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Rf Design Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Spectrum Control

RF Design Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

The RF Design Engineer supports the design, development, testing, and continuous improvement of high-frequency and high-power RF and microwave products utilizing advanced thin-film and thick-film ...

Spectrum Control

RF Design Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

The RF Design Engineer supports the design, development, testing, and continuous improvement of high-frequency and high-power RF and microwave products utilizing advanced thin-film and thick-film ...

Morey

Electrical Design Engineer

Holland, MI · On-site

About the Role We're looking for a hands-on Electrical Design Engineer to own the full lifecycle of ... Comfort with RF concepts** -- antenna matching, transmission line theory, RF front-end design, and ...

Acron Aviation

FPGA Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$124K - $160K/yr

You will collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical (digital/analog), RF, firmware, and software engineering, to plan, design, prototype, and test avionics systems.

SRI International

Sr Research Engineer-RF

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$130K - $194K/yr

Work with an interdisciplinary team to design, develop, and test of RF systems, including ... Collaboration with engineers across different domains, including: mechanical, optical, digital

ZF

Senior PCB Design Engineer

Farmington Hills, MI · Hybrid

The Electronics Engineering Services department seeking Sr. Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Designer ... Experience in PCB layout design constraints for mixed/RF signal, high speed signal impedance ...

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All JobsRf Design Engineer JobsRf Design Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Rf Design Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$63.2K

$113.3K

$147.7K

How much do rf design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf design engineer in Michigan is $113,305.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,900.00 and $127,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is an RF Design Engineer?

An RF design engineer is a specialist within electrical engineering whose duties involve working with electronics and radio frequency. RF design engineers have job experience working with systems that are used to receive or transmit radio waves. Examples of this type of equipment include radios, cellular phones, circuits, and wireless communications. To have a career as an RF design engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering to start and a master’s degree for more advanced positions. Other qualifications and skills may include experience working with radio transmission equipment, as well as state-specific licensing or certification.

How much does an RF engineer earn?

RF Design Engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand sectors like telecommunications and aerospace.

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

To thrive as an RF Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, RF circuit design, and electromagnetic theory, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation tools like ADS, HFSS, and CAD software, as well as knowledge of industry standards and FCC regulations, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in collaborative technical environments. These skills ensure reliable, innovative RF solutions that meet performance specifications and regulatory requirements in wireless systems.

What are some common challenges faced by RF Design Engineers when working on new wireless communication projects?

RF Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing signal interference, optimizing circuit layouts for minimal loss, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. They must balance performance requirements with cost and manufacturability while collaborating closely with hardware, software, and testing teams. Troubleshooting unexpected issues during prototyping and adapting designs to evolving project needs are also frequent aspects of the role.

What are RF Design Engineers?

RF Design Engineers are professionals who design and develop radio frequency (RF) circuits and systems used in wireless communications, broadcasting, radar, and other applications. They work on components such as antennas, transmitters, receivers, and amplifiers to ensure optimal signal transmission and reception. Their responsibilities include circuit simulation, prototyping, testing, and troubleshooting to meet performance and regulatory standards. RF Design Engineers often collaborate with other engineers to integrate RF solutions into larger electronic systems.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior RF Design Engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in RF circuit design, and certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries like telecommunications and aerospace. Achieving this salary often requires specialized knowledge, leadership roles, and working in competitive markets or companies with high compensation standards.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as senior software engineers, data scientists, or engineering managers can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, or in high-demand industries like technology or finance. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often leadership responsibilities.

What does an RF design engineer do?

An RF design engineer develops and tests radio frequency circuits and systems used in wireless communication devices. They design, simulate, and optimize RF components such as antennas, filters, and amplifiers, often using specialized software and measurement tools. Their work ensures reliable signal transmission and reception in applications like mobile phones, radar, and satellite communications.

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

AspectRf Design EngineerRf Test Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing RF circuits and systemsTesting, validating, and troubleshooting RF products
Skills & CertificationsRF circuit design, simulation, knowledge of RF componentsTesting procedures, measurement tools, RF testing certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departmentsTesting labs, production environments
Industry UsageTelecommunications, aerospace, consumer electronicsManufacturing, quality assurance, product validation

While both roles involve RF technology, Rf Design Engineers focus on creating RF circuits and systems, whereas Rf Test Engineers specialize in testing and validating RF products to ensure performance and quality. Both roles often collaborate but serve different stages of product development.

More about Rf Design Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Rf Design Engineer jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Rf Design Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Rf Design Engineer jobs in Michigan? For Rf Design Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rf Design Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Rf Design Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Rf Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Rf Design Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Rf Design Engineer jobs in MI? For Rf Design Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Rf Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rf Design Engineer job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,305 per year, or $54.5 per hour.
RF Design Engineer

RF Design Engineer

Spectrum Control

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

At Spectrum Control, most departments operate on a 4-day, 10-hour work schedule in exchange for a 3-day weekend. We offer competitive wages and PTO, plus our benefits begin on day 1 of employment. Come join a workforce where we put you first!
Job Summary: The RF Design Engineer supports the design, development, testing, and continuous improvement of high-frequency and high-power RF and microwave products utilizing advanced thin-film and thick-film resistive technologies. This role is responsible for applying RF engineering principles to develop new products, enhance existing designs, and support manufacturing and customer requirements.
Working within a collaborative engineering environment, the RF Design Engineer contributes to product development activities from concept through production, including design simulation, prototype evaluation, performance testing, and technical documentation. The position interfaces regularly with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality, Sales, and Program Management to ensure products meet performance, quality, cost, and schedule objectives.
Essential Job Functions
  • Design and develop new RF and microwave products covering frequency ranges from DC to 65 GHz+ and average power levels up to 2,000 watts.
  • Support new product development efforts through concept generation, design analysis, simulation, prototyping, testing, qualification, and production release.
  • Research and evaluate new technologies, materials, and design approaches to improve existing products and support future product development initiatives.
  • Contribute to the design and support of RF passive product lines, including but not limited to:
    • Attenuators
    • Terminations and loads
    • Bias tees
    • Gain equalizers
    • Directional couplers
    • Power dividers/combiners
    • Temperature-sensitive resistors and attenuators
    • Coaxial and surface-mount RF/microwave components
  • Perform RF and electromagnetic modeling, simulation, and design optimization using industry-standard software tools.
  • Design, assemble, and evaluate prototypes, conducting electrical characterization and performance testing including S-parameter analysis, power handling validation, and thermal performance evaluation.
  • Analyze test data and implement design improvements to ensure compliance with product specifications and customer requirements.
  • Assist Sales, Manufacturing Engineering, Production, and Quality teams in resolving product issues, investigating customer concerns, evaluating waiver requests, and responding to technical inquiries.
  • Support manufacturing process improvements, yield enhancement initiatives, and product cost-reduction efforts.
  • Create and maintain engineering documentation including drawings, specifications, bills of materials (BOMs), test procedures, work instructions, and design records.
  • Participate in design reviews and technical discussions to support successful product development and production activities.
  • Adhere to company quality standards, regulatory requirements, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in RF, microwave, electrical, or related product development environments.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of hands-on RF/microwave design experience utilizing computer-aided design and simulation tools such as:
    • Keysight ADS
    • Cadence AWR Microwave Office
    • Ansys HFSS
    • CST Microwave Studio
    • Or equivalent RF/EM simulation platforms
  • Experience designing and testing RF and microwave circuits, components, or assemblies.
  • Strong understanding of RF measurement techniques and test equipment, including Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and power measurement systems.
  • Experience performing S-parameter characterization, data analysis, and performance validation.
  • Experience with programming or test automation tools; LabVIEW, HPVEE, or similar platforms are preferred.
  • Experience using CAD systems such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent.
  • Working knowledge of modern manufacturing processes and electrical/electronic assembly methods.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to travel occasionally as required.
  • Must be eligible to access export-controlled information and technology in accordance with U.S. export control regulations.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance in the future, if required. This requires U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with thin-film and thick-film resistive technologies.
  • Experience with high-power RF design, thermal management, and reliability considerations.
  • Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or related continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Experience supporting aerospace, defense, medical, communications, or other high-reliability applications.

Work Environment
  • This position is located at our Ann Arbor, MI manufacturing facility and requires regular on-site collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, and production teams. The role supports the development and production of high-performance RF and microwave components and assemblies serving aerospace, defense, medical, industrial, and communications markets.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
Third-Party Recruiters
Please note, that per Spectrum Control Policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters are engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening and in alignment with our values and expectations. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that Spectrum Control will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity. If you or your agency are interested in becoming an approved vendor please contact scirecruiting@am.spectrumcontrol.com.

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