Engineer RF Microwave Design (Level 2 or 3)

The successful candidate will apply electrical engineering fundamentals to solve complex technical problems across multiple phases of military programs, including concept development, detailed design, test, and integration. This role is well suited for candidates completing or recently graduated from a Master's program in Electrical Engineering or a related field, with a strong academic focus on antennas, electromagnetics, and RF systems.
Roles and Responsibilities

Design, develop, analyze, and test antenna systems for RF and microwave applications, including embedded, conformal, and aperture-limited antennas realized on rigid and flex PWBs.
Support electromagnetic analysis of antenna performance, coupling, radiation patterns, impedance matching, and environmental effects
Contribute to the design and integration of RF/microwave front-end circuits, including transmitters, receivers, filters, LNAs, power amplifiers, and frequency conversion stages
Collaborate with RF, mechanical, systems, and manufacturing teams to ensure antenna and RF solutions meet performance, packaging, and environmental requirements
Assist with RF and antenna testing, including use of network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, power meters, and antenna measurement techniques
Interpret technical requirements, specifications, and standards, and support design trade studies and performance analyses
Document designs, analyses, and test results in support of program reviews and milestones
Perform work under general supervision with increasing technical independence as experience grows
Basic Qualifications:
Qualifications for Level 2 RF Microwave Design Engineer

Bachelor of science degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related STEM discipline plus 2 years of relevant experience relevant RF, antenna, or electromagnetic design; or a master's degree completed in these areas.
Must be US citizen.
Ability to obtain and maintain Government Secret clearance after hiring.
Solid communications skills and ability to clearly establish verbal communication with remote audience.
Qualifications for Level 3 RF Microwave Design Engineer

Bachelor of science degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related STEM discipline plus 5 years of relevant experience relevant RF, antenna, or electromagnetic design; or a master's degree plus 3 years of experience completed in these areas.
Must be US citizen.
Ability to obtain and maintain Government Secret clearance after hiring.
Solid communications skills and ability to clearly establish verbal communication with remote audience.
Additional Qualifications

Fundamental understanding of antenna theory, including radiation mechanisms, impedance, bandwidth, polarization, and pattern characteristics
Understanding of electromagnetic fundamentals, including permittivity, permeability, dielectric loss, magnetic loss, and their impact on RF performance
Familiarity with transmission line theory and impedance matching techniques.
Basic understanding of RF and microwave circuits, components, and architecture
Familiarity with S-parameters and their measurement using Vector Network Analyzers
Experience with EM and RF simulation tools such as ANSYS HFSS, ADS, CST, COMSOL, or XFDTD
Ability to read, interpret, and evaluate RF component datasheets
Willingness and ability to learn advanced RF, antenna, and EM simulation tools
Strong analytical skills, curiosity, and desire to grow as an RF and antenna engineer
Preferred Qualifications:

Academic or project experience in antenna design, such as patch, monopole, dipole, array, or embedded antennas
Exposure to RF front-end design, including receivers, transmitters, or transceivers
Familiarity with antenna measurements, chamber testing, or near-field/far-field concepts
Understanding of RADAR or RF communication system fundamentals
Exposure to system-level trade studies, such as link budget or SNR analysis
Familiarity with schematic capture, PCB layout, and simulation for RF circuit boards using Mentor Graphics or equivalent EDA tools
Knowledge of EMI/EMC considerations and applicable military standards (example: MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-464)
* Interest in high-density RF packaging technologies such as RFICs, MCMs, or SIPs
Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00The 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.

Client-provided location(s): Plymouth, MN

Job ID: NorthropGrumman-R10220391

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-01-24T19:55:49