RF Manufacturing Engineer

Q Microwave; El Cajon (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

Q Microwave, a leader in precision RF manufacturing, is seeking an RF Manufacturing Engineer to join our El Cajon, CA team. The role covers mechanical design and integration of RF components and packaging into robust housings, collaborating with cross‑functional teams from concept to full‑rate production.

The ideal candidate will have 1–3 years’ experience in RF or electronic product development, a related degree, and the ability to obtain a DoD security clearance as a US citizen.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or a related technical field.
• 1–3 years in product development, mechanical design, or manufacturing of RF/electronic products.
• Experience with mechanical integration of PCBs, RF structures, connectors and components.
• US citizenship and ability to obtain DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Draft, manage, and maintain production standard work and assembly instructions for RF Filters and Subassemblies.
• Support transition to manufacturing including tooling, fixtures, and DFx efforts.
• Assist with prototype builds, design reviews, testing, and root‑cause analysis.
• Create and maintain manufacturing drawings, BOMs, and ECNs per standards.
• Design mechanical enclosures and hardware for RF components and integrate assemblies.
• Coordinate with RF/electrical teams to align PCB and mechanical designs.
• Support qualification and environmental testing processes.
• Use CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for 3D modeling and tolerance analysis.
• Work with local manufacturing and supply chain on material selection and process optimization.

Skills

RF manufacturing

Mechanical design

PCB integration

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Security clearance eligibility (DOD Secret)

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Description

Q Microwave, a leader in the precision RF manufacturing, design and manufacture of cutting‑edge military and defense microwave solutions, is seeking a RF Manufacturing Engineer to join our entrepreneurial, collaborative, and fast‑paced team located in El Cajon, CA. Q Microwave is recognized for its advanced capabilities in RF filtering and custom RF subassemblies—technologies that require deep technical knowledge and a passion for precision. Our fully vertically integrated facility in San Diego enables close collaboration between design and manufacturing, ensuring unmatched quality and performance in RF product development. As a part of Amphenol’s global network of over 130 business units, Q Microwave operates with the technical focus and agility of a specialized design center while leveraging the strength, stability, and resources of one of the world’s largest interconnect solution providers.

As a RF Manufacturing Engineer at Q Microwave, you will be responsible for the mechanical design and integration of advanced RF components, including the packaging of RF boards and components into robust, manufacturable mechanical housings. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams including electrical, RF, manufacturing, and assembly of custom RF hardware—from initial concept design to full‑rate production.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft, manage, and maintain production standard work and assembly instruction for new and exiting RF Filters and Subassembly products.
• Support transition to manufacturing, including documentation, tooling and fixture development, and design‑for‑manufacturability efforts.
• Assist with prototype builds, design reviews, product testing, and root‑cause analysis.
• Generate and maintain manufacturing drawings, BOMs, and engineering change documentation per Q Microwave and Amphenol standards.
• Design and develop mechanical enclosures and hardware for RF filters and integrated RF subassemblies.
• Integrate CCA (Circuit Card Assemblies), connectors, and RF board layouts into precision‑machined mechanical housings that meet harsh environments RF/mechanical requirements (e.g. hermeticity, vibration, temperature, etc.).
• Collaborate with RF and electrical engineering teams to ensure alignment of PCB and mechanical designs.
• Support qualification and environmental testing process.
• Utilize CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for 3D modeling, detailed drawings, and tolerance analyses.
• Work closely with local manufacturing and supply chain teams to support material selection, process optimization, and production readiness.
• Responsible for performing all tasks in a safe and efficient manner complying with all local, state, and federal safety and health regulations, and special safety concerns.

What We're Looking For:

Minimum:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Technical Field
• One to Three (1‑3) years of working in product development, mechanical design, or manufacturing of RF or electronic products.
• Experience with mechanical integration of PCBs, RF structures, connectors, and other electrical components.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• Required to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with high‑frequency RF performance constraints related to mechanical design (e.g., grounding, shielding, thermal management).
• Project Management skills
• Understand and apply GD&T skills.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to lift 25–50 lbs. of test equipment with assistance.
• Fast‑paced environment with frequent interaction with supervisors.
• Comfortable working on your feet in a production environment.

Why Join Us?

• Work in a collaborative environment with growth opportunities.
• Be part of a supportive team focused on quality and efficiency.
• The work Schedule is a Standard 9/80 @ 7am‑4:30pm. With every other Friday off.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Summary

This position is an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals who are ready to take the next step in their careers in manufacturing and production. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Q Microwave is an Equal Opportunity Employer.