RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: NoneTRAVEL: Yes, 10 of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact peoples lives around the world today
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RF Microwave Design Engineer - Level 3 or 4
Job Description:
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: None

TRAVEL: Yes, 10 of the TimeDescription

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact peoples 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 nations 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, theyre making history.

Expand your horizons, advance your career, and help secure a future for generations. 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**
 

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. Within the RF Communication group, you will focus on product definition, evaluation and management of subcontracted components, integration and test support in a clean‑room environment (frock), and mission‑operations preparation and support. The successful candidate will work independently under direct supervision in a small team while reaching out for assistance when needed without delay.
 

Job responsibilities (including, but not limited to):

  • 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.
     

**This position is contingent upon capturing program award and obtaining customer funding prior to the start date**
 

This requisition may be filled at the Principal RF Microwave Design Engineer (Level 3) or the Sr. Principal RF Microwave Design Engineer (Level 4) based on the qualifications listed below.
 

Basic Qualifications – Principal RF Microwave Design Engineer (Level 3):

  • 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).
     

Basic Qualifications – Sr. Principal RF Microwave Design Engineer (Level 4):

  • 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, 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.

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 candidates experience, education, skills and current spanet 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.

Company Details
Northrop Grumman
2980 Fairview Park Drive
Falls Church, Virginia 20171 USA
www.northropgrumman.com/careers
1970 Open Jobs Available
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe....

Benefits:
We’re committed to supporting our employees in all aspects of life, both on and off the job. Our benefits extend to you and your family, offering comprehensive health coverage, flexible work options, back-up child and elder care programs and more. Explore Total Rewards

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Job Info
Location
Gilbert, Arizona, United States
Type
Permanent
Company Details
Northrop Grumman
2980 Fairview Park Drive
Falls Church, Virginia 20171 USA
www.northropgrumman.com/careers
1970 Open Jobs Available
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe....

Benefits:
We’re committed to supporting our employees in all aspects of life, both on and off the job. Our benefits extend to you and your family, offering comprehensive health coverage, flexible work options, back-up child and elder care programs and more. Explore Total Rewards

RECRUITMENT FRAUD AND SAFETY CONTENT

Recruitment Fraud and Safety

Recruitment fraud is an illegal scam that exploits job seekers into providing personal information or money for fraudulent ‘job opportunities’ on career websites. This kind of fraud is usually done through unsolicited emails and text messages, or through fake websites and social media accounts posing as a company. Northrop Grumman recruiters will never:

Request payment for applications or interviews.
Offer resume coaching or training for technical assessments.
Extend a job offer without conducting an interview.
Send communication from unofficial email domains (e.g. Yahoo, Gmail, etc.).

Learn how to identify legitimate communications from our team and protect yourself from recruitment fraud.

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