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Wireless Communications Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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DSP Communications Engineer

Linthicum, MD · On-site

$141K - $164K/yr

DSP Communications Engineer, Linthicum Heights, MD We are looking for multiple DSP Communications ... to wireless. communications systems (RF, DSP, FPGA, software, digital/hardware, mechanical ...

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Wireless Communications Engineer information

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How much do wireless communications engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for wireless communications engineer in the United States is $170,719.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $150,000.00 and $191,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a wireless communications engineer do?

A wireless communications engineer specializes in research, development, and implementation of wireless technology. Your duties in this career require you work with electronics, wireless phones, radio frequency tech, broadband networks and systems, and routers and modems. You work heavily in research and development as part of a project team and introduce new products and designs for a device. You also focus on improving the efficiency of existing ones. Your responsibilities include designing a system that produces optimum signal strength, speed, security, and ability on the network, and troubleshooting current networks to work at full capacity.

What does a wireless communications engineer do?

A Wireless Communications Engineer designs, develops, and maintains wireless communication systems such as cellular networks, Wi-Fi, satellite, and radio frequency systems. They work on optimizing signal transmission, improving network coverage, and ensuring reliable connectivity. Their responsibilities often include troubleshooting network issues, implementing new technologies, and collaborating with other engineers to support the growing needs of wireless communication. With the rise of 5G and IoT devices, their role is crucial in advancing modern connectivity.

What are some typical challenges a wireless communications engineer faces when working on large-scale network deployments?

Wireless Communications Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing signal interference, ensuring network coverage in complex environments, and integrating new technologies with existing infrastructure. Large-scale deployments require careful planning to optimize frequency usage, mitigate security risks, and coordinate with multiple teams like network architects and field technicians. Staying updated with evolving wireless standards and troubleshooting unexpected connectivity issues are also common aspects of the role.

Are wireless communications engineers in demand?

Wireless communications engineers are in high demand due to the ongoing expansion of mobile networks, 5G deployment, and increasing reliance on wireless technology across industries. They often require skills in RF design, network protocols, and certifications such as Cisco or IEEE standards, making their expertise valuable in telecommunications, technology, and infrastructure sectors.
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Wireless Communications Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wireless Communications Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $170,719 per year, or $82.1 per hour.

2026 PhD Graduate - Wireless Communications Engineer - Wireless Cyber Capabilities

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 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 74 rated research

Job description

Description
Do you want to become an expert in wireless communications?
Are you passionate about learning about the latest wireless technologies?
If you are graduating with a PhD in Electrical or Computer Engineering and want to work in wireless communications, we'd love to have you join our team!
We are seeking to develop engineers to help us give our nation a significant advantage by controlling the wireless communications environment. Our Wireless Cyber Capabilities team focuses on providing the U.S. military and intelligence communities with operational advantages by leveraging software-defined radios, commercial cellular equipment, and machine learning to develop advanced capabilities for research and operational prototypes. To learn more about our work, click here.
Our engineers apply cutting-edge research to some of the government's most critical challenges in the follow research areas:
Wireless Cybersecurity
  • We leverage our deep knowledge of wireless protocols to develop new and innovative approaches to secure our nation's communications against on-network and off-network attacks.

Radio Frequency Machine Learning (RFML)
  • We apply our expertise in deep learning to devise novel solutions to complex RF and wireless communications problems that are intractable using conventional approaches.

Resilient Tactical Communications
  • We draw on our mastery of wireless networking and waveform design to fortify existing systems and design new systems that will enable robust, adaptable tactical communications.

Wireless Communications Lab (WCL)
  • The WCL leverages a broad range of expertise in modeling and simulation, rapid prototyping, end-to-end network analysis, and wireless exploitation to advance the state of the art in electromagnetic maneuverability, network intelligence, and wireless protocol security.

As a member of our team, you will...
  • Be part of a team that leverages wireless communications expertise, software defined radios, and machine learning to own the communications environment.
  • Collaborate with a team of wireless communications engineers and software developers to implement wireless communication technology solutions.
  • As a member of our team, you will be exposed to a variety of projects and encouraged to explore what technical focus areas interest you.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical degree
  • Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of signals & systems or wireless communication concepts
  • Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of software design patterns in a language such as Python, C++, C, VHDL/Verilog, or MATLAB
  • Are able to obtain Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Top Secret level 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...
  • Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of wireless communication protocols or systems such as Wi-Fi, 5G-NewRadio / NextG, or SATCOM
  • Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) such as Fourier analysis and filtering
  • Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of software defined radio (SDR) frameworks such as GNU Radio
  • Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of machine learning (ML) including frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow.

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
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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