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Rf Communications Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peraton

Radar + RF Communications Engineer

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton Labs is searching for a Part-Time Radar + RF Communications Engineer. This position will initially be 20 hours/week, with the potential to grow into a full-time position. It ...

Saalex

Communications Engineer

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

Execute RF system configuration, testing, and evaluation, including waveform and antenna ... communications systems * Conduct engineering activities across the full lifecycle: design ...

Saalex

Communications Engineer

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

Execute RF system configuration, testing, and evaluation, including waveform and antenna ... communications systems * Conduct engineering activities across the full lifecycle: design ...

Draper

Principal RF Communications Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$95K - $245K/yr

A Principal RF and Communications Engineer is responsible for the design and, development of radio frequency (RF) and communications systems. This engineer is expected to demonstrate a strong ...

Draper

Principal RF Communications Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$95K - $245K/yr

A Principal RF and Communications Engineer is responsible for the design and, development of radio frequency (RF) and communications systems. This engineer is expected to demonstrate a strong ...

Saalex

Communications Engineer

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

Execute RF system configuration, testing, and evaluation, including waveform and antenna ... communications systems * Conduct engineering activities across the full lifecycle: design ...

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Rf Communications Engineer information

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$37K

$117.7K

$183K

How much do rf communications engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf communications 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 are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of an RF Communications Engineer?

As an RF Communications Engineer, your daily responsibilities may include designing, testing, and optimizing RF circuits, antennas, and communication systems, as well as troubleshooting signal integrity issues. You will regularly use specialized test equipment and simulation software to develop, analyze, and validate system performance. Collaboration is common, as you'll often work with hardware and software teams to integrate and improve communication networks. Additionally, documenting design processes and results is essential for ensuring project success and compliance with industry standards. This varied workload provides ongoing opportunities for learning and professional development.

Do RF engineers make a lot?

RF Communications Engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start with moderate pay, while experienced engineers with specialized skills in signal analysis, antenna design, or certification can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by benefits and bonuses. Overall, the role offers good earning potential within the engineering field.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior RF Communications Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills in wireless systems and signal processing can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles often involve leadership, complex project management, and working in industries like telecommunications, defense, or aerospace.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced RF Communications Engineers working in senior or executive roles, especially in telecommunications or defense industries, can earn $500,000 or more annually. Such compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, and typically requires advanced certifications, specialized skills, and extensive industry experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Rf Communications Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an RF Communications Engineer, you need a solid foundation in radio frequency theory, signal processing, and experience with wireless communication systems, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with RF test equipment (such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers), CAD tools for circuit design, and certifications like FCC licensure can be highly advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help individuals excel in this role. These skills are crucial for developing, troubleshooting, and optimizing reliable RF communications systems in both individual and collaborative projects.

What does an RF Communications Engineer do?

An RF Communications Engineer designs, develops, and maintains radio frequency (RF) systems used in wireless communication, radar, and broadcasting. They analyze signal performance, optimize network coverage, and troubleshoot interference issues. Their work involves testing and validating RF components, ensuring compliance with regulations, and collaborating with other engineers on system integration. RF engineers are essential in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, and defense.

What is RF in salary?

RF in salary typically refers to the base salary or fixed compensation offered for an RF Communications Engineer role. This salary can vary based on experience, location, certifications, and the complexity of RF systems involved. Engineers with specialized skills in RF design, testing, and troubleshooting often command higher salaries within the telecommunications and wireless industries.
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Rf Communications Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rf Communications Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,680 per year, or $56.6 per hour.
RF Communications Engineer

RF Communications Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 58 rated research

Job description

Description
Would you be excited to build communications/networking architectures across hardware/firmware/software boundaries?
Are you interested in trying novel, creative, and risky approaches for communications systems to solve and overcome mission critical challenges?
Would you enjoy rapid prototyping of ideas on both novel and deployed RF hardware/systems?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!
We are seeking an RF Communications Engineer to contribute to communications system design, implementation, hardware test/evaluation, FPGA firmware, real-time embedded software, and more. As part of our team, you will make critical contributions to both new and legacy communications systems and work on a variety of projects in a fast-paced team environment.
As an RF Communications Engineer, you will ...
  • Work with multi-disciplinary teams in designing, implementing, and analyzing systems/algorithms for future resilient, secure, and adaptive communications networks operating in highly contested environments
  • Develop FPGA firmware (VHDL) from concept through implementation, evaluation, and deployment
  • Contribute to MATLAB modeling and simulation
  • Validate and analyze performance of prototypes and tactical systems against complex operational scenarios
  • Work as part of a team to design novel solutions and approaches for size/weight/power/cost (SWaP-C) constrained communications concepts
  • Provide status updates, analysis results, and algorithms in written reports and in presentations to internal APL staff, program contractors, and government sponsors
  • Support occasional field tests for hardware testing

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a BS degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline
  • Have 3+ years of experience in communications system design and digital signal processing
  • Have demonstrated experience in FPGA/firmware implementation of transceivers, link-level algorithms, and communications hardware architectures
  • Have understanding of system link budgets and analysis related to communications/RF systems
  • Have strong knowledge of RF system design principles, with hands-on experience using RF hardware and test equipment
  • Have experience in MATLAB and/or Python for algorithm development, modeling, and simulation
  • Have strong experience with FPGA firmware design and development experience using VHDL and/or Verilog
  • Have demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
  • Can effectively communicate ideas and results
  • Are able to obtain Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have an MS degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline
  • Have professional experience with designing fast and adaptive wireless modems and/or networking protocols
  • Have a deep understanding of wireless communications concepts (OFDM, MIMO, etc.)
  • Have experience implementing advanced concepts on FPGA such as transceivers, estimators, adaptive filtering techniques, error correction codes, etc.
  • Have experience with current military links (e.g. CDL, LINK16/MIDS)
  • Have experience with satellite communications systems
  • Have experience with heterogeneous (PL-PS) designs on AMD/Xilinx MPSoC/RFSoC/Versal architectures; familiarity with Petalinux/Yocto and C/C++ embedded programming experience
  • Have an active Secret security clearance

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$195,000 Annually

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