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Rf Microwave Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

RF Microwave Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

The Position This role will position you as a key contributor of Reach's radio frequency engineering team. As a Microwave Engineer, you will be a key part of Reach's RF engineering team and develop ...

The Position This role will position you as a key contributor of Reach's radio frequency engineering team. As a Microwave Engineer, you will be a key part of Reach's RF engineering team and develop ...

Provide knowledge in RF/microwave engineering for ground, air and sea-based operations * Possess knowledge of antenna concepts, parameters, and applications * Contribute to solutions for the ...

RF Microwave Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

The Position This role will position you as a key contributor of Reach's radio frequency engineering team. As a Microwave Engineer, you will be a key part of Reach's RF engineering team and develop ...

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Rf Microwave Engineering information

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$37K

$117.7K

$183K

How much do rf microwave engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf microwave engineering 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 is the difference between Rf Microwave Engineering vs RF System Design?

AspectRf Microwave EngineeringRF System Design
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, certifications in RF/MicrowaveBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, certifications in RF/System Design
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, field testingDesign offices, labs, project planning environments
Industry UsageTelecommunications, aerospace, defenseWireless systems, communication networks, radar systems

Rf Microwave Engineering focuses on designing and testing microwave circuits and components, while RF System Design involves creating complete RF communication systems. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications but differ in scope—one emphasizes hardware and component development, the other system integration and architecture.

What is RF Microwave Engineering?

RF Microwave Engineering is a specialized field of electrical engineering focused on the design, analysis, and application of radio frequency (RF) and microwave circuits, components, and systems. Engineers in this field work with frequencies typically ranging from about 3 kHz to 300 GHz, which are used in wireless communications, radar, satellite, and broadcasting technologies. Their work involves designing antennas, filters, amplifiers, and other devices that transmit or receive electromagnetic waves. RF Microwave Engineers play a crucial role in developing modern communication systems and ensuring their efficient and reliable operation.

What are some common challenges faced by RF Microwave Engineers when working on multidisciplinary teams?

RF Microwave Engineers often collaborate with professionals from software, digital hardware, and mechanical disciplines. One common challenge is effectively communicating complex RF principles to team members who may not have a background in high-frequency electronics. Additionally, ensuring that RF design requirements are considered early in the product development cycle can be difficult, as competing priorities from other engineering domains may arise. Building strong cross-disciplinary relationships and proactively participating in design reviews helps address these challenges and leads to more integrated and successful project outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RF Microwave Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an RF Microwave Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, with expertise in RF circuit design, electromagnetic theory, and signal processing, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation tools like ADS, HFSS, or CST, as well as experience with test equipment such as spectrum analyzers and network analyzers, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding engineers apart in this role. These skills ensure the development of reliable, high-performance RF systems that meet stringent technical requirements in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, and defense.
More about Rf Microwave Engineering jobs
What job categories do people searching Rf Microwave Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Rf Microwave Engineering jobs are:
Infographic showing various Rf Microwave Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,680 per year, or $56.6 per hour.
RF/Microwave Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

RF/Microwave Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 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 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

RF/MICROWAVE 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, proactive, and intellectually curious RF/Microwave engineer who will work alongside world-class cross-disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering). In this role, you will be developing cutting-edge next-generation RFICs for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has previously not been available, affordable or reliable. Join us to help deliver cutting-edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Simulate/model RF front-end systems, working with system architects, modem/DSP and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains 
  • Derive RF HW specifications for the RF system and RF blocks 
  • Develop RF/microwave circuits, components, MMICs, board and packages 
  • Evaluate and characterize prototypes and RF components 
  • Characterize and analyze full radio performance 
  • Assist in the development of automated test equipment for lab measurements 
  • Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing of RF avionics components and systems 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline 
  • 2+ 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 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 
  • 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 
  • RF/microwave design using ADS, HFSS, AWR or similar 
  • Understanding of electromagnetic propagation and antenna systems 
  • 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 
  • Python and/or LabVIEW programming experience for test automation 
  • Digital communication theory with emphasis on bit error rate and system noise figure 
  • RF/microwave design in the Ku, Ka, V and E-band frequency range 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 

Pay range:  
RF Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year  
RF Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/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 & 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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