Principal Wireless/RF Engineer

Honeywell Aerospace; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 194,000 - 242,000; Full time

Job summary

Honeywell Aerospace in San Jose is seeking an experienced Principal RF Design Engineer to lead the development of advanced RF/microwave circuits for aerospace and defense products, from concept to production. You will mentor engineers, perform simulations, support testing, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturability and on-time delivery.

This role requires a Master’s in EE or Physics and 7+ years of hands-on microwave design, with security clearance eligibility and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics with 7+ years of hands-on microwave design experience.
• 7+ years using linear and EM simulation tools (ADS, Microwave Office, HFSS, Sonnet) or similar software.
• 7+ years creating detailed engineering designs with CAD tools (Draftsight, AutoCAD).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance.
• Must be a U.S. Person under export laws.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of RF/Microwave circuits and subsystems, including antennas, amplifiers, mixers, switches, and filters.
• Perform complex system analyses and oversee multistage cascade simulations.
• Define test strategies and procedures; guide testing and optimization of prototypes.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers to ensure integration and review drawings.
• Support production with testing and troubleshooting to meet delivery commitments.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
• Champion Lean/Six Sigma and safety standards across functions.
• Take ownership of assigned projects and ensure timely delivery.

Skills

Linear simulation tools

EM simulation tools

Drawing CAD tools proficiency

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics

Tools

ADS

Microwave Office

HFSS

Sonnet

Draftsight

AutoCAD

Job description

We're looking for an experienced and highly skilled Principal RF Design Engineer to join our thriving team in San Jose. In this pivotal role, you will provide leadership and direction in the design and development of advanced RF/Microwave circuits, guiding projects from concept to production. Your deep knowledge of simulation, modeling, and testing will be critical in creating cutting-edge components that are integral to our aerospace and defense product lines. This role offers the opportunity to mentor junior engineers, interact with customers and shape the future of our technology.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advanced RF/Microwave Design: Lead the design and development of complex RF/Microwave circuits and subsystems, including antennas, amplifiers, mixers, switches, filters, and oscillators, using advanced simulation and modeling techniques, in adherence to company Design Guidelines.

• Complex System Analysis: Conduct and oversee comprehensive multistage cascade analyses, ensuring optimal performance of complex RF systems.

• Test and Validation Leadership: Define test strategies, generate test procedures, conduct thorough circuit and reliability analysis, and provide guidance during testing and optimization of prototype circuits and components.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with mechanical engineers, designers, and drafters to ensure seamless integration of electronic designs, overseeing mechanical design and drawing packages.

• Support production line with testing and troubleshooting in order to meet delivery commitments.

• Technical Mentorship: Provide technical leadership to junior engineers and technicians, offering guidance during the testing, tuning, and optimization of prototype circuits.

• Process Improvement: Champion safety standards, promote a clean and organized workspace, and actively participate in Lean/Six Sigma initiatives, both within your area and across other functions.

• Project Ownership: Take ownership of assigned projects, ensuring timely completion and adherence to quality standards.

YOU MUST HAVE:

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics, coupled with 7+ years of hands‑on experience designing and developing advanced microwave and millimeter‑wave subsystems and components. Internship and co‑op experience is included.

• 7+ years of proven experience utilizing linear simulation tools (e.g., ADS, Microwave Office) and EM simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, Sonnet) or similar industry‑standard software.

• 7+ years of experience using drawing CAD tools (e.g., Draftsight, AutoCAD) for creating detailed engineering designs.

• Must possess the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance.

• Must be a "U.S. Person" under U.S. export laws.

WE VALUE:

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics, coupled with 8+ years of hands‑on experience designing and developing advanced microwave and millimeter‑wave subsystems and components. Internship and co‑op experience is included.

• 8+ years of proven experience utilizing linear simulation tools (e.g., ADS, Microwave Office) and EM simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, Sonnet) or similar industry‑standard software.

• 8+ years of experience using drawing CAD tools (e.g., Draftsight, AutoCAD) for creating detailed engineering designs.

• Experience in Spice Modeling.

• DSP and Radar/Antenna Design experience

Due to compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidate must be a U.S. person, which is defined as, a U.S. citizen, a U.S. permanent resident, or have protected status in the U.S. under asylum or refugee status.

The annual base salary range for this position in Colorado is $168,000-$210,000. For California, the annual base salary range is $194,000 - $242,000. Please note that this salary information serves as a general guideline. Honeywell Aerospace considers various factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education and training, key skills, as well as market and business considerations.

About us:

Join a company that's reintroducing itself to the aviation community we've helped advance for more than a century. At Honeywell Aerospace (NASDAQ: HONA), we're launching as an independent, publicly traded aerospace and defense company built on a legacy of operational excellence and mission‑focused execution.

Our new brand identity pairs that heritage with real momentum, as we build technology that helps pilots navigate with confidence, aircraft operate more efficiently, and operators stay ahead of change. With our systems on board 90% of the world's aircraft, your work here has reach that's rare to find anywhere else.

Focusing on our customers, investing in innovation, and building a culture of accountability and performance is how we're shaping what comes next.

Every horizon. Every mission. Every day.

Benefits:

Beyond a performance‑driven salary, you'll work alongside dedicated experts on technology that's advancing aviation. As a Honeywell Aerospace employee, you're eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Employer‑subsidized medical, dental, vision and life insurance

• Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage

• 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts

• Employee assistance program and educational assistance

• Parental leave and 12 paid holidays

• Paid time off for vacation, personal and sick time

Explore your benefits: https://honeywellaerospacebenefits.com/

The application period for the job is estimated to be 40 days from the job posting date; however, this may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Electronic Solutions:

Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on aircraft across commercial aviation, defense and space — from engines and cockpit electronics to cabin systems, mechanical components and connectivity solutions. Our technology helps operators fly more safely, reduce fuel consumption, improve on‑time performance and deliver a better experience for the people on board.

As aviation continues to evolve, we're also developing systems to support autonomous and supersonic platforms, bringing the same focus on safety and efficiency to the next era of flight. With approximately 36,000 employees worldwide and net sales of $17.4B in 2025, Honeywell Aerospace is one of the largest dedicated aerospace companies in the world. Explore our businesses: https://www.honeywellaerospace.com

Electronic Solutions develops the avionics, navigation systems, sensors and electromagnetic defense technology that help aircraft perform safely and with precision. Our systems are on board 90% of the world's aircraft — serving commercial aviation, defense and space operators from integrated flight deck platforms with 30-plus years in service to radiation‑hardened systems trusted for human spaceflight.