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Antenna Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

I&C Engineer/Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Design and develop control systems for water/wastewater treatment facilities. * Collaborate with our multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure system functionality and efficiency. * Create ...

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Antenna Design Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$41.8K

$115K

$169.6K

How much do antenna design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for antenna design engineer in Chicago, IL is $114,951.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,600.00 and $143,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an antenna design engineer do?

An Antenna Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing antennas for various communication systems, such as wireless networks, satellites, and mobile devices. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software and simulation tools to create antenna models and optimize their performance. Their role also involves collaborating with other engineers to ensure the antenna meets technical requirements, regulatory standards, and fits within the constraints of a given product or system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an antenna design engineer?

To thrive as an Antenna Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electromagnetics, RF engineering, and antenna theory, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with simulation tools like CST Microwave Studio, HFSS, or MATLAB, as well as experience with measurement equipment such as network analyzers, is essential. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and convey complex technical findings. These skills ensure innovative antenna solutions, efficient project execution, and reliable performance in communication systems.

What are some common challenges faced by antenna design engineers when working on projects with tight deadlines?

Antenna Design Engineers often face challenges such as rapidly iterating prototypes, managing electromagnetic interference issues, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards within limited timeframes. Balancing performance requirements with constraints like size, weight, and cost can add complexity, especially when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams such as RF engineers and product designers. Effective communication, strong project management skills, and a solid understanding of simulation tools are essential for overcoming these challenges and delivering high-quality designs on schedule.

What is the difference between Antenna Design Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectAntenna Design EngineerRF Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, specialized in antennas or RFBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, RF or Communications focus
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, simulation software, prototype testingTesting labs, signal analysis, system integration
Industry UsageTelecommunications, aerospace, defenseWireless communications, radar, satellite systems

Both roles require strong electrical engineering backgrounds, but Antenna Design Engineers focus specifically on antenna structures and radiation patterns, while RF Engineers work on overall radio frequency systems and signal integrity. They often collaborate but have distinct specializations within wireless and communication industries.

How much do antenna design engineers make?

Antenna design engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in high-tech industries or research environments.

What are popular job titles related to Antenna Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Antenna Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Antenna Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Antenna Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Antenna Design Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,951 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Systems Design Engineer / Principal Systems Design Engineer

Northrop Grumman

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. We are seeking capable, talented, and motivated team-contributors at our Northrop Grumman Rolling Meadows site.

Our products range from advanced sensing technologies to state-of-the-art targeting and tracking systems that are deployed in Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) and Radio Frequency Electronic Warfare (RFEW) systems. These systems are designed, developed, built, integrated, and tested by the capable folks at our company to protect the lives of US and Allied warfighters in present and future conflicts. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges.

We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today. If you are interested in being considered for inclusion on this team, we invite you to apply.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is seeking a Systems Design Engineer / Principal Systems Design Engineer to join our team. Systems Design Engineers coordinate across disciplines to ensure the system requirements and design are properly and thoroughly defined and captured. Tasking can include working with subject matter experts to decompose requirements, supporting trade studies of technical challenges, and guiding system design decision-making.

System Design Engineers use Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and tools, generate and update specifications and Verification Cross Reference Matrices (VCRM) in DOORS. This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location. This position may be contingent upon Funding/Contract award, special access program and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.

This position can be filled at the Systems Design Engineer or Principal Systems Design Engineer level based on specific requirements listed below. Basic Qualifications for Systems Design Engineer: BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical degree with 2+ years of related experience or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills Experience decomposing requirements for DoD-based platforms or systems Experience in creating and delivering technical presentations Working knowledge of DOORS and/or Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and tools such as Cameo or similar tools (i.e. descriptive modeling, SysML, etc.) Candidate must be a US Citizen Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance as necessary Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Design Engineer: BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a STEM field with 5 years of related experience; OR MS degree in STEM field with 3 years of related experience; OR PhD in STEM field with 1 year of related experience Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills Experience decomposing requirements for DoD-based platforms or systems Experience in creating and delivering technical presentations Working knowledge of DOORS and/or Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and tools such as Cameo or similar tools (i.e

descriptive modeling, SysML, etc.) Candidate must be a US Citizen Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance as necessary Preferred Qualifications: Working knowledge from one or more of the following specialty areas: EOIR systems, sensors, optics, RFEW systems, antenna design, direction finding, geolocation, threat analysis Experience working as part of an Agile team and maintaining awareness of cost and schedule constraints Handson experience with MATLAB/Python Proficiency with RFCAD suites such as ANSYS HFSS, CST Microwave Studio, or Keysight ADS Advanced knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) techniques, Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms, and FPGAbased RF prototyping Demonstrated expertise in SysML modeling and MBSE tools (e.g., IBMRationalDOORS, EnterpriseArchitect, Cameo). Ability to develop and maintain system models, traceability matrices, and verification crossreference artifacts Handson experience applying AI/ML to RF classification, spectrum analysis, or adaptive beamforming Experience supporting DoD programs during EMD and/or LRIP phases Experience working collaboratively on complex projects that encompass both hardware, software, and firmware Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay

Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.


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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939