleshooting, often supported by technical training or certification in electronics or communications. Familiarity with RF testing equipment, spectrum analyzers, and specialized software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the reliable operation, maintenance, and optimization of RF systems, which are critical for uninterrupted communications and signal quality.

What is the difference between Rf Operator vs Radio Frequency Technician?

AspectRf OperatorRadio Frequency Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsTechnical certifications or associate degree in electronics or communications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, telecommunications sites, or military facilitiesField sites, laboratories, or maintenance facilities
Industry UsageTelecommunications, manufacturing, militaryTelecommunications, broadcasting, defense
Job FocusOperating and monitoring RF equipmentInstalling, troubleshooting, and maintaining RF systems

While both roles involve working with radio frequency equipment, Rf Operators primarily focus on operating and monitoring RF systems, often in manufacturing or military settings. Radio Frequency Technicians have a broader scope, including installing and repairing RF systems, requiring more technical training. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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What are popular job titles related to Rf Operator jobs?

For Rf Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Rf Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,098 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Lead RF Test & Integration Engineer

Torrance, CA • On-site

$162K - $227K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Own RF qualification testing for FPV drone video links, command-and-control links, antennas, RF front ends, and integrated aircraft/ground systems

  • Define validation plans, pass/fail criteria, test procedures, data review methods, and release gates for wireless subsystem qualification

  • Build, improve, and scale RF test infrastructure using various RF measurement tools and automation techniques


Job description

Who we are

Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America's drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands-on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.

As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We're hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years.

What you will be doing

As a Lead RF Test & Integration Engineer, you will own the qualification and production test strategy for the wireless systems that make Neros FPV drones work in the real world. You will lead RF validation for video and command-and-control links, build the test infrastructure that catches problems before they reach the field, and oversee NPI and manufacturing acceptance testing as products move from engineering prototypes into production. You will directly manage RF test engineers and technicians, set the technical bar for test execution, and partner with design engineering and manufacturing to close the loop between failures, root cause, corrective action, and production readiness.

Responsibilities

  • Own RF qualification testing for FPV drone video links, command-and-control links, antennas, RF front ends, and integrated aircraft/ground systems
  • Define validation plans, pass/fail criteria, test procedures, data review methods, and release gates for wireless subsystem qualification
  • Lead NPI test readiness for new RF products, including EVT/DVT/PVT planning, fixture readiness, station bring-up, GR&R, and factory handoff
  • Oversee manufacturing acceptance testing for RF assemblies and integrated products, including conducted RF tests, radiated tests, range/performance checks, and automated production test limits
  • Build, improve, and scale RF test infrastructure using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, SDRs, chambers/OTA setups, Python automation, and production test software
  • Drive root-cause investigations for RF desense, interference, range degradation, yield loss, calibration drift, fixture issues, and field-return failures
  • Manage and mentor a team of RF test engineers and technicians; set priorities, review technical work, and make sure testing is fast, rigorous, and repeatable
  • Partner with RF design, electrical engineering, embedded software, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality to turn test results into design fixes and production controls

You should have the following

  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, or a related technical field
  • 7+ years of hands-on RF test, RF validation, RF systems, wireless hardware, or production test experience
  • Experience qualifying wireless products or RF subsystems through engineering validation, design validation, production validation, or equivalent release processes
  • Strong fundamentals in RF measurements: S-parameters, output power, EVM/BER/PER, sensitivity, noise figure, linearity, phase noise, spurious emissions, desense, coexistence, link budget, and antenna performance
  • Hands-on experience with RF lab equipment such as spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators, power meters, oscilloscopes, SDRs, chambers/OTA setups, and automated test stations
  • Experience building or maintaining automated test systems, ideally using Python or similar scripting tools
  • Demonstrated ability to lead engineers and technicians, run test campaigns, prioritize work, review data, and communicate release risk to engineering and manufacturing leaders
  • Strong understanding of DFT, production test limits, fixture validation, manufacturing yield, calibration, GR&R, and NPI handoff

Nice to have

  • Drone RF systems: Experience testing wireless links on UAVs, FPV drones, and telemetry systems
  • Video and C2 links: Experience validating digital video links, analog video links, LoRa command-and-control links, telemetry links, or mesh/point-to-point radio systems
  • Manufacturing scale-up: Experience moving RF products from prototype into production, including factory test deployment, fixture design, operator instructions, yield analysis, and corrective action
  • OTA and range testing: Experience with chamber testing, antenna pattern/radiated performance, conducted-to-radiated correlation, range tests, and real-world link margin validation

US Salary Range
$162,500 - $227,500 USD 

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros' total compensation package.

We're an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.