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Senior Rf Engineer Jobs in Frederick, MD (NOW HIRING)

Senior Systems Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

As a Systems Engineer, you will lead requirements management, architecture definition, interface ... Define and document system and subsystem interfaces (mechanical, electrical, optical, RF, data ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Germantown, MD

$105K - $144K/yr

As a Systems Engineer, you will lead requirements management, architecture definition, interface ... Define and document system and subsystem interfaces (mechanical, electrical, optical, RF, data ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Senior FPGA Engineer

Dulles, VA · On-site

$113K - $237K/yr

Senior FPGA Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to ... Designs include signal processing algorithms to support radio frequency (RF) software defined radio ...

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Senior Rf Engineer information

See Frederick, MD salary details

$59.2K

$125.8K

$182.4K

How much do senior rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior rf engineer in Frederick, MD is $125,832.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,900.00 and $142,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest salary for an RF engineer?

The highest salaries for senior RF engineers can exceed $150,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, specialized skills in RF design and testing, and certifications. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and company size, with top earners often working in telecommunications, aerospace, or defense sectors.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Senior RF engineers, a specialized role within electrical engineering, can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-paying industries like telecommunications or defense. However, such salaries are typically achieved through senior positions, bonuses, and stock options, and are not common for entry-level roles. Overall, reaching this level requires significant expertise and often involves leadership responsibilities or working in lucrative markets.

What are Senior RF Engineers?

Senior RF Engineers are experienced professionals who design, implement, and optimize radio frequency (RF) systems used in telecommunications, broadcasting, and other wireless communications. They are responsible for ensuring the performance and reliability of RF networks by conducting tests, troubleshooting issues, and developing solutions to improve signal quality. Senior RF Engineers often lead project teams, mentor junior engineers, and work closely with other departments to deliver effective wireless communication solutions.

What are some common technical challenges faced by Senior RF Engineers, and how are they typically addressed within engineering teams?

Senior RF Engineers often encounter challenges related to signal interference, system integration, and maintaining optimal performance under real-world conditions. These issues are typically addressed through collaborative troubleshooting with cross-functional teams, such as hardware, software, and test engineers. Utilizing advanced simulation tools, performing thorough field testing, and conducting design reviews are standard practices to ensure solutions are effective and reliable. Regular knowledge sharing within the team helps in quickly resolving complex RF problems and staying updated with evolving technologies.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior RF engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in radio frequency design, and certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries like telecommunications and defense. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives, and typically requires advanced knowledge of RF systems, tools, and industry standards.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior RF engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries like telecommunications or aerospace, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, expertise in signal processing, and working in senior or managerial roles with significant responsibilities.

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

AspectSenior RF EngineerRF Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, certifications like FCC or RF-specific coursesBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field, some certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and troubleshooting RF systems in labs or fieldAssist in RF system development, testing, and maintenance
ResponsibilitiesLead projects, optimize RF performance, mentor junior staffSupport RF design, perform measurements, and document results

The main difference lies in experience and responsibility level. Senior RF Engineers typically lead projects and mentor others, while RF Engineers focus on supporting design and testing tasks. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but the senior position involves more leadership and strategic planning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior RF Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior RF Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of radio frequency theory, wireless communication systems, and a relevant engineering degree, often complemented by several years of industry experience. Familiarity with RF simulation tools (such as CST, HFSS, or ADS), network analyzers, and certifications like Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help in troubleshooting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are vital for designing reliable RF solutions, optimizing performance, and ensuring seamless integration in complex wireless environments.
What are popular job titles related to Senior Rf Engineer jobs in Frederick, MD? For Senior Rf Engineer jobs in Frederick, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Rf Engineer jobs in Frederick, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Rf Engineer jobs in Frederick, MD are:
What cities near Frederick, MD are hiring for Senior Rf Engineer jobs? Cities near Frederick, MD with the most Senior Rf Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Rf Engineer job openings in Frederick, MD as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,832 per year, or $60.5 per hour.
RF Test Engineering Manager

RF Test Engineering Manager

Leonardo DRS

Frederick, MD

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Leonardo DRS rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

163rd of 519 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job ID: 114387 

The Leonardo DRS Airborne and Intelligence Systems business is a global leader and strategic partner committed to delivering world-class, full life-cycle defense and intelligence products that protect the security of our nation and our allies.  From air combat training to state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems, our technology is deployed by virtually all U.S. military and government agencies around the world.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Manager, RF Test Engineering & Engineering Labs to lead and scale our test engineering capabilities supporting advanced RF systems within the Signal Solutions line of business. This role is responsible for defining and executing a modern, automated, and data-driven RF test strategy across development, integration, qualification, and production environments. 

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in RF test methodologies, automated test systems (ATE), and system-level validation, combined with strong leadership and strategic vision. This leader will lead both test engineering and lab operations, driving improvements in RF performance validation, test efficiency, and cost optimization, while advancing capabilities through automation, AI/ML integration, and standardized test architectures. This leader will manage teams ranging from technicians to senior engineers and architects, delivering high-quality, scalable test solutions aligned with business and program objectives. 

This role will be instrumental in modernizing RF test across the organization, including automation, AI-enabled diagnostics, and standardized ATE architectures. 

Job Responsibilities
  • Lead the Test Engineering and Engineering Labs organization, including team development, hiring, performance management, and technical leadership  
  • Define and execute a comprehensive test strategy across development, integration & test (I&T), and production  
  • Architect and standardize Automated Test Equipment (ATE) and test frameworks across multiple programs and product lines  
  • Develop and deploy automated test solutions to validate key RF performance metrics (e.g., gain, noise figure, linearity/IP2/IP3, spurious, phase noise)  
  • Drive improvements in test efficiency, throughput, yield, and cycle time through automation and data-driven approaches  
  • Integrate AI/ML and advanced analytics into test workflows for predictive diagnostics and faster root cause analysis  
  • Partner with RF Design, Systems Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management to ensure strong Design-for-Testability (DFT) practices are implemented early in product development and strong correlation between simulation, lab validation, and production test  
  • Lead and support complex RF system debug across lab and production environments (hardware, firmware, and integration issues) 
  • Own engineering lab operations, including capacity planning, equipment lifecycle management, calibration strategy, and ESD/safety compliance 
  • Lead transition of test solutions from engineering to manufacturing, including readiness, documentation, training, and sustaining support  
  • Support proposals (RFP/RFQ/RFI) with test strategies, cost estimates, and execution plans  
  • Own test-related CAPEX planning and execution, ensuring alignment with long-term architecture and ROI objectives 
  • Job Responsibilities Part II 
  • Establish and track key metrics (e.g., yield, test time, MTTR, defect escape rate) to drive continuous improvement 
  • Develop and maintain a long-term RF test technology roadmap aligned with product complexity and business growth 
  • Drive development of scalable test data infrastructure and analytics to enable enterprise-wide visibility and insights 
  • Ensure lab and test environments meet quality, performance, and audit readiness standards 
  • Mentor engineers in test development, RF measurement techniques, automation, and data-driven engineering practices 
  • Foster a culture of technical rigor, accountability, and continuous improvement 
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience) 
  • 10+ years of experience in RF test engineering, system validation, or ATE development 
  • 3+ years of experience in engineering leadership / people management 
  • Strong hands-on experience with RF test equipment (e.g., signal generators, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, power meters, noise figure analyzers) 
  • Proven experience architecting and implementing automated RF test systems (ATE) 
  • Deep understanding of RF measurement techniques and performance metrics (gain, NF, IP3, harmonics, spurs, phase noise, etc.) 
  • Experience with system-level RF integration and troubleshooting 
  • Proficiency in Python or similar scripting languages for test automation 
  • Experience with LabVIEW or comparable test development environments 
  • Familiarity with test data management, databases (SQL), and analysis workflows 
  • Experience working in Linux and Windows environments 
  •  

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Experience with RF production test and manufacturing environments 
  • Background in high-frequency systems, SDRs, tuners, or communication systems 
  • Experience correlating RF simulation, lab measurements, and production test results 
  • Experience with AI/ML applied to RF test data or diagnostics (MLOps, predictive analytics, etc.) 
  • Familiarity with high-speed data acquisition and networked test systems (10GbE+) 
  • Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher) 
  • Experience leading multi-site RF test standardization efforts  

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours. 
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.#AIS


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