Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists

Design and implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems used to track shipments or goods.

Also called: Deployment Engineer, Electro Magnetic Compatibility Test Engineer, RFID Engineer (Radio Frequency Identification Device Engineer), RFID Systems Engineer (Radio Frequency Identification Device Systems Engineer), Technical Support Engineer, Antenna Engineer, Cardiac Device Specialist, Device Test Engineer, DSP Engineer (Digital Signal Processing Engineer), Electrical Engineer, Engineer, Microwave Engineer, RF Design Engineer (Radio Frequency Design Engineer), RF Engineer (Radio Frequency Engineer), RF Systems Engineer (Radio Frequency Systems Engineer), RF Test Engineer (Radio Frequency Test Engineer), RFID Analyst (Radio Frequency Identification Device Analyst), RFID Developer (Radio Frequency Identification Device Developer), RFID Specialist (Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialist), RFID Strategist (Radio Frequency Identification Device Strategist), RFID Systems Architect (Radio Frequency Identification Device Systems Architect), RFID Technician (Radio Frequency Identification Device Technician), Signal Engineer, Signal Integrity Engineer, Signaling Project Engineer, Systems Engineer, Wireless Engineer

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

Identify operational requirements for new systems to inform selection of technological solutions.
Integrate tags, readers, or software in radio frequency identification device (RFID) designs.
Perform systems analysis or programming of radio frequency identification device (RFID) technology.
Test radio frequency identification device (RFID) software to ensure proper functioning.
Select appropriate radio frequency identification device (RFID) tags and determine placement locations.
Perform site analyses to determine system configurations, processes to be impacted, or on-site obstacles to technology implementation.
Perform acceptance testing on newly installed or updated systems.
Determine means of integrating radio frequency identification device (RFID) into other applications.
Provide technical support for radio frequency identification device (RFID) technology.
Collect data about existing client hardware, software, networking, or key business processes to inform implementation of radio frequency identification device (RFID) technology.

Skills, machines and equipment

Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Complex Problem Solving
Judgment and Decision Making
Writing
Systems Analysis
Active Learning
Monitoring
Coordination
Social Perceptiveness

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree (74.83% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

101,680–167,670 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 17-2072.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Build design, analysis, validation, and project experience; explore senior technical specialist, project lead, or engineering-management paths with the required qualifications.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree (74.83% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists