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Rf Development Engineer Jobs in Dover, DE (NOW HIRING)

... engineering credibility and mission focus into funded contracts, strategic partnerships and ... Your product focus will be Rowden's software-defined RF decoy product range, built in direct ...

Rf Development Engineer information

See Dover, DE salary details

$37K

$117.6K

$182.9K

How much do rf development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf development engineer in Dover, DE is $117,615.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,400.00 and $138,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an RF development engineer?

RF Development Engineers are specialized professionals who design, develop, and test radio frequency (RF) systems and components used in wireless communication devices and networks. Their work often involves creating circuits, antennas, and modules that operate at high frequencies, ensuring optimal performance and regulatory compliance. They collaborate closely with hardware engineers, software developers, and testing teams to integrate RF solutions into products like smartphones, satellite systems, and radar equipment. RF Development Engineers also troubleshoot signal issues, analyze system performance, and help improve device efficiency and connectivity.

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

To thrive as an RF Development Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, strong understanding of RF circuit design, and a relevant degree such as a B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering. Familiarity with simulation tools like ADS, HFSS, or CST, as well as experience with network analyzers and spectrum analyzers, is typically required. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with teams and troubleshoot complex issues. These skills are crucial for developing reliable RF systems that meet performance standards and project requirements.

What are some typical challenges an RF development engineer faces when working on new wireless products?

RF Development Engineers often encounter challenges such as minimizing signal interference, ensuring regulatory compliance, and optimizing circuit layout for performance and manufacturability. Collaborating closely with hardware, firmware, and testing teams is essential to quickly address issues like electromagnetic compatibility or unexpected test results. Staying up-to-date with evolving communication standards and troubleshooting complex integration problems are also common aspects of the role. These challenges make adaptability and strong problem-solving skills valuable assets in this position.

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

AspectRf Development EngineerRf Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, RF or CommunicationsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, RF or Communications
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and optimize RF circuits and systemsTest and validate RF products and prototypes
Industry UsageResearch and development, product designQuality assurance, testing labs, manufacturing

While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in RF and communications industries, the Rf Development Engineer focuses on designing and developing RF components, whereas the Rf Test Engineer specializes in testing and validating these components to ensure performance and quality.

Is RF development engineering in demand?

RF development engineering is in high demand due to the growth of wireless communication, 5G technology, and IoT devices. Professionals with skills in RF circuit design, testing, and simulation tools like ADS or HFSS are sought after across telecommunications, aerospace, and consumer electronics industries.

What job categories do people searching Rf Development Engineer jobs in Dover, DE look for?

The top searched job categories for Rf Development Engineer jobs in Dover, DE are:

Flight Termination Systems Engineer

Relative Dynamics

Milford, DE

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

At Relative Dynamics we value knowledge as a process rather than knowledge as an answer. Founded in 2011, our goal is to define the new space era by continuously pushing the boundaries of engineering, models, services, and technology development. Visit us at www.relativedynamicsinc.com.

Relative Dynamics is a subcontractor supporting the NASA Safety and Mission Assurance Services III (SMAS III) contract at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). In this role, you will be employed by Relative Dynamics and assigned to work on projects in support of SMAS III. We are seeking a highly skilled Electrical Engineer specializing in Flight Termination Systems (FTS) to join the aerospace engineering team in the Range Safety Operations Division at Wallops Flight Facility. This position is located on site at NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, VA.

This role is critical to ensuring the safety, reliability, and compliance of launch vehicle operations. The incumbent will review designs, test, and certify FTS hardware and electronics that meet stringent regulatory and mission requirements. The SMAS III contract provides full life cycle hardware and software quality oversight, reliability and risk assessments, system safety design, operational support, and related services to NASA's science and exploration missions and ground support elements, including the Roman Space Telescope (RST) and the Dragonfly (Titan moon) probe. The program also provides flight safety analysis and operational support for NASA/Wallops orbital and suborbital rockets, balloons, and other aerial projects.

What You'll Get to Do:

FTS Design Review & Certification

  • Review, test, and certify FTS hardware and electronics against regulatory and mission requirements

  • Ensure the safety, reliability, and compliance of launch vehicle operations

Systems Testing & Environmental Qualification

  • Perform and evaluate environmental testing (thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC) on safety-critical hardware

Range Safety Compliance & Documentation

  • Apply NASA, MIL-STD, and FAA range safety and FTS requirements across design and certification activities

Required Skills & Background

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, with 5+ years of experience in aerospace or defense electronics, including FTS or safety-critical systems.

  • Experience with FTS and/or safety-critical systems for rockets.

  • Strong knowledge of Radio Frequency (RF) systems, command destruct receivers, and high-reliability circuit design.

  • Familiarity with NASA, MIL-STD, and FAA range safety and FTS requirements.

  • Hands-on experience with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC).

  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in cross-disciplinary teams.

  • Security clearance may be required depending on program.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with launch vehicle avionics and telemetry systems.

  • Knowledge of redundancy design and fault-tolerant architectures.

  • Prior work with government ranges (e.g., NASA Wallops Island, Eastern Range, Western Range).

  • Familiarity with DO-254 certification processes.

Who You Are:

  • A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment

  • A quick learner who is always ready to gain depth of knowledge

  • A reliable worker who knows the importance of showing up when it counts

  • Accept assignments with open, cooperative, positive, and team-oriented attitudes

  • Able to plan and execute plans across teams

  • Effective communicator, both written and verbal

What You'll Enjoy:

  • Competitive wage and benefits package

  • Medical, dental, vision, and life/disability insurance

  • Vacation and paid holidays

  • Tuition reimbursement

  • 401k with company match

  • Employee referral program

  • Community involvement, investing and giving back to the community

Relative Dynamics conducts a comprehensive background check that includes drug testing. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.