ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Sr Rf Engineer Jobs in Gaithersburg, MD (NOW HIRING)

HawkEye 360

Senior RF Electrical Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

HawkEye 360 is seeking a Sr. RF Electrical Engineer on the Space Team. The Space Team's mission is to design, build, and test small commercial satellites that provide revolutionary RF geospatial ...

FTS International LLC

RF Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior RF Systems Engineer provides management and outreach support to the government customer RF Program Manager. Responsibilities * Utilize knowledge and background in RF technology and ...

Lynk

Senior RF/Electrical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$110K - $143K/yr

Job Summary As a Senior RF/Electrical Engineer at Lynk, you will be responsible for wearing many hats in the world of radio frequencies, electronics, hardware, and software. You will be responsible ...

KBR, Inc.

Sr RF Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$183K - $274K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Title: Sr RF Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

kgs

Cellular / RF Engineer (TS)

Washington, DC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior vendor design certification * Formal RF design credentials such as iBwave (if applicable ... Engineering governance or program-level credentials Preferred Experience: * Hands-on experience ...

KBR

Sr RF Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$183K - $274K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Title: Sr RF Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

KBR

SR RF Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Title: SR RF Systems Engineer Key Responsibilities: * Knowledge of fundamental of electrical engineering as it relates to digital signal processing (DSP), alternate waveforms, and analysis of signal ...

KBR, Inc.

SR RF Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Title: SR RF Systems Engineer Key Responsibilities: * Knowledge of fundamental of electrical engineering as it relates to digital signal processing (DSP), alternate waveforms, and analysis of signal ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsSr Rf Engineer JobsSr Rf Engineer Jobs in Gaithersburg, MD

Sr Rf Engineer information

See Gaithersburg, MD salary details

$40K

$127.1K

$197.7K

How much do sr rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr rf engineer in Gaithersburg, MD is $127,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,300.00 and $150,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Sr RF engineer?

Sr RF Engineers, or Senior Radio Frequency Engineers, are professionals who design, implement, and optimize wireless communication systems. They work with radio frequency signals and components to ensure reliable transmission and reception for applications such as cellular networks, satellite communications, and wireless devices. Their responsibilities often include system design, troubleshooting, network optimization, and compliance with regulatory standards. Sr RF Engineers typically have extensive experience and may lead teams or mentor junior engineers. They play a crucial role in advancing wireless technology and maintaining high-quality communications infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr RF engineer?

To thrive as a Sr RF Engineer, you need deep expertise in radio frequency engineering, signal processing, and wireless communication systems, usually supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with RF simulation tools (such as CST, HFSS, or ADS), network analyzers, and relevant certifications like FCC or IEEE are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective collaboration set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills ensure reliable RF system performance, compliance with technical standards, and successful project delivery in dynamic technology environments.

What are some typical challenges Sr RF engineers face when managing large-scale wireless network deployments?

Sr RF Engineers often encounter challenges such as mitigating signal interference, ensuring optimal coverage in complex environments, and adapting designs to evolving regulatory standards. Managing multiple project timelines and coordinating with cross-functional teams—like network planners, field technicians, and software specialists—are also common aspects of the role. Effective problem-solving, strong communication, and staying current with RF technologies are essential to successfully overcoming these challenges.

Is RF engineering in demand?

RF engineering is in high demand due to the growth of wireless communication, 5G networks, and satellite technology. RF engineers are needed to design, test, and optimize radio frequency systems, often requiring skills in signal processing and familiarity with tools like spectrum analyzers. Job prospects remain strong across telecommunications, defense, and consumer electronics industries.

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

AspectSr Rf EngineerRF Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, certifications like FCC or RF-specific coursesBachelor's in Electrical or Electronics Engineering, similar certifications often required
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and troubleshooting RF systems in labs or fieldSimilar environments, focusing on RF system implementation and testing
Industry UsageTelecommunications, aerospace, defense, wireless networksTelecommunications, consumer electronics, wireless communication
Role FocusAdvanced RF design, system optimization, technical leadershipRF system setup, testing, and basic troubleshooting

The main difference between a Sr Rf Engineer and an RF Engineer lies in experience and responsibilities. Sr Rf Engineers typically handle advanced design and optimization tasks, often leading projects, while RF Engineers focus on implementation and testing. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but the senior role involves more strategic and technical leadership in RF projects.

What are popular job titles related to Sr Rf Engineer jobs in Gaithersburg, MD?

For Sr Rf Engineer jobs in Gaithersburg, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sr Rf Engineer jobs in Gaithersburg, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Sr Rf Engineer jobs in Gaithersburg, MD are:

What cities near Gaithersburg, MD are hiring for Sr Rf Engineer jobs?

Cities near Gaithersburg, MD with the most Sr Rf Engineer job openings:

Sr Rf Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sr Rf Engineer job openings in Gaithersburg, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,148 per year, or $61.1 per hour.

Senior RF Electrical Engineer

HawkEye 360

Herndon, VA • On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

HawkEye 360 is seeking a Sr. RF Electrical Engineer on the Space Team. The Space Team's mission is to design, build, and test small commercial satellites that provide revolutionary RF geospatial analytics.
You will perform RF and electrical design of our space platforms with a primary focus on our RF payloads. This includes RF front ends, integrating Software Defined Radios (SDR's) and antenna systems. You'll define and execute RF performance tests to verify mission requirements while also developing analog, digital, and power electronics across our satellite platforms. This role requires strong RF and Electrical Engineering expertise working cross functionally with the mechanical, software, payload, and systems engineering teams.
Your main responsibilities will be:
  • 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, frequency conversion, and signal conditioning circuitry.
  • Perform electrical and RF simulations at a board and system level to validate the performance of different sub-systems.
  • Perform RF link budget analysis, interference modeling, and sensitivity trade studies to meet mission performance requirements.
  • Support payload architecture decisions through mission-driven trade studies at PDR/CDR milestones.
  • Define and scope RF performance test plans to verify key specifications including sensitivity, dynamic range, spurious emissions, linearity, and signal quality.
  • Develop test procedures and automation scripts to characterize SDR and RF front-end performance.
  • Execute EMI/EMC compliance testing and develop mitigation strategies for flight hardware.
  • Design digital, analog, and power electronics for satellite flight hardware. Create and review schematics, block diagrams, PCB layouts, and Design for Manufacturing (DFM).
  • Work closely with PCB Contract Manufacturers (CMs) to ensure quality control and timely delivery of flight hardware.
  • Support spacecraft integration and testing efforts, including the design of Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE), flatsats for functional testing, and satellite flight hardware testing.
  • Perform first article hardware unit testing, including reception inspection, burn-in testing, thermal validation, and hardware checkouts.

Your skills and qualifications:Essential education and experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in RF/Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Expert understanding of software-defined radio architectures, RF front-ends, and space-based RF systems.
  • 7+ years of hands-on experience designing and testing RF electronics, including SDRs, mixers, filters, amplifiers, and receiver chains.
  • Experience s using lab equipment such as Spectrum Analyzers, Network Analyzers, Signal Generators, Noise Figure Analyzers, and RF test chambers.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Understanding of power electronics, high-speed digital design, and RF fundamentals (impedance matching, S-parameters, noise figure, linearity, etc.).
  • Expertise in PCB design and layout (Altium or similar) with attention to RF design considerations (controlled impedance, grounding, shielding).
  • Hands-on flight hardware experience (satellite integration, RF lab testing, prototyping, troubleshooting).
  • Experience handling ESD-sensitive components and operating in cleanroom environments.

Desirable:
  • Experience working in the smallsat or space industry with RF payloads or communication systems.
  • Experience with version control (git) and continuous integration workflows.
  • Proficiency with Python, C++, MATLAB, or other coding languages for RF analysis and test automation.
  • Experience with RF simulation tools (ADS, CST, HFSS, or similar).
  • Familiarity with CAD (NX, SolidWorks, etc.) to support electro-mechanical integration.
  • Experience with EMI/EMC testing
  • Experience using collaboration tools such as JIRA, Confluence, etc.

We offer a compensation package that includes a competitive base salary plus annual performance bonus and benefits. We consider many factors when determining salary offers, such as candidate's work experience, education, training & skills, as well as market and business considerations. We are also open to considering candidates with experience and qualifications at a different level than required in a job posting, which may affect the compensation package offered.
Salary Range
$130,000-$175,000 USD
Company Overview:
HawkEye 360 is equipping defense, intelligence, and national security leaders with mission-critical signals intelligence to enable faster, better decision making. By detecting, geolocating, and characterizing radio frequency emissions worldwide, HawkEye 360 delivers trusted domain awareness and early warning indicators to the US Government and allied partners. Our space-based collection, proprietary signal processing, and AI-powered analytics transform knowledge of RF spectrum into a strategic advantage. Proven by operational mission success, HawkEye 360 is redefining how signals intelligence strengthens national and global security.
HawkEye 360 is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

Apply