1

Rf Microwave Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Rf Microwave Design Engineer information

See salary details

$37K

$117.7K

$183K

How much do rf microwave design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf microwave design 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RF Microwave Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an RF Microwave Design Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, electromagnetic theory, and RF circuit design, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation tools like ADS, HFSS, and MATLAB, as well as experience with PCB layout and testing equipment such as network analyzers, is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help engineers collaborate and address complex design challenges. These skills are crucial for developing reliable and high-performance RF systems used in telecommunications, aerospace, and defense industries.

What does an RF Microwave Design Engineer do?

An RF Microwave Design Engineer specializes in designing, developing, and testing radio frequency (RF) and microwave circuits and systems, which are essential for wireless communication devices, radar, satellite, and aerospace applications. They work with components such as amplifiers, filters, antennas, and oscillators to ensure optimal performance and compliance with industry standards. The role involves using specialized simulation and measurement tools, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with other engineers to deliver reliable high-frequency solutions.

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

AspectRf Microwave Design EngineerRF Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, RF or Microwave specializationBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, RF or related field, often with testing certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, engineering officesTesting labs, production facilities, field testing environments
Industry UsageDesigning RF/microwave components and systemsTesting and validating RF/microwave devices and systems

While both roles involve RF/microwave technology, the Rf Microwave Design Engineer focuses on creating and developing RF components, whereas the RF Test Engineer specializes in testing and validating these components to ensure performance and quality.

What are some typical challenges faced by RF Microwave Design Engineers when developing new products?

RF Microwave Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing electromagnetic interference, optimizing circuit layouts for high-frequency performance, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. They must balance design requirements with manufacturing constraints, which can be especially complex when working on miniaturized components. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—such as hardware, firmware, and test engineering—is essential to troubleshoot issues and validate prototypes effectively.
More about Rf Microwave Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Rf Microwave Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Rf Microwave Design Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Rf Microwave Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Rf Microwave Design Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Rf Microwave Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Rf Microwave Design Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Rf Microwave Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,680 per year, or $56.6 per hour.
RF Microwave Design Engineer - Level 3 or 4

RF Microwave Design Engineer - Level 3 or 4

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Gilbert, AZ

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 339 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: NoneTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Expand your horizons, advance your career, and help secure a future for generations. Northrop Grumman's Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As a RF Microwave Design Engineer (Level3 or4) based in Gilbert, AZ, you will be a linchpin on missions of paramount importance, shaping what's possible from dayone.

**Please be aware that this position is contingent upon capturing program award and obtaining customer funding prior to the start date**

The RF Microwave Design Engineer will serve in a technical capacity on DoD, commercial, and/or civilsatellite programs, working from design through production and test as part of a resultsoriented team. Within the RF Communication group, you will focus on product definition, evaluation and management of subcontracted components, integration and test support in a cleanroom environment (frock), and missionoperations preparation and support. The successful candidate will work independently under direct supervision in a small team while reaching out for assistance when needed without delay.

Job responsibilities (including, but not limited to):

  • Develop RF component specifications derived from systemlevel requirements.
  • Manage subcontractors (some travel required) and lead RF component interfaces with internal organizations.
  • Evaluate Interface Control Drawings (ICDs).
  • Assist with the generation of subcontract supplier statements of work (SOW).
  • Provide continuous technical support throughout the component life cycle-from initial factfinding discussions with potential vendors through component delivery for the next level of integration.
  • Prepare and present designreview packages to internal and external customers.
  • Review and evaluate vendor proposals, prepare trade studies, and justify vendor selections.
  • Verify requirements by comparing customer toplevel requirements with subcontractor implementations; concisely summarize findings and present them to the internal engineering team.
  • Prepare and present testdata reviews for internal and external customers, summarizing and trending data across similar programs. Interact regularly with internal engineering and programmanagement teams and occasionally with the endcustomer.
  • Support integration and testing of spacecraft for the RF communication team as hardware moves through factory and environmental testing (occasional night/weekend support may be required; with rare 12 to 14hour shifts spanning several days).
  • Over time, assume the role of cognizant RFCOMM Engineer or RF COMM Product Line Lead.
  • Deliver effective oral presentations and engage confidently with customers; produce clear, concise technical documentation.
  • Stay organized and manage progress across multiple simultaneous tasks.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

**This position is contingent upon capturing program award and obtaining customer funding prior to the start date**

This requisition may be filled at the PrincipalRF Microwave Design Engineer (Level3) or the Sr.Principal RF Microwave Design Engineer (Level4) based on the qualifications listed below.

Basic Qualifications - PrincipalRF Microwave Design Engineer (Level3):

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with5+years of engineering experience or Master's degree in a STEM discipline with3+years of engineering experience in RF/microwave theory, satellite communications, radiowave propagation, electromagnetics, or antenna theory.
  • Must be able and willing to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD TopSecret/SCI security clearance.
  • Laboratory work or handson project experience in the microwave field is a strong plus, especially with RF measurement equipment such as network analyzers, power meters, and spectrum analyzers.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering and nonengineering colleagues in a fastpaced team environment.
  • Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Basic Qualifications - Sr.PrincipalRF Microwave Design Engineer (Level4):

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with8+years of engineering experience or Master's degree in a STEM discipline with6+years of engineering experience in RF/microwave theory, satellite communications, radiowave propagation, electromagnetics, or antenna theory.
  • Must be able and willing to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD TopSecret/SCI security clearance.
  • Laboratory work or handson project experience in the microwave field is a strong plus, especially with RF measurement equipment such as network analyzers, power meters, and spectrum analyzers.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering and nonengineering colleagues in a fastpaced team environment.
  • Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of RF link budgets and spacetoground links.
  • Experience with DOORS or CAMEO.
  • Experience with PERL or PYTHON scripting.
  • Experience with RF component unitlevel testing.
  • Active DoD TS/SCI security clearance.
  • Desire to work on spaceflight programs and dedication to the projects/team.
  • Cost Account Management experience and knowledge of the Earned Value process.
  • Experience working on FAR complaint proposals.
Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939