about me

I've been doing engineering for about 30 years on RF, Microwave, and Millimeter-wave antennas, electronics, and systems

B.S. Electrical Engineering, California State University, Long Beach

M.S. Electrical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles
Ph.D. Systems Engineering, Colorado State University

I have developed multiple products that have transitioned to volume production, have started successful multi-seven figure companies, am a published author of several engineering books, have taught engineering courses at universities, and very much enjoy RF and microwave engineering.

"I am an RF and Microwave Engineer Because I have Always Been Captivated By Radio Waves"

My passion for antennas and RF engineering started early in my life, driven by a fascination with how radio waves shape our world. I became an amateur radio operator as a young person. I build my own antennas, transmitters, receivers, and so many other things.

To this day, I consider myself to be a “hands on” engineer. I am as comfortable in a lab environment as I am doing cutting edge design with state of the electromagnetic simulators. This has given me a passion and skill that provide my customers with significant value.

I remember a project where a client faced performance issues with a critical system. Through collaboration and detailed engineering, I designed a solution that not only exceeded their performance expectations but also met their cost requirements. Moments like this fuel my commitment to delivering high-quality results.

I approach every project with the same dedication, tailoring solutions to each customer’s needs. My goal is to not just meet technical requirements but to build lasting relationships founded on trust, reliability, and exceptional results.

Bob Eberlein, Freelance CFO

"Rick can effectively apply technology to create enterprise value: selecting practical applications, combining complementary technology, assembling the people and resources needed to deliver technology solutions, and developing market strategies. Working with Rick is educational, rewarding, and fun."

Glenn Murata, RF Integrity Engineer

"Rick is an excellent engineer. He has a deep understanding of RF and Microwave circuits. We worked together and attended UCLA on the Microwave Fellowship program which emphasized a deep study of microwave circuits, antennas, electromagnetics, and computer aided design. He has always been great to work with."
LinkedIn Review

Selected Publications

Books

[1]. R. Sturdivant, C. Quan, E. Chang, Systems Engineering of Phased Arrays (Norwood, MA: Artech House, 2018).

[2]. R. Sturdivant, M. Harris, T/R Modules For Radar and Communication Systems (Norwood, MA: Artech House, 2015).

[3]. K. Kuang, R. Sturdivant, ed. RF and Microwave Microelectronics Packaging II (Switzerland: Springer Publilshing, 2017).

[4]. R. Sturdivant, A.J. Bogdon, Hands On Guide TO Heat Transfer For Microwave and Millimeter-wave Electronics (Amazon, 2015).

[5] R. Sturdivant, Microwave and Millimeter-wave Electronic Packaging (Norwood, MA: Artech House, 2014).

Journal Articles, Conference Papers, and Workshops

I have published over 50 peer reviewed journal articles, conference papers, book chapters, and delivered multiple workshops. Although I’ve published on a wide range of topics, most have focused on microwave and millimeter-wave packaging, antennas, modules, and systems.