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Rf Engineering Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

RF Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Senior Director of Systems Engineering Job Overview We are seeking a motivated RF Engineer to join our Electron Cyclotron Heating (ECH) team and take a central role in the design and development of a ...

RF Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$95 - $150/hr

Senior Director of Systems Engineering Your role in the mission: We are seeking a motivated RF Engineer to join our Electron Cyclotron Heating (ECH) team and take a central role in the design and ...

Senior Director of Systems Engineering Your role in the mission: We are seeking a motivated RF Engineer to join our Electron Cyclotron Heating (ECH) team and take a central role in the design and ...

Bachelor's Degree in RF / Microwave Engineering. * 1+ years of related experience in RF/Microwave Engineering * 1+ years of experience testing, tuning, and troubleshooting microwave circuits.

Bachelor's Degree in RF / Microwave Engineering. * 1+ years of related experience in RF/Microwave Engineering * 1+ years of experience testing, tuning, and troubleshooting microwave circuits.

Bachelor's Degree in RF / Microwave Engineering. * 1+ years of related experience in RF/Microwave Engineering * 1+ years of experience testing, tuning, and troubleshooting microwave circuits.

Bachelor's Degree in RF / Microwave Engineering. * 1+ years of related experience in RF/Microwave Engineering * 1+ years of experience testing, tuning, and troubleshooting microwave circuits.

... engineering design (ability to perform simple analyses and report results) Preferred Qualifications Experience with fusion, high-vacuum equipment, magnet systems, RF systems/mechanical interfaces, or ...

... to engineering design (ability to perform simple analyses and report results) Preferred Qualifications • Experience with fusion, high-vacuum equipment, magnet systems, RF systems/mechanical ...

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Showing results 1-20

Rf Engineering information

See Tennessee salary details

$33.6K

$106.8K

$166.1K

How much do rf engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf engineering in Tennessee is $106,809.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $126,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is RF engineering?

RF Engineering, or Radio Frequency Engineering, is a specialized field within electrical engineering that focuses on the design, development, and maintenance of devices and systems that use radio waves. These professionals work on communications systems such as wireless networks, radio, television broadcasting, radar, and satellite communications. RF engineers are involved in tasks like designing antennas, optimizing signal coverage, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Their expertise is crucial for the reliable operation of modern wireless technologies.

Is RF engineering in demand?

RF engineering is in demand due to the growth of wireless communication, 5G networks, and satellite technology. Professionals with skills in RF design, testing, and certification are sought after in telecommunications, defense, and aerospace industries.

How much does a radio frequency engineer earn?

A radio frequency (RF) engineer's salary varies by experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start around $60,000, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn over $130,000. The role often requires knowledge of RF design, testing, and tools like spectrum analyzers.

What does an RF engineer do?

An RF engineer designs, tests, and maintains radio frequency systems used in wireless communication, radar, and satellite systems. They work with tools like spectrum analyzers and simulation software, often requiring knowledge of signal propagation, antennas, and certifications such as FCC licensing. Their role involves ensuring reliable signal transmission and compliance with industry standards.

What is the difference between Rf Engineering vs Wireless Network Engineering?

AspectRf EngineeringWireless Network Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, RF certifications (e.g., FCC, RF-specific courses)Bachelor's in Computer Science, Networking certifications (e.g., CWNA, CCNA Wireless)
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and optimizing RF hardware and systems, often in labs or field sitesPlanning, deploying, and maintaining wireless networks, primarily in office or outdoor environments
Employer & Industry UsageTelecom, aerospace, defense, hardware manufacturingTelecom, IT, enterprise networking, service providers

RF Engineering focuses on designing and testing radio frequency hardware and systems, while Wireless Network Engineering emphasizes deploying and managing wireless network infrastructure. Both roles require technical expertise but differ in their focus areas and work environments.

What are some common challenges RF engineers face when working on wireless communication projects?

RF Engineers often encounter challenges such as mitigating interference, optimizing signal coverage, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Working in this role requires balancing technical trade-offs like cost, performance, and power consumption while troubleshooting complex issues that arise during testing and deployment. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—such as hardware designers, software developers, and field technicians—is essential to address these challenges and deliver robust wireless solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RF engineer?

To thrive as an RF Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, signal processing, and electromagnetic theory, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical or electronics engineering. Familiarity with RF simulation and design tools such as HFSS, ADS, and network analyzers, as well as certifications like FCC licensing, is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and troubleshooting complex systems. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure the reliable design, implementation, and maintenance of RF systems used in telecommunications, aerospace, and other industries.
What are popular job titles related to Rf Engineering jobs in Tennessee? For Rf Engineering jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rf Engineering jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Rf Engineering jobs in Tennessee are:
Infographic showing various Rf Engineering job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $106,809 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

$90 - $140/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

RF Engineer

Join us in our mission to commercialize fusion energy.

About Type One Energy

Type One Energy Group is mission-driven to provide sustainable, affordable fusion power to the world. Established in 2019 and venture‑backed in 2023, the company is led by a team of globally recognized fusion scientists with a strong track record of building state‑of‑the‑art stellarator fusion machines, together with veteran business leaders experienced in scaling companies and commercializing energy technologies.

Our FusionDirect development program pursues the lowest‑risk, shortest‑schedule path to a fusion power plant over the coming decade, using a partner‑intensive and capital‑efficient strategy.

Key Details
  • Location: Knoxville, TN (other office locations may be available)
  • Salary: Highly Competitive + Benefits
  • Contract: Permanent, full time
  • Reporting to: Senior Director of Systems Engineering
Job Overview

We are seeking a motivated RF Engineer to join our Electron Cyclotron Heating (ECH) team and take a central role in the design and development of a quasi‑optical (QO) transmission line system. This hands‑on engineering position lies at the intersection of high‑power microwave engineering, optical beam propagation, and fusion system integration. You will work alongside highly motivated physicists and engineers to design, analyze, and validate the QO transmission line that delivers high‑power millimeter‑wave beams from gyrotron sources to the plasma vessel. This role offers significant opportunity for growth and requires a willingness to develop expertise across a broad set of microwave and optical engineering disciplines.

Responsibilities
  • Lead and contribute to the design of QO transmission line components, including waveguides, mirrors, polarizers, and beam‑shaping elements for high‑power millimeter‑wave delivery.
  • Perform Gaussian beam optics analysis and diffraction simulations to characterize beam propagation, spillover losses, and mode purity through the QO transmission line.
  • Use electromagnetic simulation tools (e.g., CST, HFSS, COMSOL, or equivalent) to model QO component performance and validate designs against system requirements.
  • Specify and coordinate fabrication of precision microwave components, working closely with machinists, vendors, and metrology teams to ensure design tolerances are met.
  • Conduct low‑power microwave bench measurements to characterize component performance, including beam pattern mapping, insertion loss, and polarization purity.
  • Support high‑power conditioning and commissioning activities for the QO transmission line in coordination with the broader ECH team.
  • Develop and maintain engineering documentation including design drawings, analysis reports, interface control documents, and test procedures.
  • Stay current with advances in QO and millimeter‑wave engineering and proactively apply new techniques to improve system performance.
  • Interact with other engineering and physics disciplines including thermal, mechanical, and neutronics.
Qualifications
  • Doctoral degree or Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field.
  • Demonstrated experience in microwave or millimeter‑wave engineering, including RF component design, analysis, or testing.
  • Working knowledge of Gaussian beam optics and free‑space wave propagation at millimeter‑wave or sub‑millimeter‑wave frequencies.
  • Proficiency with at least one electromagnetic/multi‑physics simulation tool (e.g., CST Microwave Studio, HFSS, COMSOL, or similar).
  • Hands‑on experience with microwave measurement techniques and laboratory instrumentation (VNAs, power meters, beam profilers).
  • Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to translate system‑level requirements into component‑level specifications.
  • Genuine curiosity and a demonstrated willingness to learn new technical domains; this role spans multiple disciplines and rewards intellectual breadth.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with high‑power gyrotron systems or ECH transmission line architectures used in fusion research.
  • Experience with QO or antenna range measurements, including near‑field to far‑field transformations.
  • Exposure to fusion devices (tokamaks or stellarators) and the role of ECH systems in plasma heating.
  • Experience with engineering design tools such as CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA) for mechanical integration of microwave components.
Benefits
  • Basic salary and yearly bonus.
  • Hybrid work policy.
  • Stock options.
  • Relocation allowance.
  • Insurance plans.
  • Retirement options.
  • Many more voluntary benefits.
Equal Opportunity Statement

Type One Energy is an equal‑opportunity employer. We value diversity and remain open to unique perspectives. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment independent of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

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