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$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.
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Rf Microwave Design Engineer jobs near you
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.
Sr. RF/Microwave Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

Sr. RF/Microwave Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA

$160K - $225K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 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.
SR. RF/MICROWAVE ENGINEER (RFIC ENGINEERING)
At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink and Starlink Mobile. Starlink is the world's most advanced broadband internet system, and the world's largest satellite constellation, providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. The Starlink Mobile network expands Starlink's vision by providing global cellular connectivity from space.
We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, the backhaul gateways on the ground, the user terminals that allow customers 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.
We are seeking a motivated and technically excellent Sr. RF/Microwave engineer to help develop cutting-edge RFICs, MMICs, RF modules, and System-in-Package (SiP) solutions for deployment in Starlink's satellites, ground infrastructure, and user terminals. We are working on next-generation hardware with operating frequencies ranging from cellular to mmWave. Come join us and contribute to RF systems that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design RF/microwave circuits, MMICs, passive/printed components, substrates, transitions, chip breakouts, matching networks, and packages (e.g. QFN, BGA)
  • Design RF modules and SiPs, consisting of RFICs, BAW/SAW filters, SMDs, printed passives, etc.
  • Test RF components (RFIC, MMICs, Modules) in the lab
  • Develop hardware (PCBAs, coupons, sockets) and procure the necessary test equipment for complete RF component characterization and qualification (probing, bench testing, ESD testing, HTOL, etc.)
  • Derive RF system and RF block specifications
  • Work with manufacturing engineers and customer teams on production test and debug of RF assemblies

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 5+ years of research and/or industry experience in RF/microwave circuit design

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree or PhD in an engineering discipline with emphasis in RF/microwave circuits/systems 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 and EM principles
  • MMIC and/or RFIC design (full cycle) experience
  • Module/SiP design (full cycle) experience
  • RF/microwave design using ADS, HFSS, AWR or similar
  • RF/microwave design in cellular, Ku, Ka, V, E, and/or W-band frequency range
  • Schematic and layout using Altium Designer or other PCB design tools
  • Experience in Matlab, Python, C++ or equivalent tools for modeling and analyzing RF systems
  • 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
  • Python programming experience for test automation

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
RF Engineer/Senior: $160,000.00 - $225,000.00/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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    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

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