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Senior Principal Rf Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CesiumAstro

Principal RF Engineer I

Westminster, CO

We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individual to join our team as a Principal RF Engineer I . The ideal candidate has extensive experience in board ...

CesiumAstro

Principal RF Engineer I

Westminster, CO · On-site

$142K - $189.50K/yr

We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individual to join our team as a Principal RF Engineer I . The ideal candidate has extensive experience in board ...

Mercury Systems

Principal RF Engineer

Cypress, CA

Experience with acting as a senior design engineer and technical architect for complex RF/Microwave product development. * Experience with RF theory and proficiency with RF simulation tools (ADS, AWR ...

mercury

Principal RF Engineer

Cypress, CA

Experience with acting as a senior design engineer and technical architect for complex RF/Microwave product development. * Experience with RF theory and proficiency with RF simulation tools (ADS, AWR ...

Raytheon

Principal RF Engineer

Albuquerque, NM

The role of the Principal RF subsystem engineer is to design, develop and maintain RF architectures. Architecture development includes requirements, analysis and modelling. RF subsystem engineers ...

Raytheon

Principal RF Engineer

Tucson, AZ

The role of the Principal RF subsystem engineer is to design, develop and maintain RF architectures. Architecture development includes requirements, analysis and modelling. RF subsystem engineers ...

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Senior Principal Rf Engineer information

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$82K

$155.4K

$214.5K

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

As of May 29, 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 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.

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 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.

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 cities are hiring for Senior Principal Rf Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Principal Rf Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Rf Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Principal Rf Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Principal Rf Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Principal Rf Engineer jobs include:
Senior Principal Rf Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Principal Rf Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,430 per year, or $74.7 per hour.
Principal RF Engineer I

Principal RF Engineer I

CesiumAstro

Westminster, CO

Full-time

Posted 7 hours ago

Job description

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individual to join our team as a Principal RF Engineer I. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in board-level and system-level RF electronics design. If you enjoy working in a startup environment and are passionate about developing leading-edge phased arrays for satellites, spacecraft, and aerospace systems, we would like to hear from you.
 
In this position, you will be responsible for RF circuits, modules, and systems through all phases of the development process. The ideal candidate will be proficient in board-level schematic design and PCB layout of RF circuits, system-level communications concepts such as link budgets and modulation schemes, and end-to-end RF product development. The work will include many aspects of phased array communication systems, including RF front ends, frequency converters and synthesizers, filters, beamformers, power dividers, and phased array antennas.
 
As a principal hardware team member, you will be responsible for RF system and hardware designs from initial concept through requirements definition, architecture definition, part selection, detailed design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, qualification, and in-orbit support of Cesium's products. Hardware design tasks will include block diagrams, detailed schematics, PCB layout and routing, simulations, and test design. Principal Engineers also serve as technical and professional mentors in their field and may be given the opportunity to lead company programs.
 
The successful candidate will also present engineering design review materials to our customers and executive team, as well as participate in proposal-writing efforts. As such, excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
Successful candidates will require:
  • Bachelor of Science (BS)) degree in Electrical Engineering (EE) from an accredited university or institution.  Master of Science (MS) desired.
  • Minimum of 9 years of industry experience in design and analysis of RF electronics and systems.
  • Expert-level proficiency in professional simulation tools such as CST and ADS, as well as EDA tools such Altium.
  • Extensive hands-on experience with lab instruments such as vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and oscilloscopes.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred experience includes:
  • Python or other programming languages.
  • Aerospace electronics design, development, and qualification.
  • Worst-case circuit analysis, failure method and criticality analyses, and reliability analysis.
  • Antenna design
  • EMI/EMC design and mitigation techniques.
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.  Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.  
 
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.