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Senior Principal Rf Engineer Jobs in Frederick, MD

Senior Principal Software Engineer

Frederick, MD · On-site

$116K - $160K/yr

Mentor and coach other engineers. * Review customer specifications and requirements, and develop designs to best support them, including cost as a key design variable * Ability to lead major problem ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

Define and document system and subsystem interfaces (mechanical, electrical, optical, RF, data ... Principals only need apply. NO agencies please. About AV: AV isn't for everyone. We hire the ...

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Senior Principal Rf Engineer information

See Frederick, MD salary details

$81.5K

$154.5K

$213.3K

How much do senior principal rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior principal rf engineer in Frederick, MD is $154,539.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,800.00 and $172,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Principal RF Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Principal RF Engineer, you need deep expertise in RF circuit design, electromagnetic theory, wireless communications, and typically an advanced degree in electrical engineering. Proficiency with RF simulation tools like ADS or HFSS, network analyzers, and industry certifications such as IEEE or FCC compliance are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help in guiding teams and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders. These skills ensure the reliable design and implementation of complex RF systems essential for cutting-edge telecommunications and electronics projects.

What is the difference between Senior Principal Rf Engineer vs RF Systems Engineer?

AspectSenior Principal Rf EngineerRF Systems Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (BSc, MSc, PhD) in Electrical Engineering or related fields, with extensive RF certificationsUsually holds a bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical Engineering, with some RF certifications
Work EnvironmentFocuses on high-level RF design, system architecture, and leadership in R&D teamsInvolves RF system integration, testing, and troubleshooting within product development teams
Industry UsageCommonly found in telecommunications, aerospace, and defense industriesUsed across wireless communications, consumer electronics, and network infrastructure sectors

The Senior Principal Rf Engineer typically holds more advanced credentials and leads complex RF projects, focusing on system-level design and strategic development. In contrast, RF Systems Engineers often work on implementing and testing RF systems within project teams. Both roles are essential in RF engineering but differ mainly in seniority, scope, and responsibilities.

What are Senior Principal RF Engineers?

Senior Principal RF Engineers are highly experienced professionals who lead the design, development, and optimization of radio frequency (RF) systems and components. They play a critical role in projects involving wireless communications, radar, satellite, and other RF applications by providing technical guidance, setting design standards, and solving complex engineering challenges. These engineers typically oversee teams, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with other departments to ensure successful project delivery. Their expertise helps organizations achieve high performance and reliability in RF systems.

How does a Senior Principal RF Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the development of new wireless products?

A Senior Principal RF Engineer frequently works alongside hardware designers, software engineers, and product managers to ensure that wireless products meet performance specifications and regulatory requirements. Collaboration often involves participating in design reviews, troubleshooting complex RF issues, and guiding teams through the integration of RF subsystems. Effective communication and leadership skills are essential, as the role often requires translating technical RF concepts for non-specialist stakeholders and mentoring junior engineers. This team-oriented environment helps drive innovation and ensures that the end product is robust and reliable.
Principal/Sr. Principal RF Hardware Subsystem I&T Engineers

Principal/Sr. Principal RF Hardware Subsystem I&T Engineers

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Sykesville, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 356 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seekingPrincipal/Sr. Principal RF Hardware Subsystem Integration and Test Engineers for Compact Range antenna testing.

Typical Roles and Responsibilities include:

Responsibilities may include subsystem analysis including hardware from RF to digits, support for acceptance testing (ATP), subsystem troubleshooting, data analysis, range integration / optimization, software development & integration, and more. Work will be performed under consultative direction toward predetermined long-range goals and objectives.

The role is focused on Compact Range antenna testing with the candidate either having some experience in this test environment or being able to learn and execute testing in this type of facility.

This role is contingent upon having a current Active Secret Clearance and future ability to achieve a SAP Clearance.

Basic Qualifications Principal level role:

  • Must have a Bachelors Degree in Engineering or related discipline with 5 years of experience in the areas described in the job description or 3 years of experience with a Masters Degree and/or 1 years of experience with a Ph. D. An additional 4 years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • US Citizenship is required
  • Current Active Secret Clearance, and the future ability to achieve a SAP Clearance.
  • Exhibit proficiency in compact antenna test ranges on tasks including antenna range integration, test, data collection, data analysis, and system integration. Near Field Range testing experience will also be considered.
  • Exhibit proficiency with RF test equipment including network analyzers, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and oscilloscopes
  • Ability to develop highly novel solutions to a broad variety of RF/Microwave design and test related problems of complex difficulty which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity
  • Established subject matter expertise in one or more areas of RF/Microwave discipline including but not limited to: Antenna, RF performance analysis, RF test verification, and production test support
  • Exhibit proficiency in electrical and mechanical troubleshooting
  • Exhibit proficiency in software scripting and debugging in MATLAB, Visual Basic, and C++
  • Ability to design, implement, install and maintain electrical systems

Basic Qualifications Sr. Principal level role:

  • Must have a Bachelors Degree in Engineering or related discipline with 8 years of experience in the areas described in the job description or 6 years of experience with a Masters Degree and/or 4 years of experience with a Ph. D. An additional 4 years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • US Citizenship is required
  • Current Active Secret Clearance, and the future ability to achieve a SAP Clearance.
  • Exhibit proficiency in near field or compact antenna test ranges on tasks including antenna range integration, test, data collection, data analysis, and system integration
  • Exhibit proficiency with RF test equipment including network analyzers, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and oscilloscopes
  • Ability to develop highly novel solutions to a broad variety of RF/Microwave design and test related problems of complex difficulty which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity
  • Established subject matter expertise in numerous areas of RF/Microwave discipline including but not limited to: Antenna, RF performance analysis, RF test verification, and production test support
  • Exhibit proficiency in electrical and mechanical troubleshooting
  • Exhibit proficiency in software scripting and debugging in MATLAB, Visual Basic, and C++
  • Ability to design, implement, install and maintain electrical systems

Preferred Qualifications:

  • SAP Clearance
  • Exhibit general aptitude in antenna range scheduling, staffing, technical team leadership, requirements, prioritization, time management, team building, work dissemination, planning, and early identification of issues
  • Ability to delegate tasks to and train earlier career engineers on compact range testing
  • Be capable of leading compact range testing and briefing status to program teams
  • Expert user of both near-field and compact antenna test ranges
  • Expert user of NSI-MI Technology antenna range test systems
  • Expert user of MATLAB for post-processing antenna range test data
Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939