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Senior Principal Rf Engineer Jobs in Frederick, MD

TrustPoint

Principal Systems Engineer

Dulles, VA · On-site

... Principal Systems Engineer to lead integration across our satellite, payload, ground, RF, timing ... Operate across every technical pillar within Space Systems payload, bus, ground, RF, timing ...

TrustPoint

Principal Systems Engineer

Dulles, VA

... Principal Systems Engineer to lead integration across our satellite, payload, ground, RF, timing ... Operate across every technical pillar within Space Systems - payload, bus, ground, RF, timing ...

AeroVironment

Senior Systems Engineer

Germantown, MD

$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 ...

AeroVironment, Inc.

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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All JobsPrincipal Rf Engineer JobsSenior Principal Rf Engineer JobsSenior Principal Rf Engineer Jobs in Frederick, MD

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 Aug 17, 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 is a senior principal RF engineer?

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.

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.

Senior Principal Rf Engineer jobs near you

Principal DSP Engineer & Team Lead

AeroVironment, Inc.

Leesburg, VA • On-site

$153K - $234K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

AeroVironment rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
We are seeking a Principal Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineer to implement and support efforts in detecting and classifying Unmanned Aerial Surveillance (UAS) platforms using their Radio Frequency (RF) link. The ideal candidate will have experience in Software Defined Radio (SDR) based systems, signal detection, RF protocol (WiFi, LTE, WiMAX, Bluetooth, LoRa,...) decode, and strong software skills. Familiarity with phased array DF techniques and AI/ML-based classification approaches is a plus.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design and implement DSP algorithms to detect and analyze UAS RF signals.
  • Reverse engineer RF protocols associated with commercial and custom UAS platforms.
  • Familiarity with Software Defined Radios for signal acquisition and experimentation.
  • Develop signal processing workflows in MATLAB and production-ready implementations in C++.
  • Analyze RF environments to distinguish UAS signals from background noise and benign emitters.
  • Manage source code and collaborative development using Git.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including RF engineers, data scientists, and mission analysts.
  • Contribute to research efforts on novel RF-based UAS detection methods including AI.

This role will:
  • Set the strategy and technology roadmap for signal processing and development.
  • Influence decision-making and strategic planning for signal programs.
  • Determine new areas for software technology introduction or proof-of-concepts based on industry trends.
  • Research and evaluation of emerging technology, industry, and market trends to assist in project development and/or operational support activities.
  • Lead and mentor a lean team of DSP engineers, driving technical direction, architecture reviews, and task prioritization while remaining hands-on in core algorithm development.
  • Serve as both technical lead and individual contributor, guiding DSP architecture decisions, conducting peer code reviews, and unblocking the engineering team on complex signal processing challenges.

Required Qualifications:
  • B.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline.
  • A minimum of 10-15 years of professional experience. Note: Military experience is equivalent to professional experience.
  • Proficient in C++ and MATLAB for algorithm development and simulation.
  • Experience in RF signal detection, demodulation, and characterization.
  • Strong background in reverse engineering wireless communication protocols.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Clearance Level
No Clearance
The salary range for this role is:
$153,500 - $234,250
AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.
ITAR Requirement:
This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment's determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment's business requirements. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.
Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.
We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.
Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.
About AV:
AV isn't for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.
We don't just build defense technology-we redefine what's possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.
Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian-but we're not building history, we're building what's next.
If you're ready to build technology that matters-with speed, scale, and purpose-there's no better place to do it than AV.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.
ITAR
U.S. Citizenship required

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