RF Engineer I

Job Overview:

The RF Engineer I plays a key role in supporting the creation and development of new products under close guidance. This position works collaboratively with senior engineers to research, design, and develop new product concepts, as well as enhance the performance and design of existing RF and microwave products.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Works on problems of limited complexity. Follows standard practices to resolve routine problems. May elevate problems or issues.
• Participates in engineering activities of limited scope or degree of difficulty. Assists in the development and maintenance of systems, products or processes.
• Helps to determine project parameters. Limited to one or very few areas of focus
• Design, model, and develop prototypes for RF and microwave products.
• Prepare quotes for existing and new products.
• Oversee manufacturing processes for new product introductions.
• Provide technical support and assistance to other departments as needed.
• Communicate with customers through both verbal and written channels.
• Regularly updates manager and team members of work progress. Is able to present information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to provide technical presentations to internal departments and outside of the organizatio
• Other duties as needed.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Ability to obtain a Department of Defense Secret security clearance is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.
• Fundamental knowledge of RF and microwave components, including filters, amplifiers, oscillators, and switches.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
• High accuracy and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage time effectively and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Project management capability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with RF/Microwave synthesis and simulation tools (e.g., Genesys, HFSS, CST, or similar) preferred.
• Experience using CAD tools preferred.

Work Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer or test bench.
• Ability to lift and carry items up to 25 lbs., such as equipment, prototypes, or test fixtures.
• Manual dexterity to handle small components, tools, and precision instruments.
• Ability to bend, reach, and move between office, lab, and manufacturing areas.
• Ability to work with small RF and microwave components under a microscope for extended periods.
• Ability to safely work around manufacturing equipment, RF test gear, and standard lab environments (with appropriate PPE when required).

Pay Range

$70,500 - $80,000 annually

About Knowles

Knowles is a leading manufacturer of specialty electronic components. We design parts that perform unique, critical functions for innovative technologies. Through extreme reliability, custom engineering, and scalable manufacturing, we enable businesses to succeed in the most demanding applications across medtech, defense, and industrial markets.
Our high-performance capacitors, RF and microwave filters, advanced medtech microphones, balanced armature speakers, and miniaturization products enable and enhance the performance of technologies with the power to change, improve, and save lives. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, Knowles has grown into a global organization with employees spanning 11 countries.

What's in it for you on Day 1:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance plans
• Prescription Drug Plans
• Basic Life Insurance
• 401k plan with company match
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Hourly Overtime opportunities
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays

Exciting Onsite Perks:

• Free coffee available at our cafeteria
• Employee Appreciation Events

Knowles is committed to providing a competitive and fair total compensation package for all employees.

Individual compensation decisions are based on a number of factors, including but not limited to previous experience and skills acquired prior to joining Knowles, cost of living in the assigned work location, assigned schedule, and salaries of similarly situated peers at the company. It is to be expected that candidates will come to us with different sets of skills and experiences and therefore will be paid at different points in the stated range. We recognize that the person(s) we select for hire may be less experienced or more experienced than the role as posted; if this is the case, any updates to available salary ranges will be communicated with candidates during the recruitment process.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Knowles Precision Devices prohibits pay discrimination and discrimination of any kind based on race, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or other legally protected status.

ITAR Statement:

Please note that this position may require access to technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must be U.S. persons (citizens, lawful permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status) or have the necessary authorization to access controlled technical data. Compliance with ITAR and EAR regulations is a condition of employment.

Notice to Staffing Agencies, Search Firms and Recruitment Agencies:

The recruitment process at Knowles is managed through the Human Resources department. Knowles does not accept resumes submitted from 3rd party agencies outside of our system. To submit resumes, 3rd party agencies will need to be a pre-approved vendor with a valid contract in place, be actively engaged by Knowles to recruit for a specific position and have agency log in credentials to submit candidates to our careers portal. Please do not submit resumes via e‑mail, through our external website or directly to our employees. Any resumes submitted in this way become the property of Knowles and will not be eligible for any placement fee.