Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc.

Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc.
Name	Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc.
Industry	Test & Measurement, Secure communications, Broadcast & Media
Founded	0 1979
Founder	Lothar Rohde, Hermann Schwarz
Hq location	Columbia, Maryland
Parent	Rohde & Schwarz
Website	https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/us/

Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc. is the North American subsidiary of the global Rohde & Schwarz technology group, headquartered in Columbia, Maryland. It serves as a critical hub for sales, service, systems integration, and engineering support across the United States, Canada, and parts of Latin America. The company provides advanced solutions in test & measurement, secure communications, and broadcast & media technologies to a wide range of clients, including the U.S. Department of Defense, FCC-regulated entities, and major commercial industries.

History

The company was established in 1979 to directly support the growing demand for sophisticated electronic measurement equipment in the North American market, building on the legacy of its German parent founded by Lothar Rohde and Hermann Schwarz. Its early focus was on providing spectrum analyzers and signal generators to the aerospace and defense and telecommunications sectors. A significant expansion occurred with the acquisition of the Network Analysis Division of Hewlett-Packard in 1999, which greatly enhanced its capabilities in vector network analyzer technology. Throughout the 2000s, it expanded its portfolio through internal development and strategic acquisitions, such as the Swiss company SwissQual AG, to address evolving markets in wireless communications and cybersecurity.

Products and services

The portfolio encompasses a vast array of electronic test equipment, including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and radio communication testers used for research, development, and manufacturing. In secure communications, it offers encryption systems, tactical radios, and radio monitoring solutions for government and public safety agencies. Its broadcast & media division provides transmitters, media servers, and playout automation systems to networks like ABC and Fox. The company also delivers comprehensive services such as calibration, repair, systems integration, and training through its nationwide network of Service Centers and Technology Centers.

Corporate structure and operations

Operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rohde & Schwarz in Munich, the company maintains its headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, with major facilities in Plymouth, Minnesota, and Santa Clara, California. Its operations are organized into distinct business units aligned with its core competencies: the Test & Measurement Division, the Communications, Security & Detection Division, and the Broadcast & Media Division. It runs an extensive direct sales and support organization across the United States and Canada, supplemented by a network of certified channel partners, and operates accredited ISO/IEC 17025 calibration laboratories to ensure measurement traceability for its customers.

Key people

The leadership team has historically included executives with deep experience in the defense industry and telecommunications. The current President and CEO is Leif Kochan, who oversees the strategic direction and all operational activities. Other senior executives typically include leaders for sales, finance, and the various technology divisions, many of whom have held prior positions at major firms like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Tektronix. The management works closely with the parent company's board, including chairs from the Rohde family, to align North American strategy with global objectives.

Major projects and contracts

The company has been a longstanding supplier to the U.S. Department of Defense, providing electronic warfare test systems and secure communication equipment for platforms like the F-35 Lightning II and Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. It holds contracts with agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security for radio monitoring solutions. In the commercial sector, it has partnered with AT&T and Verizon for 5G NR network deployment testing and with major Hollywood studios and streaming services like Netflix for video quality assurance and broadcast infrastructure projects.

Industry recognition and awards

The company's innovations have received numerous accolades, including Frost & Sullivan awards for product leadership in the test and measurement market. Its technology has been honored with an Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering Development for its work in digital television transmitter technology. Products like the R&S RTP high-performance oscilloscope have won awards from publications such as Microwaves & RF and EDN. It is also consistently recognized as a top employer in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area and a leading partner by the U.S. Navy for performance excellence.

Category:Companies based in Maryland Category:Electronics companies of the United States Category:Technology companies established in 1979