RF Hardware Design Engineer

About This Role

L3Harris Technologies is seeking an RF Hardware Design Engineer to develop radio frequency and microwave hardware for tactical communications, electronic warfare receivers, and SIGINT collection systems. Your circuits will operate in deployed military environments across HF, VHF, UHF, and microwave frequency bands.

Job Overview

• Job Title: RF Hardware Design Engineer
• Company: L3Harris Technologies
• Location: Melbourne, FL / Rochester, NY / Herndon, VA / Greenville, TX / Salt Lake City, UT
• Job Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Entry to Mid-level (0–4 years)
• Salary Range: $35–$50/hr
• Posted Date: 2026-06-07
• Application Deadline: 2026-07-07

Role Context

L3Harris's RF hardware teams design receiver chains, frequency synthesizers, and antenna switching networks for both shipboard and airborne tactical systems. Programs include multiband tactical radios, airborne SIGINT payloads, and ground-based EW systems. Engineers work closely with RF systems architects and firmware teams, and many circuits are designed using RF module assemblies rather than standard PCBs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design RF analog circuits: low-noise amplifiers, mixers, filters, and synthesizers
• Simulate RF chain performance in ADS or similar microwave simulation tools
• Characterize RF assemblies using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators
• Perform link budget analysis and system sensitivity calculations
• Develop test procedures and qualification test plans for RF subassemblies
• Support system integration and field test activities for program milestones

Requirements & Skills

• BS/MS in Electrical Engineering with RF or analog circuit focus
• RF circuit simulation experience (ADS, Keysight Genesys, or Microwave Office)
• Familiarity with RF specifications: NF, spurious-free dynamic range, phase noise
• Bench measurement experience with RF instrumentation is valued
• US Secret clearance or eligibility required (US citizenship)
• Strong mathematical foundation in signals and systems

Benefits & Work Conditions

• $35–$50/hr with L3Harris annual incentive plan
• Onsite at RF design facilities
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match and employee stock purchase plan
• Technical training support and professional engineering certification funding

Who Should Apply

RF engineers who want hands-on work with actual RF hardware — not just simulation — in a company where the final product is fielded by warfighters. L3Harris is one of the few places early-career RF engineers get to design and characterize complete RF chains rather than individual components.

About the Company

L3Harris Technologies is a defense electronics company with $20B+ in revenue, specializing in communication systems, electronic warfare, space and airborne systems, and aviation products. Its Melbourne, FL campus is one of the largest concentrations of defense RF engineering talent in the United States.

How to Apply

Apply at L3Harris Careers. Search "RF Hardware Design Engineer." The process includes a technical phone screen on RF fundamentals, a design problem discussion, and interviews with the program team. US citizenship and Secret clearance eligibility required.