RF Microwave Design Engineer - Level 3 or 4

Northrop Grumman; Gilbert (AZ); On-site; USD 98,400 - 184,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Savings plan

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector seeks an RF Microwave Design Engineer (Level3 or 4) in Gilbert, AZ to design RF components for DoD and satellite programs. You will manage subcontractors, support integration and testing of spacecraft, and deliver design‑review packages to customers.

The role requires strong RF/microwave theory knowledge, collaboration across teams, and the ability to obtain a DoD Top-Secret/SCI clearance. Travel is up to 10%. Relocation may be available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 5+ years of engineering experience or Master’s degree with 3+ years in RF/microwave theory.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret/SCI clearance.
• Laboratory or hands-on microwave field experience.
• Strong collaboration with engineering and non-engineering teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Develop RF component specifications derived from system-level requirements.
• Manage subcontractors and lead RF component interfaces with internal organizations.
• Evaluate ICDs.
• Assist with subcontract supplier SOWs.
• Provide continuous technical support throughout the component life cycle.
• Prepare and present design-review packages to internal and external customers.
• Review vendor proposals, perform trade studies, and justify vendor selections.
• Verify requirements by comparing customer top-level requirements with subcontractor implementations.
• Prepare and present test-data reviews for internal and external customers.
• Support integration and testing of spacecraft for the RF communication team.
• Over time, assume cognizant RF COMM Engineer or RF COMM Product Line Lead.
• Deliver effective oral presentations and concise technical documentation.
• Stay organized and manage progress across multiple tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

RF/microwave theory

Satellite communications

Electromagnetics

Antenna theory

Security clearance

Laboratory experience

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree in STEM

Tools

DOORS

CAMEO

Python scripting

Perl scripting

Job description

Job Summary

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is looking for an RF Microwave Design Engineer (Level3 or4) based in Gilbert, AZ. The role involves designing RF components for DoD and satellite programs, managing subcontractors, and supporting integration and testing of spacecraft.

Relocation Assistance

Relocation assistance may be available.

Travel

Travel may be required up to 10% of the time.

Responsibilities

This position is contingent upon capturing program award and obtaining customer funding prior to the start date.

• Develop RF component specifications derived from system‑level requirements.
• Manage subcontractors and lead RF component interfaces with internal organizations.
• Evaluate Interface Control Drawings (ICDs).
• Assist with the generation of subcontract supplier statements of work (SOW).
• Provide continuous technical support throughout the component life cycle.
• Prepare and present design‑review packages to internal and external customers.
• Review and evaluate vendor proposals, prepare trade studies, and justify vendor selections.
• Verify requirements by comparing customer top‑level requirements with subcontractor implementations.
• Prepare and present test‑data reviews for internal and external customers.
• Support integration and testing of spacecraft for the RF communication team.
• Over time, assume the role of cognizant RF COMM Engineer or RF COMM Product Line Lead.
• Deliver effective oral presentations and produce clear, concise technical documentation.
• Stay organized and manage progress across multiple simultaneous tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications – Level3

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 5+ years of engineering experience or Master’s degree with 3+ years of experience in RF/microwave theory, satellite communications, radio‑wave propagation, electromagnetics, or antenna theory.
• Must be able and willing to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Top‑Secret/SCI security clearance.
• Laboratory or hands‑on project experience in the microwave field is a strong plus.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering and non‑engineering colleagues in a fast‑paced team environment.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Minimum Qualifications – Level4

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 8+ years of engineering experience or Master’s degree with 6+ years of experience in RF/microwave theory, satellite communications, radio‑wave propagation, electromagnetics, or antenna theory.
• Must be able and willing to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Top‑Secret/SCI security clearance.
• Laboratory or hands‑on project experience in the microwave field is a strong plus.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering and non‑engineering colleagues in a fast‑paced team environment.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of RF link budgets and space‑to‑ground links.
• Experience with DOORS or CAMEO.
• Experience with PERL or PYTHON scripting.
• Experience with RF component unit‑level testing.
• Active DoD TS/SCI security clearance.
• Desire to work on spaceflight programs and dedication to the projects/team.
• Cost Account Management experience and knowledge of the Earned Value process.
• Experience working on FAR compliant proposals.

Compensation & Benefits

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400–$147,600

Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800–$184,200

Salary selection is based on scope, responsibilities, experience, education, skills and market conditions. Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonuses, and long‑term incentives. Benefits include health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid holidays and paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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.