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How to hire a microwave engineer

Microwave engineer hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring microwave engineers in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a microwave engineer is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new microwave engineer to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a microwave engineer, step by step

To hire a microwave engineer, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a microwave engineer:

Here's a step-by-step microwave engineer hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a microwave engineer job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new microwave engineer
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    The microwave engineer hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A microwave engineer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, microwave engineers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    This list presents microwave engineer salaries for various positions.

    Type of Microwave EngineerDescriptionHourly rate
    Microwave EngineerElectrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, such as broadcast and communications systems—from portable music players to global positioning systems (GPSs).$30-68
    Controls DesignerControls designers both design and draft systems of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical controls for equipment and machines. The designers make diagrams of the logic system for timing and sequence control... Show more$33-58
    Engineering TraineeAn engineering trainee is responsible for shadowing engineers in their duties and performing administrative tasks as needed. Engineering trainees assist the engineers in inspecting construction sites and conducting field research... Show more$20-39
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • RF
    • Google Earth
    • MATLAB
    • Network Design
    • Antenna
    • MW
    • R
    • KPI
    • BOM
    • FCC
    • LTE
    • NEC
    • Path Analysis
    • Switches
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Perform detailed analysis to determine antenna size, radio equipment and frequency band to achieve maximum system performance.
    • Design of a 138kV transmission line using PLS CADD and LiDar survey points.
    • Design 5 RF PC boards in 4 months, as well as supporting documents and schematics.
    • Upgrade as well as configured the CDMA sets for new software version using ZTE PST and QPST.
    • Prepare monthly and weekly status reports for execute activities in ZAIN SD network within the assigned node.
    • Assist in design and test of antennas for airborne and groundbase EW systems including broadband, low sidelobe components.
    More microwave engineer duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your microwave engineer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A microwave engineer salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, microwave engineers' average salary in south dakota is 51% less than in district of columbia.
    • Seniority. Entry-level microwave engineers earn 55% less than senior-level microwave engineers.
    • Certifications. A microwave engineer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a microwave engineer's salary.

    Average microwave engineer salary

    $95,761yearly

    $46.04 hourly rate

    Entry-level microwave engineer salary
    $64,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 24, 2025

    Average microwave engineer salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$123,605$59
    2Washington$119,333$57
    3Virginia$93,909$45
    4New Mexico$92,788$45
    5Texas$92,054$44
    6Kansas$83,218$40

    Average microwave engineer salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Renesas Electronics$108,910$52.368
    2California Institute of Technology$103,350$49.691
    3Sandia National Labs$102,750$49.405
    4Knowles$101,893$48.99
    5Momentus Space$101,314$48.71
    6Nexius$100,870$48.50
    7Maury Microwave$100,663$48.40
    8System Soft Technologies India Pvt$99,748$47.96
    9a2e$98,798$47.50
    10Boeing$97,885$47.0630
  4. Writing a microwave engineer job description

    A job description for a microwave engineer role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a microwave engineer job description:

    Microwave engineer job description example

    Infinity Technology Solutions, a division of Mobile Communications America is seeking an experienced Microwave Systems Engineer to support the Midwest division. The candidate can work remotely but must live in Indiana/Ohio/Kentucky , or live nearby, willing to relocate or travel as needed.

    This position is responsible for designing microwave communications systems to include microwave radio systems, layer 2 and layer 3 networks, MPLS systems, and DC power systems required in a complete communication system environment. Design includes understanding pre- and post-sale processes, Nokia processes, path design software and type of microwave and MPLS equipment supplied by both companies and other vendors.

    WHAT YOU WILL DO:

    Pre-sale responding include:

    • Working closely with the sales team
    • Responding to RFP's
    • Developing microwave path designs and reports
    • Developing detailed bill of materials for microwave radios, antenna and line networks, and DC power systems
    • Quoting turn-key services and developing statement of work for proposals

    Post-sale responsibilities include:
    • Working closely with the project management and technician teams
    • Analyzing site and path survey results
    • Participate in FCC coordination and licensing processes
    • Finalizing microwave designs, bill of materials, and required services
    • Develop layer 2 and layer 3 design packages
    • Develop drawing packages which include but are not limited to rack drawings and interconnect drawings
    • Develop test and cutover plans
    • Remotely supporting the field technician team during staging, field integration, and testing services.

    WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TEAM:
    • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering required
    • A minimum of 3 years of system engineering or related experience is preferred
    • Must be detail oriented, able to work without constant supervision
    • Must be able to read and work from manufacturing drawings and schematics
    • Ability to maintain and establish effective working relationships with other employees, sub-contractors, and customers
    • Ability to multi-task in a demanding, results-driven environment
    • Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Visio, Power Point and Project required
    • Must have a strong technical electronics background, troubleshooting skills, and the ability to conduct failure analysis
    • Knowledge in concepts, characteristics, capabilities, and theoretical design of microwave radio equipment
    • Knowledge of the causes of trouble common to microwave systems, and the ability to trace and locate such trouble
    • Knowledge of the following test equipment: spectrum analyzers, T1 BER testers, power meters, and ethernet network test sets
    • Knowledge of Pathloss 4 or 5 is preferred
    • Solid background in engineering principles
    • Must be able to pass Nokia certification on Wavence (9500 MPR) Microwave Radios within first 6 months of employment

    WHO WE ARE:

    Mobile Communications America, Inc. (MCA) is Motorola Solution's largest provider offering a portfolio of world class voice, data and video products and solutions to more than 65,000 customers across the United States. MCA provides extensive wireless communication solutions for a safe, secure, and more efficient workplace in industries such as public safety, commercial, education, healthcare, utilities, and government.

    With over 1,000 employees and 75 service locations across 12 states, our team of certified professionals deliver a full suite of reliable technologies including two-way radios, video, vehicle upfit, security/access control, BDA/DAS, and other wireless communication solutions. MCA's advantage is our "service first DNA" culture of going above and beyond to service our customers while being a trusted advisor to support the solution lifecycle from start to finish.

    WHAT WE BELIEVE:

    When you join our team, you join the MCA family! We are better together through the MCA Way: living our core values of Service First, Growth, Teamwork, and Safety. We take our work and our customers seriously and believe that our best work can also be fun. A component of our business that embodies the MCA advantage is our "Service First DNA" culture. Service isn't just a motto for MCA, it's an integral part of who we are and goes beyond our customers to our employees, partners, shareholder, and communities.

    TRAVEL:

    Must have the ability to travel as needed. (Less than 30%) Some overnight travel may be expected.

    NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, and physical demands required of personnel so classified.

    Mobile Communications America, Inc. offers competitive compensation as well as comprehensive benefits to include: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Paid Time Off (PTO), Holiday Pay and much more.

    Mobile Communications America, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state or local law.
  5. Post your job

    To find microwave engineers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any microwave engineers they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level microwave engineers with the right educational background.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your microwave engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit microwave engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit microwave engineers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new microwave engineer

    Once you've found the microwave engineer candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new microwave engineer. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a microwave engineer?

Hiring a microwave engineer comes with both the one-time cost per hire and ongoing costs. The cost of recruiting microwave engineers involves promoting the job and spending time conducting interviews. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider the cost of microwave engineer recruiting as well the ongoing costs of maintaining the new employee.

You can expect to pay around $95,761 per year for a microwave engineer, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for microwave engineers in the US typically range between $30 and $68 an hour.

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