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Senior Principal Rf Engineer Jobs in Frederick, MD

Senior Principal Software Engineer

Frederick, MD · On-site

$116K - $160K/yr

Collaborate with RF and systems engineers to integrate DSP logic with hardware, DACs, and ADCs. * Analyze signal integrity, conduct spectral analysis, and design automated test frameworks to validate ...

Senior Principal Software Engineer

Frederick, MD · On-site

$116K - $160K/yr

Collaborate with RF and systems engineers to integrate DSP logic with hardware, DACs, and ADCs. * Analyze signal integrity, conduct spectral analysis, and design automated test frameworks to validate ...

Senior RF/DSP Engineer

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

The Senior RF/DSP Engineer will investigate unfamiliar drone command, control, and telemetry links and turn incomplete RF evidence into reliable production capabilities. A typical assignment may ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 15, 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.

RF Microwave Design Engineer - Level 4 - Dulles

Dulles, VA • On-site

Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top 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.

Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations. Northrop Grumman's Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As a RF Microwave Design Engineer - Level 4 located in Dulles, VA, you'll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

The candidate will work as an RF/Analog design engineer developing SDR and other components for satellite communications applications. As a senior principal engineer, the candidate will have a senior role in a small team to define and design robust RF solutions while working within system constraints on mass, power, and volume. The successful candidate will have strong technical skills coupled with the ability to operate within a fast-paced environment.

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.

In this job, you will:

  • Design of software defined radio (SDR) and other RF components for satellite communication systems.
  • Design and analysis of communications systems for satellite and interplanetary applications. The candidate must be familiar with RF analyses such as link budgets, digital modulation/coding, gain/loss budgets, noise figure, etc.
  • Requirements flow-down from top-level customer document through subsystem-level definition to component-level specification. The candidate is expected to produce clear, concisely written documents that will be used as the technical basis for high dollar value procurements.
  • Prepare and present design reviews for internal and external customers. The candidate will have regular interaction with the internal engineering and program management team as well as the external customer.
  • Requirements verification based on customer's top-level requirements compared to subcontractor and prime contractor actual implementation. The candidate will be able to concisely summarize findings and present them to the end customer.
  • Subcontractor management (some travel required) and manufacturing interface definition including performance specification, interface control drawing, and statement of work generation. The candidate will work with potential subcontractors to ensure any technical solution meets the top-level customer's needs while satisfying system and program constraints.
  • Support integration and test of the communications system including unit-level functional and environmental testing, spacecraft level testing, and in-orbit checkout. (some travel and occasional shift work required)
  • Other duties as assigned

If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!

This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 8 years of professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 6 years of professional experience - OR - PhD with 4 years of professional experience.
  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope
  • Ability to work with others from engineering and non-engineering disciplines in a fast-paced team environment
  • Good oral presentation skills and comfort with customer interaction. Ability to write technical documents clearly and concisely.
  • Well organized and able to keep track of and make progress on multiple simultaneous tasks.
  • Strong skills in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint)
  • Experience with RF circuit card design of software defined Radios
  • Experience with performing RF analysis and trade studies to meet RF performance parameters including (Gain, noise figure, Intercept point, stability, power consumption, etc).
  • Hands on experience with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, arbitrary waveform generators, etc.
  • Experience with digital waveforms such as WCDMA, BPSK, QPSK, and DVB-SX. Additionally, experience with and understanding of RF designs and validation test to support these waveforms.
  • Experience with RF simulation tools such as Microwave office, ADS, or other simulation tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience leading small engineering teams in development or production of RF systems
  • Familiar with engineering analysis tools such as MATLAB or Mathcad, and support tools such as Visual Basic for Applications
  • Experience with cost account management for engineering portion of multi-year program, including cost and labor hour estimating, task scheduling and earned value tracking
  • Experience or understanding of antenna design
  • Experience with HFSS
  • Experience with analog design of various circuits such as Opamps, regulators, feedback loops, power supply, etc.

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

#SpaceEngJobs

#NoVASpace

Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The 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