RF Microwave Design Engineer - Level 3

Relocation assistance may be available.

Clearance Required for Start:
No. Clearance Type:
None. Travel:
Yes, 10% of the time.

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’s Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams.

As a RF Microwave Design Engineer (Level 3 or
4) based in Gilbert, AZ, you will be a linchpin on missions of paramount importance, shaping what’s possible from day one.

Please be aware that 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 (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 RF COMM 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 5+ years of engineering experience or Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 3+ 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).

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 8+ years of engineering experience or Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 6+ years of engineering experience in RF/microwave theory, satellite communications, radio‑wave propagation, electromagnetics,…