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Waveguide Jobs in Grapevine, TX (NOW HIRING)

Waveguide information

See Grapevine, TX salary details

$19

$29

$50

How much do waveguide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for waveguide in Grapevine, TX is $29.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.88 and $35.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a waveguide?

Waveguides are structures that direct the flow of electromagnetic waves, such as light or microwaves, from one point to another. They are commonly used in telecommunications, radar, and optical fiber systems to efficiently transmit signals with minimal loss. Waveguides can be made from metal, dielectric, or a combination of materials, and their shape and size are carefully designed to support specific frequencies and modes of propagation. Their main advantage is the ability to control and confine electromagnetic energy, making them essential in high-frequency and optical applications.

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

To thrive as a Waveguide Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, physics, and electromagnetics, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation software like HFSS or CST, experience with vector network analyzers, and knowledge of RF/microwave measurement techniques are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help engineers design reliable systems and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring the optimal design, testing, and implementation of waveguide components in high-frequency communication and radar systems.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working as waveguide engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Waveguide engineers often encounter challenges such as precision alignment, managing signal losses, and ensuring compatibility with other optical or RF components. Working with sensitive materials and maintaining strict tolerances requires attention to detail and a strong understanding of physics and engineering principles. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—such as design, manufacturing, and testing—is common, and effective communication is key to resolving integration issues. Continuous learning and staying updated with industry advancements can help professionals address these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Waveguide vs RF Engineer?

AspectWaveguideRF Engineer
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized training in waveguide technologyEngineering degree, RF certifications (e.g., FCC, RF certification)
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, research centersTelecommunications, broadcasting, aerospace industries
Industry UsageDesign and development of microwave and millimeter-wave systemsDesign, testing, and optimization of radio frequency systems

While waveguides are physical components used to direct microwave signals, RF engineers design and optimize systems that utilize these components. Both roles often overlap in industries like telecommunications and aerospace, but waveguide specialists focus on the hardware, whereas RF engineers work on system-level performance.

What cities near Grapevine, TX are hiring for Waveguide jobs?

Cities near Grapevine, TX with the most Waveguide job openings:

Senior Staff Engineer, Survivability Materials

Shield AI

Dallas, TX

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

At Shield AI, we are building intelligent autonomous aircraft designed to operate and survive in highly contested environments. We are seeking a Survivability Materials Engineer to lead the selection, qualification, specification, and production implementation of low-observable and signature-control materials for next-generation autonomous aircraft.


This role is ideal for an engineer with experience in radar-absorbing materials, specialty coatings, electromagnetic material characterization, and aerospace manufacturing processes. You will work across survivability analysis, design engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and sustainment teams to ensure material solutions meet signature-performance requirements while remaining producible, inspectable, durable, and supportable throughout the aircraft lifecycle.

What you'll do:
  • Conduct material surveys and evaluate radar-absorbing materials, conductive materials, dielectric materials, specialty coatings, adhesives, sealants, and other survivability-related material systems.
  • Develop and maintain a survivability materials database containing performance, cost, supplier, part-number, availability, application, and sustainment information.
  • Partner with survivability analysis, design, manufacturing, and program teams to down-select materials based on signature performance, durability, producibility, weight, cost, and supply-chain risk.
  •  Develop material qualification plans and oversee electromagnetic, electrical, mechanical, thermal, chemical, and environmental testing.
  • Establish and maintain laboratory capabilities for material characterization, process development, receiving inspection, and production verification.
  • Provide hands-on production support for material application, inspection, troubleshooting, repair, supplier coordination, and sustainment.
Required qualifications:
  • B.S. or M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
  • 10+ years of experience in aerospace materials engineering, low-observable materials, electromagnetic materials, specialty coatings, or a related field.
  • Working knowledge of radar-absorbing materials, conductive coatings, dielectric materials, adhesives, sealants, or specialty surface treatments.
  • Understanding of how complex permittivity, complex permeability, conductivity, and thickness affect electromagnetic and radar-signature performance.
  • Experience with material characterization, laboratory testing, production inspection, or supplier qualification.
  • U.S. Citizenship and active Secret clearance required.
Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience developing or qualifying radar-absorbing materials, low-observable coatings, structural RAM, conductive treatments, or signature-control appliqués.
  • Experience measuring electromagnetic material properties using free-space, waveguide, coaxial, resonant-cavity, or reflectivity-based test methods.
  • Familiarity with vector network analyzers, free-space measurement systems, conductivity equipment, coating-thickness instruments, environmental chambers, and mechanical test equipment.
  •  Active Secret, Top Secret, or SCI security clearance.
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. 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.