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Senior Principal Rf Engineer Jobs in Frederick, MD

Maxtena Inc

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

Job Title: Sr. Mechanical Engineer Department: Engineering Location: Germantown, MD FLSA Status ... Work closely with electrical, RF, and software teams to integrate mechanical solutions. * Mentor ...

Maxtena Inc

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Germantown, MD

$106K - $140K/yr

Job Title: Sr. Mechanical Engineer Department: Engineering Location: Germantown, MD FLSA Status ... Work closely with electrical, RF, and software teams to integrate mechanical solutions. * Mentor ...

Maxtena Inc

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

Job Title: Sr. Mechanical Engineer Department: Engineering Location: Germantown, MD FLSA Status ... Work closely with electrical, RF, and software teams to integrate mechanical solutions. * Mentor ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Sys

Rockville, MD · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

The candidate should be a highly experienced Senior Principal Systems Engineer with a strong background in, and experience with the full systems engineering 'Vee' Lifecycle to support a mission ...

SlyFox Solutions LLC

Principal Software Engineer

Woodbine, MD · On-site

$148K - $198K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer will drive the company's technical vision and provide strategic ... This senior role is for an individual with deep industry experience who can innovate and set ...

Ametek

Principal Software Engineer

Germantown, MD

$137K - $184K/yr

Serve as the senior software technical authority for LKC Technologies. * Lead technology decisions ... Experience serving as a technical lead, principal engineer, or mentor to small engineering teams.

Maxtena Inc

Principal System Engineer

Germantown, MD

... RF modules and related interfaces; System architecture development with an emphasis on quality ... Maintain technical project collateral, artifacts and documents. * Assist and mentor less senior ...

Maxtena Inc

Principal System Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

... RF modules and related interfaces; System architecture development with an emphasis on quality ... Maintain technical project collateral, artifacts and documents. * Assist and mentor less senior ...

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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 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 Digital Electrical Engineer

Thales Defense & Security, Inc.

Germantown, MD • On-site

$141K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) Headquartered in Clarksburg, MD, is a U.S. company that has been serving domestic and international defense Air, Land and Sea domains for 60+ years. With over 1,000 employees, TDSI and its four subsidiaries (Advanced Acoustic Concepts, Digital Receiver Technology, Tampa Microwave, and Trusted Cyber Technologies), supports U.S. Joint Services, special operations forces and multi-national partners with a variety of communication, visualization, signal intelligence/electronic warfare, and sensor/sonar capabilities. TDSI's key technologies include tactical handheld radios, expeditionary satellite terminals, helmet-mounted displays, optics and target recognition capability, advanced radars, undersea sensing and missile systems. Lives depend on what we do!
Top Benefits (Subject to terms of applicable policies/plans)
  • Competitive Salary
  • Yearly Incentive Compensation Plan
  • Medical insurance for self and eligible family members
  • Generous 401(k) program- up to 7% company contribution and 100% immediate vesting
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid wellness, vacation, and holiday leave
  • Paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave
  • 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)
  • Hybrid working Environment

We are seeking to fill a Principal Digital Hardware Engineer position located at our Germantown, MD Campus, focused on our DRT (Digital Receiver Technology) line of Electronic Warfare/ SIGINT software-defined radio technologies. The Principal Engineer will report to the Digital Hardware Manager. The Principal Engineer will work cross functionally with software engineers to co-design a system and solve problems by making software and hardware cooperate rather than operate at cross-purposes. You will collaborate with mechanical engineers to design intricate high-power thermal and interconnect solutions. The ideal candidate will be able to lead Project Meetings and coordinate Product Development from product inception to production handoff.
Responsibilities
  • Lead small digital engineering teams and/or work independently to define requirements, conceive, document (create schematics, interface control documents, hardware design documents, test plans/reports, etc.), analyze/simulate, build prototypes, oversee PCB layouts, load firmware/software on prototype boards and radios, perform verification testing, debug, and optimize digital circuit designs to meet requirements at the circuit, card, and product levels
  • Implement digital designs of high complexity and high-density utilizing microprocessors, DSPs, memory systems, FPGAs, displays, and high efficiency low noise power supplies capable of supporting advanced algorithms used in state-of-the-art SIGINT and EW products
  • Implement designs utilizing on-board high-speed data buses (i.e. DDR3/DDR4 memory, High Speed Ethernet, etc.) and capable of controlling external RF amplifiers and interfacing with external data and control devices using high speed interfaces (100GBASE-KR Ethernet, PCIe, USB 3.0, etc.)
  • Perform technical trade studies and analyses to select digital architecture and key components
  • Develop and implement detailed design specifications, test plans and test procedures
  • Efficiently troubleshoot problems and implement effective solutions
  • Plan and execute PCB layout activities in collaboration with PCB Layout Designers
  • Mentor and provide technical oversite to junior engineers
  • Plan, estimate, and manage the technical requirements, scope, budget, schedule, and deliverables for designs from concept, through detailed design, prototype, engineering test, and transition into full rate production
  • Generate documentation for programming individual components, loading firmware onto circuit card assemblies and fully assembled products
  • Perform root cause analysis on field failures and support continuous product improvements
  • Support R&D efforts and continuous process improvements
  • Complete assigned tasks in a quality and timely manner with minimal supervision
  • Effectively support and communicate to management status, issues, needs and ideas

Qualifications
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • U.S. Citizenship required. - Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information
  • BSEE/MSEE or equivalent. An advanced degree is desirable
  • 8+ years of electrical design experience
  • In-depth practical and theoretical knowledge of digital circuit design as it applies to communication products
    • Knowledge of Software Defined Radio circuitry is a plus
  • Experience designing and serving as technical lead for high complexity, high speed and high-density digital designs utilizing microprocessors, DSPs, memory systems, FPGAs, and high efficiency low noise power supplies
  • Experience utilizing a formal design process to document (create schematics, interface control documents, hardware design documents, test plans/reports, etc.), analyze/simulate, build prototypes, load firmware/software on prototype boards and radios, perform verification testing, debug, and optimize circuit designs to meet requirements at the circuit, card, and product levels
  • Experience overseeing PCB layout by working through PCB Layout Designers
  • Experience defining methods of programming and loading firmware on development hardware for CCA development and testing
  • Hands-on lab experience to breadboard, prototype and fully test designs utilizing advanced engineering test equipment
  • Experience utilizing industry best practices and transitioning designs into full-rate production
  • Experience utilizing engineering development software tools including OrCAD/Cadence, LTspice, Hyperlynx, and Microsoft Office tools
  • Experience leading small teams of engineers across disciplines and mentoring junior digital engineers
  • Experience designing to and meeting DoD, Agency, and Industry standards and practices, for EMI/EMC, environmental, certification and test (MIL-STD, CE/UL, NTIA/FCC, RoHS, REACH, ASTM, ANSI, etc.)
  • Ability to think "out-of-the-box", develop, and implement innovative design solutions
  • Ability to comply with all Company guidelines, policies, procedures and embrace Company Core Values

The annualized pay range for this role is $156,160-$199,525 USD along with a target incentive compensation plan (ICP) of 5%. The pay range provided is a good faith estimate representative of the experience level for the role described above. TDSI considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
For specific questions about this job posting, candidates may contact talent acquisition at careers@thalesdsi.com.
Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is committed to non-discrimination as applicable under federal, state and local laws. We are an E-Verify Employer.
If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales Defense & Security, Inc., please call Human Resources at 202-961-1016.
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