Any RF/Microwave Engineers here?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the experiences of RF engineers, particularly those working at Northrop Grumman and other defense contractors. Participants highlight the mixed workload, which includes significant paperwork and system problem resolution alongside RF design tasks. Many engineers express a strong affinity for RF work, despite the challenges, indicating a rewarding career path. The consensus suggests that while RF positions are competitive, they offer unique satisfaction compared to digital design roles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of RF/Microwave engineering principles
  • Familiarity with defense contracting environments
  • Knowledge of RF design tools and software
  • Experience with project management and documentation processes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research RF design tools such as Keysight ADS or ANSYS HFSS
  • Explore career paths in defense contracting and RF engineering
  • Study the impact of RF systems on overall project timelines and deliverables
  • Learn about the challenges and rewards of RF engineering compared to digital design
USEFUL FOR

RF/Microwave engineering students, aspiring engineers considering a career in defense contracting, and professionals seeking insights into the RF engineering work environment.

BryanP
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I'm thinking about applying to an RF Engineering position at Northrop-Grumman, but I want to know the "day" of any RF engineers here.

What do you do?

How would you rate your average load of work (low,medium,high)?

How do you feel about your job (happy, stressed out/negative, thinking about leaving)?

Any other information would be great.
 
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I'm working on to be a RF/microwave engineer. I've talked with many of them, and one thing they share in common is the addiction. There is something about RF that draws certain people to the field. Workload I suppose is like any other I suppose. Companies come up with absurd deadlines, but the designs get completed five months after anyways. Many are hams too.
 
Thanks for the information what.

Any other inputs?
 
I work with them daily. I do some RF work, but not too much.

Believe it or not, you will not be doing RF all the time while employed at any defense company. There is so much extra BS that has to be done (paperwork, documents, addressing system problems, etc) that if you truly wanted a RF position, you'd have to be one that's really really good at it. Only a handful or small amount get to do RF.

I work at a larger defense contractor in the RF group and not all do RF. Most of the RF guys are a little bit older. They seem to like their job? I can't tell. But, even if they hated it, they probably couldn't quit because of their families and trouble of relocating at their age.

On the other hand, I know it's a very rewarding career because my manager is a RF guy and as been ever since he graduated. How many RF guys can you find versus digital designers?
 
Nice thread. I plan on getting into RF/Microwave engineering as a depth in my EEE program.
 
I was an RF Systems Engineer in the past and all I was doing was analyzing a spreadsheet all day. It was hell!
 
I'm studying to be RF/Microwave engneering
 

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