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Rf Performance Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior RF Electrical Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

HawkEye 360 is seeking a Sr. RF Electrical Engineer on the Space Team. The Space Team's mission is ... You'll define and execute RF performance tests to verify mission requirements while also developing ...

You will work closely with systems, test, and integration teams to ensure RF performance meets ... Support Systems Engineering Technical Review (SETR) events, including SRR, PDR, CDR, and TRR

The engineer will work through the full hardware development lifecycle: from concept, schematic ... Support system-level analysis for RF performance, including impedance matching, isolation, noise ...

New

You will work closely with systems, test, and integration teams to ensure RF performance meets ... Support Systems Engineering Technical Review (SETR) events, including SRR, PDR, CDR, and TRR

RF Engineer

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a talented Space RF Engineer to design, develop, and test radio frequency (RF ... Design and develop high-performance RF systems and subsystems for spacecraft, including ...

Senior DAS Performance Engineer Location: New York City Duration: Long Term Contract or Full-Time ... Vendor certification preferred. • A working experience on at least two RF technologies - GSM/UMTS ...

The Performance Engineer will use RF test equipment to evaluate system performance, evaluate compliance compatibility and troubleshoot operational issues. Carry out RF test execution and generate ...

RF Design Engineer III

Centennial, CO · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Verify design performance with systematic laboratory measurements of engineering models * Perform worst case RF circuit analysis following SEAKR procedures * Assist in troubleshooting questionable RF ...

Verify design performance with systematic laboratory measurements of engineering models * Perform worst case RF circuit analysis following SEAKR procedures * Assist in troubleshooting questionable RF ...

RF Design Engineer III

Centennial, CO · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Verify design performance with systematic laboratory measurements of engineering models * Perform worst case RF circuit analysis following SEAKR procedures * Assist in troubleshooting questionable RF ...

... performance from the sub-component to the system level Validate RF performance and troubleshoot RF issues from the sub-component to the system level Work cross-functionally with other engineers to ...

Verify design performance with systematic laboratory measurements of engineering models * Perform worst case RF circuit analysis following SEAKR procedures * Lead troubleshooting efforts of ...

Senior RF Engineer

Englewood, CO · On-site

$130K - $185K/yr

Verify design performance with systematic laboratory measurements of engineering models * Perform worst case RF circuit analysis following SEAKR procedures * Lead troubleshooting efforts of ...

Verify design performance with systematic laboratory measurements of engineering models * Perform worst case RF circuit analysis following SEAKR procedures * Lead troubleshooting efforts of ...

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Rf Performance Engineer information

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$37K

$117.7K

$183K

How much do rf performance engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf performance 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 is an RF performance engineer?

RF Performance Engineers are professionals who specialize in optimizing and maintaining the performance of radio frequency (RF) networks, such as those used in cellular communications. They analyze network data, identify coverage issues, and implement solutions to improve signal quality, capacity, and overall user experience. Their work is critical to ensuring reliable wireless communication by minimizing interference, dropped calls, and data slowdowns. These engineers often use specialized tools to perform drive tests, evaluate network metrics, and collaborate with other teams to design and upgrade network infrastructure.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an RF performance engineer?

To thrive as an RF Performance Engineer, you need a solid understanding of radio frequency theory, wireless communication standards, and typically a degree in electrical or telecommunications engineering. Familiarity with tools like drive test equipment, spectrum analyzers, and software such as TEMS, Actix, or Atoll, as well as relevant certifications (e.g., CWNA), is important. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are crucial for diagnosing issues and collaborating with teams. These competencies ensure optimal network performance, efficient troubleshooting, and successful deployment of wireless systems.

What are common challenges faced by RF performance engineers when optimizing wireless networks?

RF Performance Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing interference, balancing network coverage with capacity, and ensuring consistent service quality in densely populated or rapidly changing environments. They must analyze large volumes of network performance data, identify root causes of issues, and implement solutions without causing disruptions. Collaboration with field engineers, network planners, and operations teams is essential to address these challenges effectively and to keep up with evolving technologies and user demands.

What is the difference between Rf Performance Engineer vs Rf Test Engineer?

AspectRf Performance EngineerRf Test Engineer
Primary FocusOptimizing RF system performance, analyzing signal quality, and ensuring compliance with standardsConducting RF testing, troubleshooting, and validating hardware and software performance
Required SkillsRF design, performance analysis, testing tools, and signal measurementRF testing procedures, test equipment operation, and defect identification
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, performance analysis centers, and field testingTesting labs, manufacturing facilities, and field testing sites

While both roles involve RF technology, the Rf Performance Engineer focuses on optimizing and analyzing RF system performance, whereas the Rf Test Engineer specializes in executing tests and troubleshooting RF hardware and software. Both roles require similar technical skills but differ in their primary responsibilities and work settings.

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What cities are hiring for Rf Performance Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Rf Performance Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Rf Performance Engineer jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Rf Performance Engineer jobs look for?

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Infographic showing various Rf Performance Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,680 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

Senior RF Electrical Engineer

HawkEye 360

Herndon, VA • On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

HawkEye 360 is seeking a Sr. RF Electrical Engineer on the Space Team. The Space Team's mission is to design, build, and test small commercial satellites that provide revolutionary RF geospatial analytics.
You will perform RF and electrical design of our space platforms with a primary focus on our RF payloads. This includes RF front ends, integrating Software Defined Radios (SDR's) and antenna systems. You'll define and execute RF performance tests to verify mission requirements while also developing analog, digital, and power electronics across our satellite platforms. This role requires strong RF and Electrical Engineering expertise working cross functionally with the mechanical, software, payload, and systems engineering teams.
Your main responsibilities will be:
  • Design and develop RF payload architectures and Software Defined Radio systems for space-based RF collection missions.
  • Design and optimize RF front ends, including filtering, amplification, frequency conversion, and signal conditioning circuitry.
  • Perform electrical and RF simulations at a board and system level to validate the performance of different sub-systems.
  • Perform RF link budget analysis, interference modeling, and sensitivity trade studies to meet mission performance requirements.
  • Support payload architecture decisions through mission-driven trade studies at PDR/CDR milestones.
  • Define and scope RF performance test plans to verify key specifications including sensitivity, dynamic range, spurious emissions, linearity, and signal quality.
  • Develop test procedures and automation scripts to characterize SDR and RF front-end performance.
  • Execute EMI/EMC compliance testing and develop mitigation strategies for flight hardware.
  • Design digital, analog, and power electronics for satellite flight hardware. Create and review schematics, block diagrams, PCB layouts, and Design for Manufacturing (DFM).
  • Work closely with PCB Contract Manufacturers (CMs) to ensure quality control and timely delivery of flight hardware.
  • Support spacecraft integration and testing efforts, including the design of Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE), flatsats for functional testing, and satellite flight hardware testing.
  • Perform first article hardware unit testing, including reception inspection, burn-in testing, thermal validation, and hardware checkouts.

Your skills and qualifications:Essential education and experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in RF/Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Expert understanding of software-defined radio architectures, RF front-ends, and space-based RF systems.
  • 7+ years of hands-on experience designing and testing RF electronics, including SDRs, mixers, filters, amplifiers, and receiver chains.
  • Experience s using lab equipment such as Spectrum Analyzers, Network Analyzers, Signal Generators, Noise Figure Analyzers, and RF test chambers.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Understanding of power electronics, high-speed digital design, and RF fundamentals (impedance matching, S-parameters, noise figure, linearity, etc.).
  • Expertise in PCB design and layout (Altium or similar) with attention to RF design considerations (controlled impedance, grounding, shielding).
  • Hands-on flight hardware experience (satellite integration, RF lab testing, prototyping, troubleshooting).
  • Experience handling ESD-sensitive components and operating in cleanroom environments.

Desirable:
  • Experience working in the smallsat or space industry with RF payloads or communication systems.
  • Experience with version control (git) and continuous integration workflows.
  • Proficiency with Python, C++, MATLAB, or other coding languages for RF analysis and test automation.
  • Experience with RF simulation tools (ADS, CST, HFSS, or similar).
  • Familiarity with CAD (NX, SolidWorks, etc.) to support electro-mechanical integration.
  • Experience with EMI/EMC testing
  • Experience using collaboration tools such as JIRA, Confluence, etc.

We offer a compensation package that includes a competitive base salary plus annual performance bonus and benefits. We consider many factors when determining salary offers, such as candidate's work experience, education, training & skills, as well as market and business considerations. We are also open to considering candidates with experience and qualifications at a different level than required in a job posting, which may affect the compensation package offered.
Salary Range
$130,000-$175,000 USD
Company Overview:
HawkEye 360 is equipping defense, intelligence, and national security leaders with mission-critical signals intelligence to enable faster, better decision making. By detecting, geolocating, and characterizing radio frequency emissions worldwide, HawkEye 360 delivers trusted domain awareness and early warning indicators to the US Government and allied partners. Our space-based collection, proprietary signal processing, and AI-powered analytics transform knowledge of RF spectrum into a strategic advantage. Proven by operational mission success, HawkEye 360 is redefining how signals intelligence strengthens national and global security.
HawkEye 360 is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.