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The differences between lead controls engineers and radio frequency engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a lead controls engineer and a radio frequency engineer. Additionally, a lead controls engineer has an average salary of $99,296, which is higher than the $88,301 average annual salary of a radio frequency engineer.
The top three skills for a lead controls engineer include C++, PLC and technical support. The most important skills for a radio frequency engineer are test equipment, antenna, and system performance.
| Lead Controls Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,296 | $88,301 |
| Hourly rate | $47.74 | $42.45 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 57,348 | 35,158 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A Control Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and management of control dynamic systems in an aircraft or machinery company. They inspect and monitor all types of equipment and ensure all processes are running correctly and safely. Their role is to design a control panel and involves other engineers who operate and implement the said system. They also teach them how the procedure goes and how to deal with the possible problem that can encounter. Other duties include supervising the procurement of ICT equipment, installation, and meeting deadlines for the needed repair.
A radio frequency engineer, also known as RF engineer, specializes in designing and developing communication systems using radio waves. One of their primary responsibilities revolves around creating networks and systems and testing equipment. They make sure that equipment is up to high standards by traveling to different areas as needed, troubleshooting issues to identify the root of problems and performing corrective measures required. Furthermore, a radio frequency engineer must continuously optimize equipment quality and ensure efficiency while adhering to the laws and regulations.
Lead controls engineers and radio frequency engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Controls Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average salary | $99,296 | $88,301 |
| Salary range | Between $79,000 And $123,000 | Between $67,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Antonio, TX | Cupertino, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Rivian | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a lead controls engineer and a radio frequency engineer in terms of educational background:
| Lead Controls Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between lead controls engineers' and radio frequency engineers' demographics:
| Lead Controls Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.5% Female, 12.5% | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 14.3% White, 64.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 10.3% Asian, 20.7% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |