Engineer RF Microwave Design (Level 2 or 3)

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

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.

The Armament Systems Division of Northrop Grumman is seeking an RF & Antenna Design Engineer to support the development of advanced weapon and guidance systems. This position emphasizes antenna and electromagnetic (EM) design while also providing opportunities to contribute to RF and microwave front-end circuitry and system integration.

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 - $131,400.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $0.00 - $0.00

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.