Over the years, radio frequency (RF) engineers have become increasingly needed in a variety of industries that focus on technology and communication. It is predicted that this field will continue to grow as the electronics field advances.
What is An RF Engineer?
An RF engineer is an expert in electrical engineering within the IT field. They work with all electronic devices that are able to emit and receive radio waves and try to maintain wireless communication or implement more advanced wireless communication tactics.
RF engineers are used in the following areas:
- TV communication
- Military communication
- Satellite communication
- Maintenance or implementation of wi-fi
- Maintenance or implementation of 5G wireless services
While these are the fields that currently rely heavily on radio frequency engineers, there will be many more fields and businesses that come to rely on radio frequency engineers in the future.
What They Do
Depending on each engineer’s area of expertise, their duties can tend to vary. Though that may be the case, there are some similar tasks that radio frequency engineers are expected to do in their careers including:
- Make sure that wireless regulatory standards are met- The Federal Communications Commission or the FCC has intricate guidelines for those working in telecommunications. RF engineers understand these regulations and are responsible for working within them.
- Improve the performance of existing wireless networks- As new technologies emerge, it is an RF engineer’s job to update current wireless networks to work more efficiently.
- Create new wireless networks- Similar to improvement, as new technologies come out, old wireless networks may become obsolete, making way for new and more efficient networks to be created. RF engineers are responsible for aiding in the creation of these new networks.
- Send data through digital software- RF engineers are expected to know their way around data-sharing online software in order to communicate with their employers and other interested parties.
In essence, RF engineers are masters with wireless communications and managing wireless networks. They will always be essential, especially since the world is largely becoming more wireless.
How to Become An RF Engineer
If you are interested in pursuing a career in radio frequency engineering there are degrees and certifications that will help you find a great and fulfilling career. It is recommended that rf engineer candidates first receive a degree in computer science, IT, or another similar technology-based field. From there, rf engineers may want to pursue some or all of the following certifications based on their interests and career path:
- CWNA (Certified Wireless Network Administrator)
- CTNS (Certified Telecommunications Network Specialist)
- IPEP (Internet Protocol Engineering Professional)
- INARTE (International Association for Radio Telecommunications and Electromagnetics)
- RCDD (Registered Communications Distribution Designer)
These certifications and degree options will help you figure out which area of rf engineering is right for you. Additionally, having some of the above certifications will make finding a job in your ideal field a lot easier.
