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Senior Rf Design Engineer Jobs in Potomac Falls, VA

Quartermaster

RF Design Engineer (FPGA)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$100 - $120/hr

We are seeking a highly experienced RF Design Electrical Engineer (7+ years experience) to design, build, and maintain secure, resilient, and scalable data systems supporting mission‑critical ...

Umbra

Senior Antenna & RF Design Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

About the Job We are seeking an experienced RF Microwave Design Engineer with deep expertise in antenna systems and passive microwave hardware to support the development of next‑generation ...

Umbra

Senior Antenna & RF Design Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

About the Job We are seeking an experienced RF Microwave Design Engineer with deep expertise in antenna systems and passive microwave hardware to support the development of next-generation spaceborne ...

Umbra

Senior Antenna & RF Design Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

About the Job We are seeking an experienced RF Microwave Design Engineer with deep expertise in antenna systems and passive microwave hardware to support the development of next-generation spaceborne ...

Umbra

Senior Antenna & RF Design Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

About the Job We are seeking an experienced RF Microwave Design Engineer with deep expertise in antenna systems and passive microwave hardware to support the development of next-generation spaceborne ...

HawkEye 360

Senior RF Electrical Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Design and develop RF payload architectures and Software Defined Radio systems for space-based RF collection missions. * Design and optimize RF front ends, including filtering, amplification ...

A/V Services LLC

Senior RF/DSP Engineer

Leesburg, VA

The Senior RF/DSP Engineer will investigate unfamiliar drone command, control, and telemetry links ... Design controlled experiments that isolate transmitter behavior and reveal waveform or protocol ...

New

AeroVironment, Inc.

Senior RF/DSP Engineer

Leesburg, VA · On-site

The Senior RF/DSP Engineer will investigate unfamiliar drone command, control, and telemetry links ... Design controlled experiments that isolate transmitter behavior and reveal waveform or protocol ...

A/V Services LLC

Senior RF/DSP Engineer

Leesburg, VA

The Senior RF/DSP Engineer will investigate unfamiliar drone command, control, and telemetry links ... Design controlled experiments that isolate transmitter behavior and reveal waveform or protocol ...

New

AeroVironment, Inc.

Senior RF/DSP Engineer

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$128 - $195/hr

The Senior RF/DSP Engineer will investigate unfamiliar drone command, control, and telemetry links ... Design controlled experiments that isolate transmitter behavior and reveal waveform or protocol ...

AeroVironment

Senior RF/DSP Engineer

Leesburg, VA · On-site

The Senior RF/DSP Engineer will investigate unfamiliar drone command, control, and telemetry links ... Design controlled experiments that isolate transmitter behavior and reveal waveform or protocol ...

Fenix Group, Inc

Senior RF Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Position Summary We are seeking a highly experienced Senior RF Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of advanced RF systems supporting wireless communication products and mission ...

TalentRemedy

Senior RF Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

Our client is seeking a Sr. RF Electrical Engineer for their Space Team ... The Space Team's mission is to design, build, and test small commercial satellites that provide ...

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Senior Rf Design Engineer information

See Potomac Falls, VA salary details

$70.9K

$135.4K

$196.1K

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior rf design engineer in Potomac Falls, VA is $135,357.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,100.00 and $158,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior RF design engineer?

Senior RF Design Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and optimize radio frequency (RF) circuits and systems used in communication devices, radar, wireless networks, and other applications. They lead projects, solve complex technical issues, and often mentor junior engineers. Their work typically involves simulation, prototyping, testing, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. These engineers play a critical role in advancing wireless technology and supporting reliable, high-performance electronics.

What are the main challenges faced by senior RF design engineers during the product development cycle?

Senior RF Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing performance with cost and manufacturability, mitigating interference and signal integrity issues, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. They may also need to troubleshoot complex integration problems when working with cross-functional teams in hardware, software, and testing. Staying updated with evolving technologies and adapting designs to meet tight project timelines are also common aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior RF design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior RF Design Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of RF circuit design, electromagnetic theory, and a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Expertise in using simulation tools such as ADS, HFSS, or CST, as well as familiarity with PCB layout and test equipment, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for developing high-performance RF systems, meeting project deadlines, and effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Senior Rf Design Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectSenior RF Design EngineerRF Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, specialized in RF design, often with certifications like FCC or IEEEBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, with some certifications optional
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, product development teamsField testing, system integration, troubleshooting in various environments
ResponsibilitiesLeading RF circuit design, simulation, and optimization; mentoring junior engineersImplementing RF systems, testing, and troubleshooting existing designs

The main difference is that Senior RF Design Engineers focus on advanced design, simulation, and leadership in RF projects, while RF Engineers typically handle implementation, testing, and troubleshooting. Senior roles require more experience and often involve guiding projects and teams.

What cities near Potomac Falls, VA are hiring for Senior Rf Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Potomac Falls, VA with the most Senior Rf Design Engineer job openings:

Senior Rf Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Rf Design Engineer job openings in Potomac Falls, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,357 per year, or $65.1 per hour.

RF Design Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 75 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you passionate about providing real, immediate impact to the country's toughest national security problems?
Do you love designing, building, and testing prototype radio frequency (RF) waveforms and systems?
Do you enjoy combining state-of-the-art antennas with cutting edge RF technology and digital signal processing to solve challenging communications problems?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking an RF Design Engineer to help us research, design, and deliver groundbreaking RF capabilities to our sponsors. You would be joining our team, which provides creative solutions and systems for Special Operations missions in the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC).
As a member of our team, you will be responsible for designing, testing, demonstrating, and delivering RF antennas and sensors as well as associated RF circuits, for systems that function throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. Specific applications span several mission and research areas in the DoD and IC.
As an RF Design Engineer, you will...
  • Stay up-to-date on the latest antenna, RF electronics, and signal processing innovations.
  • Participate in and lead component- and system-level hardware design teams from 3 to 30 engineers.
  • Develop hardware specifications and system requirements from high-level operational need statements.
  • Design and develop innovative hardware solutions such as antennas, electromagnetic sensors, RF circuits, and RF systems.
  • Develop and refine RF simulations to study RF propagation and performance.
  • Define and execute hardware tests to assess component and system performance.
  • Conduct HW/SW trade-off analyses, develop system block diagrams, perform Analysis-of-Alternatives studies, and guide vendor selection for critical sub-systems.
  • Document and present work to sponsors, technical teams, and APL management.
  • Continually grow your skills in engineering, communication, and leadership.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or another field relevant to the duties as described above.
  • 5+ years of experience developing RF or electromagnetic hardware.
  • Experience with RF lab test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, etc.
  • Experience with RF concepts such as network parameters, impedance, and distributed RF circuits.
  • Familiarity with full-wave electromagnetic and RF circuit solvers.
  • Experience developing digital signal processing solutions.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work independently or as part of a multi-discipline team.
  • The ability to work on-site at APL's main campus as well as at commercial and government test sites.
  • Are able to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Master's or Doctorate degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field with a focus in RF or electromagnetic sensors or systems.
  • 8+ years of experience with antenna design and testing
  • Strong understanding of network parameters and how to use them to solve wide-ranging RF and electromagnetic problems.
  • Experience with electromagnetic concepts and derivations for radiating elements and fields.
  • Experience with mathematical methods of full-wave electromagnetic solvers.
  • Lead teams of 3+ engineers with all levels of seniority.
  • Deep understanding of statistical digital signal processing and signal estimation theory.
  • Hold a TS/SCI security clearance.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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