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Rf Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview i3 is seeking a Vulnerability Research Engineer to support the Naval Research Laboratory ... Collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineers (EW, RF/DSP, embedded, test) to translate reverse ...

Wireless Research Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

... wireless AI, RF sensing, indoor localization, contactless vital sign monitoring, intelligent ... Drive applied research in the area of next generation communication and sensing systems * Design ...

... wireless AI, RF sensing, indoor localization, contactless vital sign monitoring, intelligent ... Drive applied research in the area of next generation communication and sensing systems * Design ...

Wireless Research Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

... wireless AI, RF sensing, indoor localization, contactless vital sign monitoring, intelligent ... Drive applied research in the area of next generation communication and sensing systems * Design ...

Showing results 41-60

Rf Research Engineer information

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$37K

$117.7K

$183K

How much do rf research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf research 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 research engineer?

RF Research Engineers are professionals who specialize in researching, designing, and developing systems and components that use radio frequency (RF) signals. They work on technologies such as wireless communication, radar, satellite, and antenna systems. Their responsibilities include conducting experiments, analyzing data, and innovating solutions to improve RF performance. RF Research Engineers often work in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, defense, and consumer electronics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RF research engineer?

To thrive as an RF Research Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, RF circuit design, and signal processing, usually supported by a relevant degree such as a BSEE or MSEE. Familiarity with simulation tools like HFSS, ADS, or CST, as well as experience with network analyzers and spectrum analyzers, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you excel in collaborative research environments. These skills are vital for developing innovative RF solutions, troubleshooting complex issues, and advancing wireless communication technologies.

What are some common challenges RF research engineers face when working on new wireless communication technologies?

RF Research Engineers often encounter challenges such as minimizing interference, optimizing signal integrity, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards when developing new wireless technologies. They must also adapt to the fast-evolving nature of wireless protocols and hardware, which requires continuous learning and experimentation. Collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams, such as hardware designers and software developers, is crucial for integrating RF solutions into broader systems. Successfully navigating these challenges can offer significant opportunities for professional growth and innovation.

What is the difference between Rf Research Engineer vs RF Test Engineer?

AspectRf Research EngineerRF Test Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping and optimizing RF components, circuits, and systems through research and experimentationTesting, validating, and troubleshooting RF products to ensure they meet specifications
Required SkillsRF design, simulation, prototyping, and research methodologiesRF testing, measurement techniques, and troubleshooting skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, development projectsManufacturing facilities, testing labs, quality assurance teams
Common Industry UsageWireless communication, aerospace, defense, research institutionsConsumer electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing

While both roles involve RF technology, Rf Research Engineers focus on designing and developing RF components and systems, whereas RF Test Engineers specialize in testing and validating RF products to ensure performance and quality. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the RF industry.

What states have the most Rf Research Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Rf Research Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Rf Research Engineer jobs?

For Rf Research Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Rf Research Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,680 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

Research Engineer II/III - RF Hardware

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

SRI International
Scientific Research and Development Services • 1 - 5K employees

$115K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Overview

From our Ann Arbor, MI office, we have an opening for a Research Engineer with RF hardware experience. You will participate in multi-disciplinary, collaborative teams and contribute to the development of state-of-the-art remote sensing and surveillance processing algorithms and software implemented on real-time hardware. Relevant sensor types include electro-optic/infrared and active/passive radar imaging systems. Most programs are executed in small, highly collaborative groups. This is an in-office position with flexibility to work remotely occasionally.

This position is within the Advanced Technology and Systems Division (ATSD). The vision of ATSD is to create competitive advantages for our customers by inventing new technology and concepts resulting in disruptive, low cost, and high-performance solutions. The division advances the state of the art in diverse areas such as radar and electronic warfare; novel imaging technology; robotics; quantum sensing and metrology; marine technology; and applied optics. CHECK US OUT!

Responsibilities
  • Work with an interdisciplinary team to design, develop, and test RF systems, including: transmitters, receivers, and antennas spanning high frequency (HF) to W-band (100 GHz)
  • Modeling of RF systems using industry-standard design tools
  • Collaboration with engineers across different domains, including: mechanical, optical, digital
  • Documentation of system designs and schematics, test plans and procedures, and hardware development and test software
  • Participation in field experiments and data collections
Qualifications
  • Minimum qualifications: REII - Bachelors with 2+ years OR MS; RE III - Bachelors with 5+ years OR MS with 3+ years of related experience.   Area of study - Electrical Engineering.
  • U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance required.
  • Proficiency in use of RF laboratory test equipment, including: spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and RF signal sources.
  • Ability to prepare and present technical content in a professional manner to customers and coworkers.
  • Ability to support occasional travel associated with meetings and/or data collections.

Desired Skills:

  • RF printed circuit board design and debug experience. Knowledge of Altium software is a plus.
  • Electrical system fabrication and debug, including wiring, circuit board assembly, light mechanical fabrication
  • Electromagnetic, antenna, and RF circuit modeling using industry-standard software. Familiarity with Ansys HFSS are Keysight Genesys are pluses.
  • Phased array antenna systems: design, modeling, fabrication, testing
  • Hardware integration and testing
  • System-level analysis and architecture development of RF systems
  • Experience with automation of RF test equipment
  • Experience with Matlab and/or Python; familiarity with Linux

The salary range is: RE II $90,580-$134,740; RE III-$115,710-$172,115. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.

SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME