What is a radio frequency engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted Expert

Arie Nakhmani

A radio frequency engineer designs, tests, and maintains wireless communication systems such as cell phone networks, satellites, and radars. They possess knowledge of electromagnetic theory, signal propagation, modulation techniques, and antenna design. They use specialized equipment to measure and analyze radio frequency signals to ensure optimal performance and troubleshoot issues. They also work with engineers and technicians to develop new technologies and improve existing ones. A radio frequency engineer contributes development of modern communication systems.

What general advice would you give to a Radio Frequency Engineer?

Arie Nakhmani

Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Electrical Engineering combines a dozen sub-fields such as power systems, telecommunications, embedded systems, machine learning/AI, hardware design, signal analysis, IoT, etc., and jobs in these different subfields could look completely different. Some involve office work with the computer designing algorithms or optimizing processes, others might involve inspecting power transmission lines with drones in the middle of the forest. Some jobs include testing airplane engines and others designing microchips and working in clean rooms.

ScoreRadio Frequency EngineerUS Average

Salary

6.9

Avg. Salary $88,301

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

5.7

Growth Rate 3%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.18%

Asian 20.73%

Black or African American 4.55%

Hispanic or Latino 10.32%

Unknown 4.65%

White 59.56%

Gender

female 8.87%

male 91.13%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Stress Level

5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.3

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

7.2

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Radio Frequency Engineer?

Pros

Good salary and benefits
Chance to work on a variety of projects
Opportunities for professional development and growth
Ability to work remotely or in different locations
Continuous learning and intellectual challenge

Cons

High workload and long hours, especially during project deadlines
Job may require being on call for emergencies or maintenance issues
Difficulties with finding and securing funding for projects
Work may require travel or relocation
Can be stressful due to the importance of maintaining network reliability

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Key steps to become a radio frequency engineer

Explore radio frequency engineer education requirements

Most common radio frequency engineer degrees

Bachelor's

66.6 %

Master's

19.7 %

Associate

9.3 %

Start to develop specific radio frequency engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
Test Equipment	8.58%
Antenna	7.40%
System Performance	4.35%
System Design	4.20%
Troubleshoot	4.05%

Complete relevant radio frequency engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New radio frequency engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a radio frequency engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real radio frequency engineer resumes.

Research radio frequency engineer duties and responsibilities

Manage joint projects together with Samsung, Motorola, etc.
Lead the development of the security layer of Wi-Fi on Sandbridge's proprietary platform.
Assist with live broadcasts, update the community calendar, manage WCJW Facebook page.
Process improvement efforts and/or other opportunities to automate these processes with computer applications with C++ and/or Java where applicable.

Get radio frequency engineer experience

Generally, it takes 4-6 years to become a radio frequency engineer. The most common roles before becoming a radio frequency engineer include engineer, associate radio frequency engineer team lead and radio frequency technician.

Prepare your radio frequency engineer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your radio frequency engineer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a radio frequency engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Radio Frequency Engineer Resume templates

Build a professional Radio Frequency Engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Radio Frequency Engineer resume.

Apply for radio frequency engineer jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a radio frequency engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do radio frequency engineers rate their job?

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Radio Frequency Engineer reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2023

Pros

Very interesting because there is no end to learning it.

Cons

Very repetitive, low-level work.

A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2023