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Rf Microwave Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RF/Microwave Engineer

Honolulu, HI Ā· On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, with a concentration in RF/Microwave Engineering. Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in RF/microwave system design and testing.

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.

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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 Sep 10, 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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RF microwave engineer?

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.

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 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.

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What are popular job titles related to Rf Microwave Engineering jobs?

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Infographic showing various Rf Microwave Engineering job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,680 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

Senior Specialist, RF Design Electrical Engineering

Santee, CA • On-site

L3Harris Technologies
Aviation • 1 - 5K employees

$106K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design and develop RF/microwave hardware, including circuit card and subsystem design, schematic capture, and component selection.

  • Conduct testing, verification, and troubleshooting of RF hardware and digital communication systems to validate performance and resolve technical issues.

  • Lead technical trade studies, perform simulations, and present design reviews to support RF product development.


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Sr. Specialist, Electrical Engineering, RF Design Engineer

Job Code: 40708

Job Location: San Diego, CA

Job Schedule: 9/80- employees work 9 out of 14 days- totaling 80 hours worked- and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

L3Harris in San Diego, CA is seeking a senior professional with strong knowledge of RF/microwave engineering and communication theory to support the design and manufacture of Tracking, Telemetry, and Command products for airborne and space-based applications. This role involves circuit card and subsystem design, integration, and testing of RF hardware. The ideal candidate will have proficiency in RF/microwave engineering, digital modulation techniques, and communications theory.

Essential Functions:

  • Responsible for RF/microwave product development, including circuit card and subsystem design, schematic capture, circuit design, derating, and Worst-Case Analysis (WCA).
  • Manage complex projects or processes with general oversight.
  • Determine design approaches and parameters.
  • Utilize modeling tools and equipment to establish operating data, conduct experimental tests, and evaluate results.
  • Select components and equipment based on analysis of specifications and reliability.
  • Perform simulations and present design reviews.
  • Lead and perform trade studies for technical decisions.
  • Conduct design verification testing to validate performance.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to RF hardware and digital communication systems.
  • Provide mentoring and leadership to early career engineers.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a secret level DoD security clearance.

Qualifications:

  • BS degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent with at least 6 years of prior relevant experience, or MS degree with at least 4 years of prior related experience.

Preferred Additional Qualifications:

  • Experience designing X-Band or higher RF/microwave transmitter, receiver, and/or converter circuits at the circuit card or module level.
  • Knowledge of RF/microwave engineering principles and hands-on experience with RF/microwave and communications test equipment.
  • Working knowledge of digital modulation techniques including BPSK, QPSK, and related distortion metrics like EVM.
  • Ability to troubleshoot RF/microwave subassemblies to the component level.
  • Ability to independently conduct design verification testing.
  • Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
  • Experience performing RF/microwave system and circuit analysis using ADS, AWR VSS, or similar.
  • Experience in transmitter design: gain distribution, linearity, modulation formats, synthesizer architecture, and EVM performance.
  • Experience in receiver front end design: Noise figure, dynamic range, acquisition and tracking threshold, and BER performance.
  • Experience with 3D Electromagnetic analysis using HFSS or similar.
  • Understanding of digital design fundamentals, including modem architectures, power supplies, interfacing with ADCs, FPGAs, and more.
  • Experience with military or space-qualified hardware designs.
  • Design experience with K band frequencies.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, Seattle, Washington D.C., Maryland Greater Washington D.C. area, the city of Denver, Washington State and New York City, the salary range for this role is $106,500-$197,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

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