2026 Associate RF Engineer/RF Engineer - Dulles VA

This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for future positions at Northrop Grumman.

About the role

Northrop Grumman is seeking an Associate RF Engineer and/or RF Engineer for our Space sector in Dulles, VA. The qualified candidate will join our Integration and Test Team, assisting lead engineers in testing RF for spacecraft satellite systems.

Responsibilities

• Use electronics test equipment to evaluate system performance and troubleshoot operational issues.
• Configure, operate, and troubleshoot RF test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, receivers, software-defined radios, antennas, vector network analyzers, data acquisition systems, and related instrumentation.
• Evaluate RF system performance against defined test requirements.
• Identify test limitations, data gaps, anomalies, instrumentation issues, and equipment problems.
• Work effectively with engineers, test personnel, technicians, program managers, Government leads, and cross-functional technical teams.
• Perform hands-on work in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

Associate RF Test Engineer

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related STEM field.
• Knowledge of RF fundamentals, including frequency, bandwidth, modulation, propagation, antennas, gain/loss, noise, interference, transmitters, receivers, link performance, and signal characterization.
• Experience using RF test and measurement equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, antennas, vector network analyzers, receivers, and software-defined radios.
• Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills across RF hardware and software systems.
• Willing and able to work flexible shifts, including 2nd and 3rd shifts occasionally.
• Able to travel in and out of the country.
• Willing and able to obtain DOD security clearance including a polygraph.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.

RF Engineer

• Be completing or have completed a Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a STEM field.
• Able to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a prerequisite).
• The ability to obtain Special Access Program clearance within a reasonable period, as determined by business needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fundamental knowledge of RF, microwave, or electronic systems engineering.
• Experience reading RF test procedures for engineering or production environments.
• Experience with Python, C++, Matlab, or Labview programming.
• Experience with hands-on troubleshooting of RF/communications hardware.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Savings plan.
• Company-paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
• Annual bonuses designed to reward individual contributions and allow employees to share in company results.
• Eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonus in addition to base pay (depending on the position).
• Long Term Incentives for eligible employees in Vice President or Director positions.

Pay

Salary Range: $76,200 - $93,000. The above salary range represents a general guideline; base salary offers consider the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's experience, education, skills, and current market conditions.