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Rf Engineer Jobs in Bothell, WA (NOW HIRING)

What You Will Do As a Principal RF Test Engineer, your key responsibilities will include: * Perform testing and handle sensitive RF hardware with precision and care. * Design, develop, and implement ...

Senior RF Antenna Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Description Senior RF Antenna Engineer Who We Are Kymeta revolutionizes satellite communications through Intelligent Communications Platforms (ICPs). Our electronically steered flat panel antennas ...

Collaborate with global metrology teams, engineering, quality, and operations. * Provide mentoring and technical guidance to RF metrologists and technicians. * Support new product introduction ...

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Rf Engineer information

See Bothell, WA salary details

$41.4K

$131.6K

$204.6K

How much do rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf engineer in Bothell, WA is $131,553.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,000.00 and $155,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an RF Engineer Do?

A radio frequency (RF) engineer's primary responsibilities are to collect data, research radio frequency, and analyze gathered information to improve radar design. Your duties have you working with intelligence sensors, surveillance radars, cellular components, over-the-horizon radar, and radio waves. You design modules and switches to improve how the electronics transmit and perform surveys and installations. You take measurements of electromagnetic emissions, install equipment, test your designs, and troubleshoot and debug to improve the radio frequency and speed. RF engineers often coordinate with technicians and other engineers to cover multiple data sites.

Is RF engineering in demand?

RF engineering is in demand due to the growth of wireless communication, 5G networks, and satellite technology. RF engineers with skills in signal processing, circuit design, and proficiency with tools like MATLAB and RF test equipment are sought after across telecommunications, aerospace, and defense industries.

What is the difference between Rf Engineer vs Wireless Communications Engineer?

AspectRf EngineerWireless Communications Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, RF certificationsBachelor's in Electrical/Communications Engineering, RF certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and optimization of RF systemsDevelopment and deployment of wireless communication systems
Industry UsageTelecom, aerospace, defenseTelecom, mobile networks, IoT

RF Engineers focus on designing and testing RF components and systems, while Wireless Communications Engineers work on developing and implementing wireless network solutions. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, often overlap in industry applications, but differ in their specific focus areas within wireless technology.

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

To thrive as an RF Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, RF circuit design, and signal processing, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, simulation software (like HFSS or ADS), and certifications such as FCC or amateur radio licenses are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork help set top performers apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, testing, and optimizing wireless communication systems to ensure reliable and efficient performance.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as senior software engineers, petroleum engineers, or aerospace engineers can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and work in high-demand industries or leadership positions.

What are RF Engineers?

RF Engineers, or Radio Frequency Engineers, are professionals who design, implement, and maintain systems that transmit or receive radio waves. They work with wireless communication systems, including cellular networks, Wi-Fi, satellite, and broadcasting technologies. Their responsibilities include optimizing signal strength, troubleshooting interference issues, and ensuring regulatory compliance. RF Engineers use specialized software and testing equipment to analyze and improve network performance. They are essential in industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, and defense.

What is RF in salary?

In the context of an RF Engineer, RF in salary typically refers to the salary range associated with radio frequency engineering roles. These positions often require specialized skills in wireless communication, signal processing, and related tools, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and certifications. RF Engineers generally earn competitive salaries due to the technical expertise required in designing and testing RF systems.

What are some typical challenges an RF Engineer might face when working on wireless network deployments?

RF Engineers often encounter challenges such as signal interference, environmental obstacles, and fluctuating network demands. Dealing with interference from both internal and external sources requires careful planning, site surveys, and frequent optimization. Additionally, working in multidisciplinary teams with network architects, field technicians, and software engineers is common, requiring strong communication skills to coordinate solutions. Keeping up-to-date with evolving wireless standards and technologies is also essential for success in this role.

What does an RF engineer do?

An RF engineer designs, tests, and maintains radio frequency systems used in wireless communication, such as cell phones, satellite, and radar systems. They work with tools like spectrum analyzers and simulation software, often requiring knowledge of signal processing and certifications like FCC licensing. Their role involves optimizing signal quality, ensuring compliance with standards, and troubleshooting technical issues in communication networks.
What are the most commonly searched types of Rf Engineer jobs in Bothell, WA? The most popular types of Rf Engineer jobs in Bothell, WA are:
What cities near Bothell, WA are hiring for Rf Engineer jobs? Cities near Bothell, WA with the most Rf Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Rf Engineer job openings in Bothell, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $131,553 per year, or $63.2 per hour.
RF/Microwave Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

RF/Microwave Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
RF/MICROWAVE ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK)
At SpaceX, we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.
Our Satellite Payload Engineering team develops the RF devices that power our satellites and ground antennas - from power amplifiers to waveguide components to reflectors to antennae. The ideal candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary team focused on developing all elements of new high performance wireless digital communication systems from antenna to protocol level. You will be responsible for the design, implementation and verification of the electrical hardware for the satellites and ground communication systems.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Simulate and model communication systems
  • Work with system architects, RF engineers, antenna engineers, modem/DSP, and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains
  • Assess feasibility of various designs in support of architectural definition
  • Deriving top-level specifications for RF links and RF and antenna subsystems
  • Characterize and analyze system performance
  • Provide technical support to regulatory, coordination, and market access teams

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics or other engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of research and/or industry experience in the areas of RF/microwave circuit design (internships and co-ops can apply)
  • 1+ years of experience using one of the 3D EM simulation tools (CST, HFSS, FEKO, SEMCAD, EMPro, TICRA or XFDTD)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree in electrical or computer engineering discipline (or 2y+ industry experience) with emphasis in RF/microwave circuits or electromagnetic theory
  • Experience with design of linear and non-linear circuits such as power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, mixers, filters and PLLs
  • Thorough understanding of RF passive components
  • Familiar with radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generator, network analyzers
  • Experience characterizing radio performance at microwave frequencies
  • Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single and multi-carrier techniques and modulation types such as QPSK, APSK and QAM
  • RF/microwave design using ADS, HFSS, AWR or similar
  • Understanding of electromagnetic propagation and antenna systems
  • Schematic and layout using Altium Designer or other PCB design tool
  • Experience in Matlab, Python, C++ or equivalent tools for modeling and analyzing RF systems
  • Python and/or LabVIEW programming experience for test automation
  • Digital communication theory with emphasis on bit error rate and system noise figure
  • RF/microwave design in the Ku, Ka, V and E-band frequency range

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
RF/Microwave Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
RF/Microwave Engineer/Level II: 145,000 - $175,000/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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