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 2 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 can work independently under direct supervision in a small team, while also reaching out for assistance when needed without delay.
Job responsibilities (including, but not limited to):
Develop RF component specifications derived from system‑level requirements.
Evaluate Interface Control Drawings (ICDs).
Verify requirements by comparing the customer’s top‑level specifications with subcontractors’ actual implementations; clearly summarize findings and present them to the internal engineering team.
Support integration and testing of spacecraft for the RF communication team as hardware moves through the factory and environmental test phases (occasional night and 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 after shadowing a technical lead.
Potential to effectively give 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**
Basic Qualifications :
Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 2+ years of engineering experience in RF/microwave theory, satellite communications, radio‑wave propagation, electromagnetics, or antenna theory OR Master’s degree with 0 years of engineering experience
Must be able and willing to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government 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, and ability to ask for help/communicate with team members daily
Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge of RF link budget and space-to-ground links
Experience with DOORS or CAMEO
Experience with PERL or PYTHON scripting
Experience with RF component unit-level testing
Active TS/SCI security clearance
Desire to work on spaceflight programs and dedication to the projects/team
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 2+ years of engineering experience in RF/microwave theory, satellite communications, radio-wave propagation, electromagnetics, or antenna theory OR Master's degree with 0 years of engineering experience
- Must be able and willing to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top-Secret/SCI security clearance
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering and non-engineering colleagues in a fast-paced team environment and communicate daily
- Laboratory work or hands-on project experience in the microwave field, including use of RF measurement equipment (network analyzers, power meters, spectrum analyzers)
- Knowledge of RF link budget and space-to-ground links
- Experience with DOORS or CAMEO
- Experience with PERL or PYTHON scripting
- Experience with RF component unit-level testing
- Active TS/SCI security clearance
- Desire to work on spaceflight programs and dedication to the projects/team
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Retirement Support — 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.








