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Senior Principal Rf Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lunar Outpost

Principal RF Engineer

Golden, CO · On-site

As a Principal RF Engineer, you will serve as the company's RF subject‑matter expert, develop complex RF systems, and provide technical leadership for Lunar Outpost programs. Take the #NextLeap ...

Belcan

Engineer Hardware 3

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$93.47/hr

Engineer Hardware 3 Location: Rolling Meadows, IL Zip code: 60008 Shift: 9x80 A Duration: 6 Months ... The Principal RF/Sr. Principal RF role involves full life-cycle product development from system ...

Industrious Ventures

Principal RF Engineer

Golden, CO · On-site

As a Principal RF Engineer, you will serve as the company's RF subject‑matter expert, develop complex RF systems, and provide technical leadership for Lunar Outpost programs. Take the #NextLeap ...

Lunar Outpost

Principal RF Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site

As a Principal RF Engineer, you will serve as the company's RF subject-matter expert, develop complex RF systems, and providetechnical leadership for Lunar Outpost programs. Take the #NextLeap with ...

Lunar Outpost, Inc.

Principal RF Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site

$177K - $205K/yr

As a Principal RF Engineer, you will serve as the company's RF subject-matter expert, develop complex RF systems, and provide technical leadership for Lunar Outpost programs. Take the #NextLeap with ...

Lunar Outpost

Principal RF Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site

As a Principal RF Engineer, you will serve as the company's RF subject-matter expert, develop complex RF systems, and provide technical leadership for Lunar Outpost programs. Take the #NextLeap with ...

Prattwhitney

Senior Principal RF Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$132K - $251K/yr

The Advanced Effector Guidance Systems team provides electrical systems engineering to develop missile guidance system hardware, focusing on RF/RADAR, navigation/IMU/GPS, digital, and power ...

First Rf

Principal RF Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

FIRST RF Corporation - Boulder, CO 80301 Salary Range: $160,000.00 - $210,000.00 Overview FIRST RF is seeking an experienced Principal RF Engineer to provide technical leadership across a diverse ...

SpaceX

Principal RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$210K - $300K/yr

PRINCIPAL RF ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial ...

Socket.dev

NY · On-site

Position Summary RADLAB is looking for a Principal RF Engineer to own the RF front-end design for our advanced integrated sensing-and-communications (ISAC) design, test and evaluation (DT&E) platform.

First Tek, Inc.

Engineer Hardware 3

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$124K - $164K/yr

Engineer Hardware 3 Location: Rolling Meadows, IL-60008 Major aerospace company is a trusted ... The Principal RF/Sr. Principal RF role involves full life-cycle product development from system ...

FIRST RF

Principal RF Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

Summary FIRST RF is seeking an experienced Principal RF Engineer to provide technical leadership across a diverse portfolio of advanced RF and microwave systems. In this role, you will serve as a ...

FIRST RF CORPORATION

Principal RF Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

Summary FIRST RF is seeking an experienced Principal RF Engineer to provide technical leadership across a diverse portfolio of advanced RF and microwave systems. In this role, you will serve as a ...

Metrea

Principal RF Engineer

Victor, NY · On-site

Position Summary RADLAB is looking for a Principal RF Engineer to own the RF front-end design for our advanced integrated sensing-and-communications (ISAC) design, test and evaluation (DT&E) platform.

SpaceX

Principal RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$210K - $300K/yr

PRINCIPAL RF ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial ...

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Senior Principal Rf Engineer information

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$82K

$155.4K

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

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior principal rf engineer in the United States is $155,430.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,500.00 and $173,000.00 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.

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Senior Principal Rf Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Principal Rf Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,430 per year, or $74.7 per hour.

Sr. Principal, RF Engineer (Level 7)

Sparks, MD • On-site

NARDA HOLDINGS INC
See more jobs at NARDA HOLDINGS INCexternal

$190K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Full Time

Sparks, MD, US

iRF - Intelligent RF Solutions is a leader in providing tailored solutions for SIGINT and Electronic Warfare (EW) missions. We understand our customers’ challenges and use our expertise to create solutions. We are not just a supplier, but a problem-solving partner with a strong foundation in supporting global defense and intelligence missions. 

We are dedicated to attracting high-achieving individuals. Our team members are bound by a common purpose - commitment to our customers’ missions. 

Our culture is anchored in our steadfast values, our collaborative spirit, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all essential functions, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the discretion to add or change the duties at any time. 

Position Summary:

The Sr. Principal RF Engineer will serve as the technical authority and RF Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the organization, providing strategy and hands-on leadership across Engineering, Business Development, and Executive Management. This role is responsible for the architecture design, and development of advanced RF/microwave receivers, frequency converters, and related technologies supporting SIGINT, Electronic Warfare (EW), and radar applications.

The successful candidate will drive innovation through hands-on design leadership, customer engagement, and execution of long-term technology roadmaps, while mentoring engineering teams and supporting strategic business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the RF SME for the business, providing overall technical leadership to the Engineering Team, technical support to the iRF Management Team, as well as Sales and Business Development support for customer engagements.
  • Lead the design and development of state-of-the-art, RF/microwave receivers, frequency-converters and related products for SIGINT, EW, and radar applications.
  • Develop and execute the multi-year Technology Roadmap, which includes the associated IRAD & CRAD projects, and it is also an input to the iRF Strategic Plan.
  • Perform top-level requirements analysis and design of system architecture, including frequency plan, and cascade analysis.
  • Serve as the lead RF design engineer an individual technical contributor on critical development programs. 
  • Interface directly with customers to define concepts, requirements and technical solutions for new IRAD and product development.
  • Chair internal and customer design reviews, including planning, execution, technical presentations, and documentation. 
  • Provides technical support for Business Development activities including white papers, presentations, technical proposals, meetings, and events.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or related engineering discipline) and a minimum 15 years related experience in the area of RF/microwave circuit design, or a Graduate Degree and a minimum of 13 years related experience
  • The successful candidate must have extensive circuit design experience in the area of RF/microwave products, with a history of designing products with challenging performance specifications, to include but not limited to: low noise figure, low phase noise, as well as excellent 2nd and 3rd order intercepts.
  • Extensive hands-on design experience in PCB-based design of RF/MW circuitry supporting receivers and frequency converters to 18GHz and beyond.
  • Well-versed in receiver/frequency converter system design, including frequency planning and spur analysis, RF/MW filter technologies, cascade GNIP analysis, MW mixers, frequency generation using PLL ICs, and design trade-offs.
  • Must possess leadership qualities and be able to work well with and lead a diverse group of engineering disciplines.
  • Candidate must be familiar with computer design tools including Keysight Genesys, Or CAD, MATLAB, PSPICE, or other tools.
  • Must hold active Secret clearance and be eligible for TS/SCI
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and technical leads, advancing engineering excellence, scalable system design, and execution of the strategic technology roadmap.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Wide bandwidth, high dynamic range, super-het receiver design experience is desired.
  • Additionally, experience in mmW frequency range design, wideband digitization, and low SWaP design is helpful.
  • Active TS or TS/SCI clearance

Salary Range: $190,000 - $215,000

Location: Onsite in Sparks, MD with a 9/80 schedule. Every other Friday OFF.

Please be aware, many of our positions require the ability to obtain security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. 

IRF Solutions is proud to be a Disability/ Veterans Employer. IRF Solutions is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. IRF Solutions maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law. 

Proof of employment authorization will be required. IRF Solutions is not required to sponsor applicants for work visas. As this position will require access to export-controlled information, only applications from “U.S. persons” within the meaning of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and Export Administration Regulations will be considered. IRF Solutions is not required to seek export licenses for applicants who do not meet this requirement.
 
As an equal opportunity employer, iRF Solutions, is committed to a diverse workforce. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the iRF Solutions career website, as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by contacting Denise Nocerino, denise.nocerino@nardamiteq.com or by phone at (631 )272-5814.