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Rf Microwave Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Rf Microwave Design Engineer information

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$183K

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

As of Aug 15, 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?

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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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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $117,680 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

Sr. RF Front-End Module Design Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

SpaceX

Irvine, CA • On-site

$160K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SR. RF FRONT-END MODULE DESIGN ENGINEER (RFIC ENGINEERING) 

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. 

We are seeking a motivated and technically excellent Sr. RF Front-End Module Design Engineer to develop cutting-edge RF modules for deployment into the Starlink Mobile network. You would be responsible for the specification, material-selection, design, simulation, integration, fabrication, production, measurement, debug, and optimization of compact, multi-chip modules (MCMs) containing custom RF front-end components. Come join us and contribute to RF systems that will expand the performance and capabilities of Starlink Mobile.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Design and develop RF front-end MCMs for 5G NR, LTE, and Wi-Fi applications
  • Integrate RFICs (PAs, LNAs, switches), power management ICs, BAW/SAW filters, printed passives, and SMDs into compact MCMs
  • Design custom passives (inductors, couplers, etc.) printed into module laminates
  • Specify RFIC and BAW filter performances; define pin-to-pin lineups, linearity performances, and coupling specifications of RF modules
  • Work closely with BAW filter designers, RFIC designers, and package/layout engineers in module floor-planning
  • Perform detailed circuit and EM simulations, and co-simulation of the full module with sub-components
  • Conduct lab bring-up, characterization, and debugging of module prototypes; drive learnings into improving and optimizing subsequent prototype iterations
  • Manage laminate and assembly suppliers
  • Develop ATE test plans and coordinate with OSAT teams on implementation
  • Support the integration of RF modules into production PCBAs
  • Perform yield analysis and implement design improvements for high-volume production

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science 
  • 5+ years of research and/or industry experience in RF/Microwave engineering or RFIC engineering

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master's degree or PhD in an engineering discipline with emphasis in RF/microwave circuits/systems, BAW/SAW resonators, advanced semiconductor packaging, or electromagnetic theory
  • Experience in designing multi-chip RF modules for cellular or Wi-Fi applications
  • Familiar with MCM substrate/packaging technologies (e.g. double-sided BGA), and manufacturing processes
  • BAW filter design experience
  • Thorough understanding of RF passive components and EM principles
  • Experience in the design of linear and non-linear circuits such as power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, mixers, filters and PLLs
  • Module/RF/microwave design using ADS, HFSS, AWR (or similar tools)
  • Experience in MATLAB, Python 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 for cellular and Wi-Fi systems
  • Python programming experience for test automation

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to meet critical project milestones 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 

Pay range:  
RFIC Design Engineer/Senior: $160,000.00 - $225,000/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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.


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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US