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Rf Module Design Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Umbra

Senior Antenna & RF Design Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

About the Job We are seeking an experienced RF Microwave Design Engineer with deep expertise in antenna systems and passive microwave hardware to support the development of next-generation spaceborne ...

Umbra

Senior Antenna & RF Design Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

About the Job We are seeking an experienced RF Microwave Design Engineer with deep expertise in antenna systems and passive microwave hardware to support the development of next-generation spaceborne ...

Lynk

RF/Electrical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Job Summary As an RF/Electrical Engineer at Lynk, you will be responsible for wearing many hats in ... You will be responsible for the analysis, design, implementation, optimization and enhancement of ...

Helsing

Senior RF Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

As an RF Engineer for Communications and Networking, you will work in one of the most contested ... You will design, develop, and deploy advanced datalink systems for UAS-to-ground and UAS-to-UAS ...

Helsing

Senior RF Engineer

Washington, DC

As an RF Engineer for Communications and Networking, you will work in one of the most contested ... You will design, develop, and deploy advanced datalink systems for UAS-to-ground and UAS-to-UAS ...

Cymertek

RF Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking a skilled and innovative RF Engineer to join our team and contribute to the design, implementation, and optimization of advanced radio frequency systems. In ...

Cymertek

RF Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking a skilled and innovative RF Engineer to join our team and contribute to the design, implementation, and optimization of advanced radio frequency systems. In ...

Cymertek

RF Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking a skilled and innovative RF Engineer to join our team and contribute to the design, implementation, and optimization of advanced radio frequency systems. In ...

Cymertek

RF Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking a skilled and innovative RF Engineer to join our team and contribute to the design, implementation, and optimization of advanced radio frequency systems. In ...

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All JobsRf Module Design Engineer JobsRf Module Design Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Rf Module Design Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$82.1K

$147.2K

$192K

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

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf module design engineer in Washington, DC is $147,234.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,600.00 and $165,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an RF Module Design Engineer do?

An RF Module Design Engineer specializes in designing, developing, and testing radio frequency (RF) modules used in a variety of wireless communication devices. They are responsible for creating circuit layouts, selecting components, and ensuring the modules meet performance, reliability, and regulatory standards. Their work often involves simulation, prototyping, and troubleshooting to optimize signal integrity and minimize interference. RF Module Design Engineers collaborate closely with hardware, software, and testing teams to integrate their modules into larger systems. This role is essential in industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

What is the difference between Rf Module Design Engineer vs RF System Engineer?

AspectRf Module Design EngineerRF System Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, RF certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical or RF Engineering, RF certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, manufacturing facilitiesSystem integration labs, testing environments, R&D teams
Industry UsageWireless device manufacturing, telecom, consumer electronicsWireless networks, telecom infrastructure, system-level design

Both roles require strong RF engineering knowledge and similar educational backgrounds. The Rf Module Design Engineer focuses on designing and developing RF modules, while the RF System Engineer works on integrating RF components into complete systems. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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

To thrive as an RF Module Design Engineer, you need strong expertise in RF circuit design, electromagnetic theory, and a relevant engineering degree, such as electrical or electronics engineering. Familiarity with tools like ADS, HFSS, and network analyzers, plus knowledge of industry standards and certifications such as IPC, is highly valued. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and troubleshooting complex issues. These competencies ensure the development of high-performance, reliable RF modules that meet stringent industry requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by RF Module Design Engineers during the product development cycle?

RF Module Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as minimizing interference and signal loss, ensuring compliance with international wireless standards, and integrating modules into compact device enclosures without sacrificing performance. Balancing trade-offs between power consumption, cost, and performance is also a frequent consideration. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as PCB layout engineers and system architects, is essential to address these challenges and deliver robust, manufacturable designs.
What are popular job titles related to Rf Module Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Rf Module Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rf Module Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Rf Module Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Rf Module Design Engineer jobs near you
RF Design Engineer

RF Design Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 72 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you passionate about providing real, immediate impact to the country's toughest national security problems?
Do you love designing, building, and testing prototype radio frequency (RF) waveforms and systems?
Do you enjoy combining state-of-the-art antennas with cutting edge RF technology and digital signal processing to solve challenging communications problems?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking an RF Design Engineer to help us research, design, and deliver groundbreaking RF capabilities to our sponsors. You would be joining our team, which provides creative solutions and systems for Special Operations missions in the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC).
As a member of our team, you will be responsible for designing, testing, demonstrating, and delivering RF antennas and sensors as well as associated RF circuits, for systems that function throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. Specific applications span several mission and research areas in the DoD and IC.
As an RF Design Engineer, you will...
  • Stay up-to-date on the latest antenna, RF electronics, and signal processing innovations.
  • Participate in and lead component- and system-level hardware design teams from 3 to 30 engineers.
  • Develop hardware specifications and system requirements from high-level operational need statements.
  • Design and develop innovative hardware solutions such as antennas, electromagnetic sensors, RF circuits, and RF systems.
  • Develop and refine RF simulations to study RF propagation and performance.
  • Define and execute hardware tests to assess component and system performance.
  • Conduct HW/SW trade-off analyses, develop system block diagrams, perform Analysis-of-Alternatives studies, and guide vendor selection for critical sub-systems.
  • Document and present work to sponsors, technical teams, and APL management.
  • Continually grow your skills in engineering, communication, and leadership.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or another field relevant to the duties as described above.
  • 5+ years of experience developing RF or electromagnetic hardware.
  • Experience with RF lab test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, etc.
  • Experience with RF concepts such as network parameters, impedance, and distributed RF circuits.
  • Familiarity with full-wave electromagnetic and RF circuit solvers.
  • Experience developing digital signal processing solutions.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work independently or as part of a multi-discipline team.
  • The ability to work on-site at APL's main campus as well as at commercial and government test sites.
  • Are able to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Master's or Doctorate degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field with a focus in RF or electromagnetic sensors or systems.
  • 8+ years of experience with antenna design and testing
  • Strong understanding of network parameters and how to use them to solve wide-ranging RF and electromagnetic problems.
  • Experience with electromagnetic concepts and derivations for radiating elements and fields.
  • Experience with mathematical methods of full-wave electromagnetic solvers.
  • Lead teams of 3+ engineers with all levels of seniority.
  • Deep understanding of statistical digital signal processing and signal estimation theory.
  • Hold a TS/SCI security clearance.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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