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Radio Frequency Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Ability to communicate via radio and cell phone. Ability to drive a golf/utility cart as needed. Must be customer service oriented.

Radio Frequency Engineer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$37.3K

$118.6K

$184.4K

How much do radio frequency engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for radio frequency engineer in Madison, WI is $118,596.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,300.00 and $140,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a radio frequency engineer?

Radio Frequency Engineers are specialized professionals who design, implement, and maintain systems that use radio waves for communication. They work on technologies such as wireless networks, cellular phones, satellite communications, and radar. Their responsibilities include optimizing signal strength, preventing interference, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. These engineers play a crucial role in enabling reliable wireless connectivity in various industries.

What does a radio frequency engineer do?

As a radio frequency engineer (RF engineer), you install and maintain devices that transmit and receive radio waves. You may select which type of device to install in a given area, help design wireless networks, and provide technical support for existing systems. Radio frequency engineering is a specialized focus of electrical engineering and uses many of the same techniques and principles, so some engineers switch between the two fields as necessary for each job. Other details of this position depend on the employer. For example, installing radio devices for the military often involves getting a security clearance and maintaining heavily-secured transmission systems, while urban jobs may require finding ways to filter out excess noise and problems in each frequency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a radio frequency engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Radio Frequency Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, RF circuit design, and signal processing, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools like vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and simulation software such as CST or HFSS is crucial, along with relevant certifications like FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help in troubleshooting complex issues and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital for designing, optimizing, and maintaining reliable RF systems in dynamic environments.

What are some typical challenges radio frequency engineers face when working on large-scale wireless network deployments?

Radio Frequency Engineers often encounter challenges such as mitigating interference from other wireless devices, ensuring signal coverage in complex environments (like dense urban areas or inside buildings), and adhering to regulatory constraints on spectrum usage. Collaborating closely with site engineers, network planners, and field technicians is essential to address these issues efficiently. Staying current with evolving technologies and optimizing existing infrastructure for capacity and reliability are also ongoing parts of the role.

What is the difference between Radio Frequency Engineer vs Wireless Communications Engineer?

AspectRadio Frequency EngineerWireless Communications Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, RF certificationsBachelor's in Electrical/Communications Engineering, wireless certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning RF systems, testing, fieldworkDeveloping wireless networks, system integration
Industry UsageTelecom, aerospace, defenseTelecom, mobile networks, IoT

Both roles involve working with wireless signals and require similar technical skills and certifications. However, Radio Frequency Engineers focus more on RF system design and testing, while Wireless Communications Engineers concentrate on developing and optimizing wireless network systems. The choice depends on your specific interests within wireless technology.

How much does a radio frequency engineer earn?

A radio frequency engineer's salary varies based on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually. Senior engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in telecommunications and defense sectors.

Is radio frequency engineering in demand?

Radio frequency engineering is in demand due to the ongoing expansion of wireless communication networks, including 5G and IoT technologies. RF engineers are needed to design, test, and optimize radio systems, often requiring knowledge of signal processing, spectrum management, and relevant certifications. The field offers opportunities in telecommunications, defense, and aerospace industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Radio Frequency Engineer jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Radio Frequency Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:

What job categories do people searching Radio Frequency Engineer jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Radio Frequency Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Radio Frequency Engineer jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Radio Frequency Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Radio Frequency Engineer job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,578 per year, or $57 per hour.

RF Engineer -Microwave & Quasi-Optics

Type One Energy Group, Inc.

Madison, WI • On-site

$110 - $170/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

About this position

Join us in our mission to commercialize fusion energy

About Type One Energy

Type One Energy Group is mission-driven to provide sustainable, affordable fusion power to the world. Established in 2019 and venture-backed in 2023, the company is led by a team of globally recognized fusion scientists with a strong track record of building state-of-the-art stellarator fusion machines, together with veteran business leaders experienced in scaling companies and commercializing energy technologies.

If you are searching for the best new ideas and share our vision, join us as a RF Engineer-Microwave & Quasi-Optics . This is what you need to know:

Location: Knoxville TN or Madison WI

Salary: Highly Competitive Plus Benefits

Contract: Permanent, full time

Reporting to: Director of Electrical and Software Engineering

Your role in the mission:

We are seeking a motivated RF Engineer to join our Electron Cyclotron Heating (ECH) team and take a central role in the design and development of a quasi-optical (QO) transmission line system. This is a hands‑on engineering position at the intersection of high‑power microwave engineering, optical beam propagation, and fusion system integration.

You will work alongside highly motivated physicists and engineers to design, analyze, and validate the QO transmission line that delivers high‑power millimeter‑wave beams from gyrotron sources to the plasma vessel. This role offers significant opportunity for growth and requires a willingness to develop expertise across a broad set of microwave and optical engineering disciplines.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead and contribute to the design of QO transmission line components, including waveguides, mirrors, polarizers, and beam shaping elements for high‑power millimeter‑wave delivery
  • Perform Gaussian beam optics analysis and diffraction simulations to characterize beam propagation, spillover losses, and mode purity through the QO transmission line
  • Use electromagnetic simulation tools (e.g., CST, HFSS, COMSOL, or equivalent) to model QO component performance and validate designs against system requirements
  • Specify and coordinate fabrication of precision microwave components, working closely with machinists, vendors, and metrology teams to ensure design tolerances are met
  • Conduct low‑power microwave bench measurements to characterize component performance, including beam pattern mapping, insertion loss, and polarization purity
  • Support high‑power conditioning and commissioning activities for the QO transmission line in coordination with the broader ECH team
  • Develop and maintain engineering documentation including design drawings, analysis reports, interface control documents, and test procedures
  • Stay current with advances in QO and millimeter‑wave engineering and proactively apply new techniques to improve system performance
  • Interact with other engineering and physics disciplines including thermal, mechanical, and neutronics

What you’ll need:

  • Doctoral degree/Masters in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field
  • Demonstrated experience in microwave or millimeter‑wave engineering, including RF component design, analysis, or testing
  • Working knowledge of Gaussian beam optics and free‑space wave propagation at millimeter‑wave or sub‑millimeter‑wave frequencies
  • Proficiency with at least one electromagnetic/multi‑physics simulation tool (e.g., CST Microwave Studio, HFSS, COMSOL, or similar)
  • Hands‑on experience with microwave measurement techniques and laboratory instrumentation (VNAs, power meters, beam profilers)
  • Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to translate system‑level requirements into component‑level specifications
  • Genuine curiosity and a demonstrated willingness to learn new technical domains; this role spans multiple disciplines and rewards intellectual breadth
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with high‑power gyrotron systems or ECH transmission line architectures used in fusion research
  • Experience with QO or antenna range measurements, including near‑field to far‑field transformations
  • Exposure to fusion devices (tokamaks or stellarators) and the role of ECH systems in plasma heating
  • Experience with engineering design tools such as CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA) for mechanical integration of microwave components

We offer :

In addition to a basic salary and yearly bonus, you will also get…

  • A hybrid work policy
  • Stock options
  • Insurance plans
  • Retirement options
  • And many more great voluntary benefits

Type One Energy applies proven advanced manufacturing methods, modern computational physics and high‑field superconducting magnets to develop its optimized stellarator fusion energy system. Our FusionDirect development program pursues the lowest‑risk, shortest‑schedule path to a fusion power plant over the coming decade, using a partner‑intensive and capital‑efficient strategy.

Type One Energy is committed to community engagement in the development and deployment of its clean energy technology. For more information, visit www.typeoneenergy.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Export Control Compliance Notice

This position may require access to technology, technical data, software, or other information that is subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon the Company's ability to comply with applicable U.S. Export Control Laws, including obtaining any required government authorizations.

Type One Energy is a Global, U.S.-based company that develops and utilizes technologies subject to U.S. export control and trade compliance regulations. Certain positions may require access to controlled technologies, technical data, software, or other information regulated by U.S. Export Control Laws.

For positions involving access to export‑controlled technology or information, the Company may be required to determine whether any government authorization or license is needed before such access can be provided. Any offer of employment for such positions may be contingent upon the Company's ability to comply with applicable U.S. Export Control Laws and obtain any required government authorizations.

U.S. Employment Eligibility Verification

For positions based in the United States, Type One Energy participates in E-Verify and verifies the identity and employment authorization of newly hired employees in accordance with applicable federal law. Employees hired to work in the United States will be required to complete the Form I-9 employment eligibility verification process upon hire.

Type One Energy is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Candidate Privacy

Type One Energy collects personal information from applicants for recruitment, hiring, and related business purposes. We process applicant information in accordance with applicable privacy and data protection laws and take reasonable measures to protect the confidentiality and security of personal information. By applying for a position, you acknowledge that your personal information may be collected, used, transferred, and disclosed as necessary to evaluate your candidacy, conduct pre‑employment screenings where permitted by law, and comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

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