RF Microwave Design Engineer - Level 3 or 4

0909 SP - Orbital Space Systems; United States; On-site; USD 98,400 - 147,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Discretionary bonuses

Job summary

Northrop Grumman, based in Gilbert, AZ, seeks an RF Microwave Design Engineer to support critical missions. The role involves developing RF component specifications and leading interfaces with subcontractors.

Applicants should have 5+ years of experience in RF/microwave theory and must be willing to obtain a Top-Secret/SCI security clearance. Strong computer skills and teamwork in fast-paced environments are essential.

The position offers competitive salary and benefits including health insurance, paid leave, and potential bonuses.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of engineering experience in RF/microwave theory.
• Must obtain a U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret/SCI security clearance.
• Experience with RF measurement equipment is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop RF component specifications from system requirements.
• Lead interfaces with internal organizations and manage subcontractors.
• Prepare and present design-review packages to customers.

Skills

RF microwave theory

Collaboration in team environments

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline

Master’s degree in a STEM discipline

Tools

Network analyzers

Spectrum analyzers

Power meters

Job description

Job Overview

At Northrop Grumman, as an RF Microwave Design Engineer (Level3 or4) 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.

Relocation Assistance

Relocation assistance may be available.

Travel

Yes, 10% of the Time.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop RF component specifications derived from system‑level requirements.
• Manage subcontractors (some travel required) 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—from initial fact‑finding discussions with potential vendors through component delivery for the next level of integration.
• 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; concisely summarize findings and present them to the internal engineering team.
• Prepare and present test‑data reviews for internal and external customers, summarizing and trending data across similar programs.
• Interact regularly with internal engineering and program‑management teams and occasionally with the end‑customer.
• Support integration and testing of spacecraft for the RF communication team as hardware moves through factory and environmental testing (occasional night/weekend support may be required; with rare 12‑ to 14‑hour shifts spanning several days).
• Over time, assume the role of cognizant RFCOMM Engineer or RF COMM Product Line Lead.
• Deliver effective 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.

Qualifications – Principal RF Microwave Design Engineer (Level3)

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with5+years of engineering experience or Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with3+years of engineering 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 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.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Qualifications – Sr.Principal RF Microwave Design Engineer (Level4)

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with8+years of engineering experience or Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with6+years of engineering 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 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.
• 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 complaint proposals.

Salary

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00. Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00. 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.

Benefits

In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus. 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.