
Real job — pulled straight from Northrop Grumman’s careers page · Verified September 11, 2026 · No reposts.
Job description
Northrop Grumman is hiring a RF Microwave Design Engineer — a full-time, based in Boulder, CO role ($114k–$213k). Apply directly on Northrop Grumman's careers page below.
Principal / Sr Principal RF Microwave Design Engineer (AHT)
Location: United States-Colorado-Boulder
Time Type: Full time
Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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.Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking an Principal or Sr Principal RF Microwave Design Engineer to support our team in Boulder, CO.
Job Responsibilities
Conducting RF/payload/communication system analysis, modeling, and simulation
Designing and developing RF systems and corresponding analyses
Designs, develops, tests radio frequency (RF) and/or microwave systems architecture, components, circuits, or products. Includes antenna design, both reflector and array systems, frequency synthesizers, transmitters and receivers.
Generating specifications and analyses for ambiguous customer requirements
Supporting RF engineering Basis of Estimates for proposals
Execute trades and analyses for Radio Frequency systems and circuitry
Design and develop RF systems and corresponding analyses, such as link budgets, cascade analyses, and frequency response
Model and simulate RF systems for high-frequency and microwave applications
This position can be staffed at a Principal or Sr Principal level based on the basic qualifications below.
Basic Qualifications:
Principal: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 5 years of relevant experience – OR – Master’s degree with 3 years of relevant experience – OR – PHD with 1 year of relevant experience
Sr Principal: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 8 years of relevant experience – OR – Master’s degree with 6 years of relevant experience – OR – PHD with 4 years of relevant experience
Must have an active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope.
Understanding of Digital Communications and Signal Processing.
Experience in modeling, simulation, and/or analysis of RF Systems, including Space-to-Ground and Payload Systems
Design and integration of SATCOM ground terminals, RF‑over‑Fiber, high‑power transmitters, and phased‑array and parabolic antennas.
Experience performing Link Budget Analysis to design and optimize the communication link between the satellite and the ground station and/or Cascade Analysis to evaluate the overall performance of the payload and associated components
Proficient with MATLAB
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
Strong communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Extensive RF/payload/communication experience in system analysis, modeling and simulation.
Extensive knowledge and experience in the area of Satellite Communications (SATCOM) such as Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-Analog analysis and testing; digital channelization, digital beamforming, digital receiver theory and technology
Knowledge of RF performance metrics (G/T, tracking performance, axial ratio, phase variation) and EMI/RFI shielding requirements
Ability to analyze and evaluate complex satellite test data, extensive experience working with spectrum analyzers, network analyzers and vector signal analyzers and their associated data.
Experience with MATLAB/Simulink in modeling complex communication systems.
Experience with Basis of Estimates
Understanding of MBSE (SysML) and
Experience with DOORS
Familiarity with STK
Familiarity with HFSS.
Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility (either adjudicated or the ability to obtain SCI access)
Comfortable with ambiguity and able to work with uncertain or incomplete information
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
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Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for RF Microwave Design Engineer at Northrop Grumman?
The estimated salary range for RF Microwave Design Engineer at Northrop Grumman is $114,000 - $213,000 USD per year.
What skills are required for RF Microwave Design Engineer at Northrop Grumman?
The required skills for RF Microwave Design Engineer at Northrop Grumman include: Matlab.
What is the seniority level for RF Microwave Design Engineer at Northrop Grumman?
RF Microwave Design Engineer at Northrop Grumman is a Principal / Senior / Staff level position.
How do I apply for RF Microwave Design Engineer at Northrop Grumman?
You can view the full description and apply for RF Microwave Design Engineer at Northrop Grumman on EchoJobs: https://echojobs.io/job/northrop-grumman-principal-sr-principal-rf-microwave-design-engineer-aht-zn45f.