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Senior Rf Engineer Jobs in Owings Mills, MD (NOW HIRING)

Senior Systems Engineer

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$115K - $158K/yr

The Senior Systems Engineer will support RF system architecture, dataflow management, system design, production monitoring, technical documentation, and stakeholder coordination. The ideal candidate ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Rf Engineer information

See Owings Mills, MD salary details

$57.2K

$121.6K

$176.3K

How much do senior rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior rf engineer in Owings Mills, MD is $121,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,400.00 and $137,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior RF engineer do?

A senior RF engineer designs, develops, and tests radio frequency systems and components used in wireless communication devices. They analyze signal performance, troubleshoot issues, and often use simulation tools like MATLAB or HFSS. Their role requires strong knowledge of RF principles, circuit design, and industry standards, often supported by relevant certifications and experience in a fast-paced engineering environment.

What is a senior RF engineer?

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.

Is RF engineering in demand?

RF engineering is in high demand due to the growth of wireless communication, 5G networks, and satellite technology. Senior RF engineers with expertise in signal processing, antenna design, and RF testing are sought after across telecommunications, aerospace, and defense industries.

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?

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 cities near Owings Mills, MD are hiring for Senior Rf Engineer jobs? Cities near Owings Mills, MD with the most Senior Rf Engineer job openings:

Senior Staff RF Hardware Subsystem Integration and Test Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$109K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking a Senior Staff RF Hardware Subsystem Integration and Test Engineer to oversee the suite of communication antenna programs.

Typical Roles and Responsibilities include: The qualified candidate will provide oversight to multiple program teams. These program teams will consist of a diverse group of engineers with a focus on hardware integration and test at the subsystems level. Senior Staff engineers should have a demonstrated ability in technical and team leadership overseeing engineers with experience at least at the Sr. Principal level.

Responsibilities may include subsystem analysis including hardware from RF to digits, performance modeling, support for performance testing, and more. Work will be performed under consultative direction toward predetermined long-range goals and objectives. Assignments are often self-initiated.

These roles are contingent upon having a current Active Secret Clearance and future ability to achieve a SAP Clearance.

These roles are contingent upon Program Award.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must have a Bachelors Degree in Engineering or related discipline with 14 years of experience in the areas described in the job description or 12 years of experience with a Masters Degree and/or 10 years of experience with a Ph. D. An additional 4 years of experience is acceptable in lieu of a degree.
  • US Citizenship is required
  • Current Active Secret Clearance
  • Exhibit proficiency in near field or compact antenna test ranges on tasks including antenna range integration, test, data collection, data analysis, and system integration
  • Exhibit proficiency with RF test equipment including network analyzers, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and oscilloscopes
  • Ability to develop highly novel solutions to a broad variety of RF/Microwave design and test related problems of complex difficulty which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity
  • Established subject matter expertise in numerous areas of RF/Microwave discipline including but not limited to: Antenna, RF performance analysis, RF test verification, and production test support
  • Exhibit proficiency in electrical and mechanical troubleshooting
  • Exhibit proficiency in software scripting and debugging in MATLAB, Visual Basic, and C++
  • Exhibit general aptitude in antenna range scheduling, staffing, technical team leadership, requirements, prioritization, time management, team building, work dissemination, planning, and early identification of issues
  • Ability to design, implement, install and maintain electrical systems

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Top Secret Clearance
  • Expert user of both near-field and compact antenna test ranges
  • Expert user of NSI-MI Technology antenna range test systems
  • Expert user of MATLAB for post-processing antenna range test data

The AMS E&S organization at Northrop Grumman Missions Systems in Baltimore, Maryland is seeking experiencedPrincipal/Sr. Principal Digital-RF Hardware Subsystem Integration and Test Engineers for Digital Range antenna testing.

The qualified candidates will work with a diverse and talented team of engineers developing innovative and cost-effective systems that support a broad range of products and business areas across the lifecycle of a program.

Applicants should possess the ability to communicate effectively and clearly present technical approaches and findings.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Integration of new equipment and programs in a state-of-the-art Near field Digital range
  • Software development for automating test processes and data analysis
  • Troubleshooting digital and RF issues during test of advanced antenna systems
  • Analyzing test data and identifying early trends
  • Supporting program meetings in developing root cause and corrective actions
  • Collaborating with design engineering for hardware, controls, and test improvements
  • Support for performance testing, requirements verification, and more.
  • Integration of antenna hardware for digital active electronically scanned arrays (DAESAs)
  • Creating test support applications and tools using MATLAB
  • Conducting Test Readiness Reviews and/or Design Readiness Reviews
  • Concept development of operation for integration and test activities

These roles is contingent upon having a current Active Secret Clearance and future ability to achieve a SAP Clearance.

These roles are contingent upon Program Award.

This is a Dual-level opening, candidates will be considered at both a level 3 (Principal Engineer) or 4 (Sr. Principal Engineer) based upon the Basic Qualifications listed below.

Basic Qualification - Principal Digital Receiver Exciter Subsystem I&T:

  • Must hold at least a Secret security clearance
  • Must have a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related discipline with 5 years of experience in the areas described in the job descriptionorMaster's Degree with 3 years of experienceorPhD with 0 years of experience. An additional 4 years' experience is acceptable in lieu of degree
  • Exhibit proficiency in near-field or compact antenna test ranges on tasks including antenna range integration, test, data collection, data analysis, and system integration
  • Exhibit proficiency with RF test equipment including network analyzers, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and oscilloscopes
  • Exhibit proficiency in testing highly integrated digital subsystems crossing Firmware, Software and Hardware domains
  • Exhibit proficiency in software scripting, Linux command-line interface and debugging in MATLAB, Visual Basic, and C++

Basic Qualification - Sr. Principal Digital Receiver Exciter Subsystem I&T:

  • Must hold at least a Secret security clearance
  • Must have a Bachelors Degree in Engineering or related discipline with 8 years of experience in the areas described in the job descriptionor aMasters Degree with 6 years of experienceorPhD with 4 years of experience. An additional 4 years' experience is acceptable in lieu of a degree.
  • Exhibit proficiency in near-field or compact antenna test ranges on tasks including antenna range integration, test, data collection, data analysis, and system integration
  • Exhibit proficiency with RF test equipment including network analyzers, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and oscilloscopes
  • Exhibit proficiency in testing highly integrated digital subsystems crossing Firmware, Software and Hardware domains
  • Exhibit proficiency in software scripting, Linux command-line interface and debugging in MATLAB, Visual Basic, and C++
  • Exhibit general aptitude in antenna range scheduling, staffing, technical team leadership, requirements, prioritization, time management, team building, work dissemination, planning, and early identification of issues

Preferred Qualifications:

  • TS/SCI clearance
  • SAP clearance
  • Knowledge of RF and antenna theory, including RF performance analysis
  • Working knowledge Python, VHDL and C++
  • Experience troubleshooting RF digital subsystems
  • Understanding of digital signal processing chains
  • Experience working with and supporting engineers across firmware, software, power, and RF test teams
  • Be able to delegate, task and oversee the work of junior subsystems engineers
  • Have the ability to take a system level requirement and derive test cases to validate hardware performance

MS-250SURGE

Primary Level Salary Range: $184,100.00 - $276,100.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939