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5 of the Highest Paying Radio Frequency Engineer Jobs in 2024

The best Radio Frequency Engineer jobs can pay up to $146,000 per year.

As a radio frequency engineer (RF engineer), you install and maintain devices that transmit and receive radio waves. You may select which type of device to install in a given area, help design wireless networks, and provide technical support for existing systems. Radio frequency engineering is a specialized focus of electrical engineering and uses many of the same techniques and principles, so some engineers switch between the two fields as necessary for each job. Other details of this position depend on the employer. For example, installing radio devices for the military often involves getting a security clearance and maintaining heavily-secured transmission systems, while urban jobs may require finding ways to filter out excess noise and problems in each frequency.

The primary qualifications for becoming a radio frequency engineer are a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and passing two state exams. The first exam can be taken directly out of college, while the second exam requires four years of work experience. It is possible to start working as a radio frequency engineer before taking the second exam, but most engineers take roles as assistants or apprentices until passing the second test. Further certifications and licenses can help you stand out from other engineers later in your career. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a radio frequency engineer requires observation skills, communication skills, and the ability to memorize complex safety guidelines and device regulations.

High Paying Radio Frequency Engineer Jobs

  • RF Design Engineer

    Salary range: $110,000-$146,000 per year

    An RF design engineer is a specialist within electrical engineering whose duties involve working with electronics and radio frequency. RF design engineers have job experience working with systems that are used to receive or transmit radio waves. Examples of this type of equipment include radios, cellular phones, circuits, and wireless communications. To have a career as an RF design engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering to start and a master’s degree for more advanced positions. Other qualifications and skills may include experience working with radio transmission equipment, as well as state-specific licensing or certification.

  • RF Test Engineer

    Salary range: $101,500-$144,000 per year

    As an RF test engineer, you assess the functionality of devices that transmit or receive radio frequencies in manufacturing or research and development environments. Your job duties include using spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, signal generators, battery emulators, and other testing equipment, debugging issues that arise, and analyzing test data. A career as an RF test engineer requires you have some formal qualifications and post-secondary education, generally a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and experience with test instrumentation and equipment. You need strong math skills and familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD), Unix, MatLab, LabView, and C++ programming.

  • Radio Frequency Microwave Engineer

    Salary range: $97,500-$139,000 per year

    The majority of Radio Frequency Microwave Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $97,500 (25th percentile) and $139,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Radio Frequency Microwave Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • Microwave Engineer

    Salary range: $73,500-$116,500 per year

    Microwave engineering involves the theory and development of microwave circuits, systems, and components. As a microwave engineer, you specialize in the design, production, and repair of devices that move small electromagnetic waves. Your duties may involve meeting with clients to determine product specifications, working with computer programs to model potential product designs, and testing the models for performance and quality. You may also check your designed products against FCC guidelines and oversee the development process. The career typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field and relevant work experience. Management positions may require a master’s degree and five or more years of experience. Additional qualifications include excellent analytical, technical, and communication skills, along with the ability to work as part of a team.

  • Microwave Technician

    Salary range: $40,500-$51,500 per year

    A microwave technician or Radio Frequency (RF) Technician is a technician whose responsibilities are to install and perform maintenance on RF systems. Your duties in this career are to perform installations of systems like wireless internet access points, cell phone towers, amplifiers, and other equipment used for transferring radio signals. You also maintain the systems, meaning you perform tests to confirm that all equipment is properly functioning, troubleshoot any errors that may occur, and perform repairs on all equipment if any malfunctions occur. As a microwave technician, travel is often necessary, as you do much of your work on-site.

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