RF Microwave Design Engineer Level 2

Northrop Grumman; Gilbert (AZ); On-site; USD 79,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in Gilbert, AZ is seeking an RF Microwave Design Engineer Level 2 to join our Space Sector. You will design RF components, evaluate ICDs, and support integration and test of spacecraft hardware.

The role requires a STEM degree with RF experience, ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance, and proficiency with RF test equipment and MS Office. Excellent teamwork and documentation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 2+ years RF/microwave experience or a Master’s degree with 0 years.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top-Secret/SCI clearance.
• Hands-on microwave lab work with RF test equipment preferred (network analyzers, power meters, spectrum analyzers).
• Strong collaboration within a fast-paced team; daily communication with colleagues.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Develop RF component specifications from system requirements.
• Evaluate ICDs and verify requirements against subcontractors.
• Support integration and testing of spacecraft hardware through production and tests.
• Produce clear, concise technical documentation and present findings.
• Progress across multiple tasks and shadow a technical lead.

Skills

RF/microwave theory

Satellite communications

Radio-wave propagation

Electromagnetics

Antenna theory

Collaboration

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Master’s degree in STEM

Tools

DOORS

CAMEO

PERL

Python

Network analyzers

Power meters

Spectrum analyzers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: None

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Expand your horizons, advance your career, and help secure a future for generations. Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As a RF Microwave Design Engineer Level 2 based in Gilbert, AZ, you will be a linchpin on missions of paramount importance, shaping what’s possible from dayone.

• Please be aware that this position is contingent upon capturing program award and obtaining customer funding prior to the start date**

The RF Microwave Design Engineer will serve in a technical capacity on DoD, commercial, and/or civil‑satellite programs, working from design through production and test as part of a results‑oriented team. Within the RF Communication group, you will focus on product definition, evaluation and management of subcontracted components, integration and test support in a clean‑room environment (frock), and mission‑operations preparation and support. The successful candidate can work independently under direct supervision in a small team, while also reaching out for assistance when needed without delay.

Job Responsibilities (including, But Not Limited To)

• Develop RF component specifications derived from system‑level requirements.
• Evaluate Interface Control Drawings (ICDs).
• Verify requirements by comparing the customer’s top‑level specifications with subcontractors’ actual implementations; clearly summarize findings and present them to the internal engineering team.
• Support integration and testing of spacecraft for the RF communication team as hardware moves through the factory and environmental test phases (occasional night and weekend support may be required, with rare 12‑ to 14‑hour shifts spanning several days).
• Over time, assume the role of cognizant RF COMM engineer after shadowing a technical lead.
• Potential to effectively give oral presentations and engage confidently with customers; produce clear, concise technical documentation.
• Stay organized and manage progress across multiple simultaneous tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• This position is contingent upon capturing program award and obtaining customer funding prior to the start date**

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 2+years of engineering experience in RF/microwave theory, satellite communications, radio‑wave propagation, electromagnetics, or antenna theory OR Master’s degree with 0 years of engineering experience
• Must be able and willing to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top‑Secret/SCI security clearance
• Laboratory work or hands‑on project experience in the microwave field is a strong plus, especially with RF measurement equipment such as network analyzers, power meters, and spectrum analyzers
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering and non‑engineering colleagues in a fast‑paced team environment, and ability to ask for help/communicate with team members daily
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of RF link budget and space‑to‑ground links
• Experience with DOORS or CAMEO
• Experience with PERL or PYTHON scripting
• Experience with RF component unit‑level testing
• Active TS/SCI security clearance
• Desire to work on spaceflight programs and dedication to the projects/team

Primary Level Salary Range: $79,300.00 - $118,900.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.