ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Rf Systems Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Cymertek

RF Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

RF Systems Engineer LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking an innovative and detail-oriented RF ...

Cymertek

RF Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

RF Systems Engineer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking an innovative and detail-oriented RF ...

Space Systems Integration

RF Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

SSI is seeking an RF Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA, to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) services to a Government Intelligence Community (IC) customer. In this position ...

Space Systems Integration

RF Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

SSI is seeking an RF Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA, to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) services to a Government Intelligence Community (IC) customer. In this position ...

Cymertek

RF Systems Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

RF Systems Engineer LOCATION Annapolis Junction, MD 20701 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking an innovative and detail ...

Cymertek

RF Systems Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

RF Systems Engineer LOCATION Tysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking an innovative and detail-oriented RF ...

The Aerospace Corporation

RF Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$129K - $249K/yr

We are looking for an RF Systems Engineer (Project Engineer Engineer/Senior Project Engineer - Communication Systems Engineering and Payload Systems Engineering) who will be a key contributor to the ...

The Aerospace Corporation

RF Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$129K - $249K/yr

We are looking for an RF Systems Engineer (Project Engineer Engineer/Senior Project Engineer - Communication Systems Engineering and Payload Systems Engineering) who will be a key contributor to the ...

KBR, Inc.

RF Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Title: RF Systems Engineer Title: Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

KBR

RF Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

Title: RF Systems Engineer Title: Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

Leidos

Senior RF Systems Engineer

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Senior RF Systems Engineer in our Intelligence Sector's Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA) . Our talented team is at the forefront in Security ...

Leidos

Senior RF Systems Engineer

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Senior RF Systems Engineer in our Intelligence Sector's Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA) . Our talented team is at the forefront in Security ...

FTS International LLC

RF Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

The Senior RF Systems Engineer provides management and outreach support to the government customer RF Program Manager. Responsibilities * Utilize knowledge and background in RF technology and ...

FTS International LLC

RF Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$125K - $162K/yr

The RF Systems Engineer provides management and outreach support to the government customer RF Program Manager. Responsibilities * Utilize knowledge and background in RF technology and development to ...

SAIC

RF Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description Description SAIC is looking for a Radio Frequency (RF) Systems Engineer to provide management and outreach support to the government customer RF Program Manager. This includes ...

SAIC

RF Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$120K - $160K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description Description SAIC is looking for a Radio Frequency (RF) Systems Engineer to provide management and outreach support to the government customer RF Program Manager. This includes ...

Blue Origin

RF Systems Engineer III

Reston, VA · On-site

As an RF Systems Engineer III within the Advanced Capabilities organization, you will support a broad portfolio of civil, commercial, and National Security Space programs across the business unit.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRf Systems Engineer JobsRf Systems Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Rf Systems Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$41.9K

$133.2K

$207.2K

How much do rf systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf systems engineer in Washington, DC is $133,235.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,400.00 and $157,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Rf Systems Engineer vs Rf Design Engineer?

AspectRf Systems EngineerRf Design Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning, integrating, and testing RF systems and components within larger systemsDeveloping and designing RF circuits and components for specific applications
Skills & CertificationsRF engineering, system integration, testing, certifications like FCC or IEEERF circuit design, simulation, PCB layout, certifications like FCC or IEEE
Work EnvironmentSystems integration labs, R&D departments, telecommunications companiesDesign labs, electronics manufacturing, telecommunications industry

While both roles require RF engineering knowledge and similar certifications, the Rf Systems Engineer focuses on integrating and testing entire RF systems, whereas the Rf Design Engineer specializes in designing RF circuits and components. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope: system integration versus component design.

What is an RF systems engineer?

RF Systems Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain radio frequency (RF) systems used in various applications such as telecommunications, satellite communications, radar, and wireless networks. They are responsible for ensuring that RF systems operate efficiently and meet performance, regulatory, and safety standards. Their work involves tasks like circuit design, signal analysis, troubleshooting, and integrating hardware and software components. RF Systems Engineers often collaborate with other engineers and technicians to optimize system performance and solve complex technical issues.

What are the typical challenges an RF systems engineer faces when working on complex wireless communication projects?

RF Systems Engineers often encounter challenges related to signal interference, component integration, and meeting strict regulatory standards. Working on complex wireless projects requires balancing performance with power consumption, ensuring reliable signal transmission, and troubleshooting unexpected disruptions. Collaboration with hardware designers, software engineers, and test teams is essential to resolve these issues, and staying updated with the latest industry tools and simulation software helps overcome such technical obstacles.

Is RF systems engineering in demand?

RF systems engineering is in high demand due to the growth of wireless communication, 5G networks, and satellite technology. Professionals with skills in RF design, testing, and certification are sought after in telecommunications, defense, and aerospace industries. Strong knowledge of RF hardware, signal processing, and relevant tools like MATLAB or RF simulation software enhances job prospects.

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

To thrive as an RF Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, with expertise in radio frequency design, analysis, and testing, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools like spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, RF simulation software (such as ADS or HFSS), and certifications like the FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License are typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex technical challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring robust and reliable RF system performance in telecommunications, aerospace, and defense applications.
What are popular job titles related to Rf Systems Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Rf Systems Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rf Systems Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Rf Systems Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Rf Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rf Systems Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,235 per year, or $64.1 per hour.

RF Systems Engineer

Space Systems Integration

Chantilly, VA

$180K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Space Systems Integration (SSI) is a fast-growing engineering company that provides aerospace solutions to a variety of government and commercial customers.  Our employees are forward-thinking, self-directed individuals who are committed to solving our customers’ technical challenges.

SSI is seeking an RF Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA, to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) services to a Government Intelligence Community (IC) customer. In this position, you will support advanced satellite communications and ground terminal solutions. This role requires deep technical expertise in RF systems engineering, SATCOM, and network integration to enable resilient, high-performance communication systems for mission-critical applications.
Key Requirements
  • Perform end-to-end RF systems engineering, including link budget analysis, signal propagation studies, EIRP, G/T calculations, and noise figure optimization.
  • Support the design, integration, and validation of SATCOM systems across GEO, MEO, and LEO satellite constellations and waveform technologies.
  • Apply knowledge of mesh networking concepts such as dynamic routing, frequency reuse, and latency optimization.
  • Design, develop, and integrate ground terminal systems including RF front-ends, BUCs, LNBs, antennas, modems, and related hardware.
  • Analyze and optimize waveforms including QPSK, 8PSK, 16QAM, and Forward Error Correction (FEC) schemes for spectral efficiency and link robustness.
  • Apply antenna theory and design principles to phased arrays, parabolic reflectors, flat panel antennas, and systems requiring beam steering, polarization control, and precision tracking.
  • Collaborate on network protocol integration, ensuring smooth interoperability between SATCOM and terrestrial TCP/IP, VLAN, and QoS-based infrastructures.
  • Operate and interpret results from RF lab test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and related diagnostic tools.
  • Utilize Software Defined Radios (SDRs) and digital Intermediate Frequency (IF) architectures in both development and troubleshooting roles.
 
Required Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field and (ten) 10 or more years of experience.
  • Extensive hands-on experience in RF systems design and SATCOM engineering.
  • Familiarity with ground terminal design and satellite communication subsystems.
  • Strong working knowledge of modulation schemes, link budgets, and antenna system performance.
  • Experience with RF lab measurement tools and SDR platforms
  • Must possess an active Top Secret/SCI clearance and CI polygraph (polygraph within the last ten (10) years).
  • Willingness to travel up to 10%
Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience supporting military or government communication systems.
  • Knowledge of mesh networking, advanced waveform optimization, and spectrum management.
  • Experience with digital IF, signal processing, and adaptive communications techniques.
  • Familiarity with non-traditional RF sensing technologies and methodologies.
Target salary range: $180,000 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors. We offer medical/dental/vision benefits and 401k contribution. 
#ssi #weknowhowtobuildit #spacejobs

Space Systems Integration provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

#ssi #weknowhowtobuildit #spacejobs