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Radio Frequency Hardware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Radio Frequency Hardware Engineer information

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$37K

$117.7K

$183K

How much do radio frequency hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for radio frequency hardware 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 is the difference between Radio Frequency Hardware Engineer vs RF Design Engineer?

AspectRadio Frequency Hardware EngineerRF Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, certifications in RF or microwave technologyBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, specialized RF certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, testing facilities, manufacturing settingsDesign offices, labs, and testing environments
Industry UsageTelecommunications, aerospace, defense, consumer electronicsWireless communication, mobile devices, satellite systems

Radio Frequency Hardware Engineers focus on developing and testing RF hardware components, while RF Design Engineers primarily design RF circuits and systems. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, often overlapping in industries like telecommunications and aerospace. The main difference lies in their specific responsibilities within RF hardware development versus RF circuit design.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Radio Frequency Hardware Engineer, and why are they important?

A Radio Frequency Hardware Engineer must possess strong knowledge of RF circuit design, electromagnetic theory, and signal processing, typically with a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like ADS (Advanced Design System), HFSS, and network analyzers, as well as certifications such as FCC licensing, are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are critical to ensure reliable, high-performance RF systems for telecommunications, aerospace, and other industries.

What are some common challenges faced by Radio Frequency Hardware Engineers during the design and testing phases?

Radio Frequency Hardware Engineers often encounter challenges such as minimizing signal interference, managing electromagnetic compatibility, and ensuring the reliability of components at high frequencies. During the design phase, achieving the desired performance while balancing cost and manufacturability can be complex. In testing, accurately simulating real-world operating conditions and troubleshooting unexpected signal behavior require strong analytical skills and attention to detail. These challenges are typically addressed through collaboration with cross-functional teams, including PCB designers and system engineers.

What are Radio Frequency Hardware Engineers?

Radio Frequency Hardware Engineers are specialized professionals who design, develop, and test electronic devices that operate using radio frequencies, such as wireless communication systems, antennas, transmitters, and receivers. They work on optimizing hardware components for efficient signal transmission and reception, ensuring minimal interference and maximum performance. These engineers collaborate closely with other electrical engineers, system designers, and manufacturers to bring RF devices from concept to production. Their expertise is essential in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, defense, and consumer electronics.
More about Radio Frequency Hardware Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Radio Frequency Hardware Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Radio Frequency Hardware Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Radio Frequency Hardware Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Radio Frequency Hardware Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Radio Frequency Hardware Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Radio Frequency Hardware Engineer jobs are:
Junior Radio Frequency (RF) Electrical Engineer

Junior Radio Frequency (RF) Electrical Engineer

Leidos

Upper Marlboro, MD

$57K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 426 rated business services


Job description

Description

Leidos’ NISC IV program seeks a Junior Electrical Engineer to support the FAA Spectrum Engineering Services Group.

The Spectrum Engineering Group is responsible for securing, managing, and protecting all civil aviation spectrum resources to ensure interference-free operation of FAA communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems across the National Airspace System (NAS).

The ideal candidate will have an electrical engineering degree and up to two years of radio frequency engineering experience. This role performs engineering and coordinating of frequency assignment actions for primary surveillance radar systems, air-to-ground voice communication, Land mobile radio, microwave, satellite, and various other Radio Frequency (RF) Spectrum Engineering disciplines while ensuring compliance with FAA Order 6050.32 and NTIA Redbook requirements.

Must be near one of the following FAA locations:

FAA HQ (DC), Egg Harbor Township (NJ), or Oklahoma City

Core Responsibilities (All Bands):

  • Contributes to the planning, coordination, and execution of FAA and non-FAA frequency assignment actions, ensuring that technical analyses and documentation conform to FAA Orders, the NTIA Manual (Redbook), and established engineering standards.
  • Perform radio-frequency compatibility analyses using the FAA’s spectrum-automation and modeling tools to identify and mitigate potential interference among communications, navigation, and surveillance systems.
  • Conduct RF propagation, link-budget, EMC, and interference analyses using FAA spectrum-automation and modeling tools.
  • Validate all technical data (location, equipment, parameters, emission designator, power, bandwidth, and antenna characteristics) for completeness and accuracy.
  • Collaborates closely with other federal and contractor engineers, Service Area Spectrum Offices, and FAA program offices to resolve technical issues and advance records through the assignment and coordination process.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or completion of a formal spectrum management course or equivalent military experience in spectrum management.
  • Less than 2 years of relevant experience in radio frequency engineering.
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Ability to learn FAA-specific software and systems.
  • Must be a US citizen.
  • Must have a security clearance of Secret or higher or be able to meet the requirements for one.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of spectrum-engineering principles, electromagnetic theory, and radio-frequency propagation as applied to communications, navigation, and surveillance systems that support the National Airspace System (NAS).
  • Experience in applying analytical and automation tools to perform frequency-assignment processing, data validation, and compatibility analysis, with attention to accuracy and completeness.
  • Experience evaluating radio-frequency system parameters to identify and mitigate potential interference and resolving routine and complex spectrum-engineering problems.
  • Familiar with Spectrum XXI or similar federal spectrum management tools is highly desirable.
  • Ability to perform engineering calculations (FSPL, link budgets, noise/interference ratios, power conversions).
  • Ability to interpret technical data and apply mitigation best practices to resolve RF interference issues affecting aviation systems.
  • Knowledge of roles and responsibilities of spectrum management within the National Airspace System (NAS).
  • Knowledge of frequency management practices, including engineering, assignment, and protection of radio frequencies, and the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) Redbook.
  • Knowledge of and experience with various frequency policy organizations, including National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Interdepartmental Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC), and associated sub-committees, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:June 3, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $57,850.00 - $104,575.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.


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About Leidos

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At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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