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Rf Microwave Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Rf Microwave Design Engineer information

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$37K

$117.7K

$183K

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

As of Sep 5, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RF microwave design engineer?

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 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.

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.

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:

Infographic showing various Rf Microwave Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,680 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

RF Microwave Design Engineer Level 2

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Gilbert, AZ • On-site

$79K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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. 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 Level 2 based in Gilbert, AZ, you will be a linchpin on missions of paramount importance, shaping what's possible from day one.
**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 civil-satellite programs, working from design through production and test as part of a results-oriented team. Within the RF Communication group, you will focus on product definition, evaluation and management of subcontracted components, integration and test support in a clean-room environment (frock), and mission-operations preparation and support. The successful candidate can work independently under direct supervision in a small team, while also reaching out for assistance when needed without delay.
Job responsibilities (including, but not limited to):
  • Develop RF component specifications derived from system-level requirements.
  • Evaluate Interface Control Drawings (ICDs).
  • Verify requirements by comparing the customer's top-level specifications with subcontractors' actual implementations; clearly summarize findings and present them to the internal engineering team.
  • Support integration and testing of spacecraft for the RF communication team as hardware moves through the factory and environmental test phases (occasional night and weekend support may be required, with rare 12- to 14-hour shifts spanning several days).
  • Over time, assume the role of cognizant RF COMM engineer after shadowing a technical lead.
  • Potential to effectively give 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**
Basic Qualifications :
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 2+ years of engineering experience in RF/microwave theory, satellite communications, radio-wave propagation, electromagnetics, or antenna theory OR Master's degree with 0 years of engineering experience
  • Must be able and willing to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top-Secret/SCI security clearance
  • Laboratory work or hands-on 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 non-engineering colleagues in a fast-paced team environment, and ability to ask for help/communicate with team members daily
  • Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of RF link budget and space-to-ground links
  • Experience with DOORS or CAMEO
  • Experience with PERL or PYTHON scripting
  • Experience with RF component unit-level testing
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance
  • Desire to work on spaceflight programs and dedication to the projects/team

Primary Level Salary Range: $79,300.00 - $118,900.00
The 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.

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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