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Contract Rf Optimization Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL

Calibration & System Upgrades Calibrate critical components (AMUs, RF Generators, APCs, MFCs) and ... optimal system reliability and throughput. Required Qualifications & Experience Education ...

LLRF FPGA Design Engineer

Batavia, IL · On-site

$111K - $146K/yr

Fermilab seeks a highly motivated LLRF System Design Engineer in the Accelerator Division RF ... Circuit design experience specifying, implementing, and optimizing circuitry that includes low ...

RF Architecture Integration: Collaborate with RF Front-End (RFFE) teams to integrate antennas with ... Some contracts may have higher-level clearance requirements. Travel RequirementsUnder 10% ...

Senior Construction Engineer

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

Take responsibility for personnel matters, workload management, monitoring consultant service contracts and establishing optimum engineering practices to serve the client's project delivery efforts

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Showing results 1-20

Contract Rf Optimization Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$36.6K

$116.3K

$180.9K

How much do contract rf optimization engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract rf optimization engineer in Elgin, IL is $116,328.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,400.00 and $137,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Rf Optimization Engineer vs RF Test Engineer?

AspectContract Rf Optimization EngineerRF Test Engineer
Primary FocusOptimizing radio frequency performance and signal qualityTesting and validating RF components and systems
Required SkillsRF engineering, signal analysis, optimization techniquesRF testing, measurement tools, troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, field testing, optimization projectsTesting labs, production lines, quality assurance
CertificationsRF engineering certifications, relevant industry standardsTest and measurement certifications, industry standards

While both roles involve RF technology, the Contract Rf Optimization Engineer focuses on enhancing RF system performance through optimization techniques, whereas the RF Test Engineer specializes in testing and validating RF components to ensure quality and compliance.

What is the highest salary for an RF engineer?

The highest salaries for RF (Radio Frequency) engineers can exceed $150,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-demand industries like telecommunications or defense. Senior RF engineers with advanced certifications and expertise in signal processing or antenna design tend to earn the top salaries in the field.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A Contract RF Optimization Engineer typically does not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles in technology or finance. Top-tier engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, or leadership positions in high-demand industries may reach or exceed this level, often supplemented by bonuses or stock options.

What is a RF optimization engineer?

A RF optimization engineer is a professional responsible for improving the performance of wireless communication networks by analyzing signal quality, adjusting parameters, and optimizing coverage and capacity. They often use specialized tools and require knowledge of radio frequency principles, network protocols, and industry standards to ensure efficient network operation.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, and compensation may include bonuses and stock options.
What are popular job titles related to Contract Rf Optimization Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL? For Contract Rf Optimization Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Rf Optimization Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Rf Optimization Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Contract Rf Optimization Engineer jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Contract Rf Optimization Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Rf Optimization Engineer job openings in Elgin, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,328 per year, or $55.9 per hour.
Principal Manufacturing Test Engineer (RF Systems)

Principal Manufacturing Test Engineer (RF Systems)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 340 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems sector is looking for a Principal Engineer, Electronics (HW + SW) - Manufacturing Test Engineering (RF Systems) located on-site in Rolling Meadows, IL, with proven embedded software knowledge alongside hardware design and/or troubleshooting experience.
As a Principal engineer with test hardware and embedded software knowledge, this individual will be responsible for prime (sell off) hardware troubleshooting, test equipment hardware & test software troubleshooting, test fixtures and/or equipment design, and software development & integration of automated test scripts. This position will support aerial, military-grade, or space-grade Electronic Warfare Systems and Subsystems.
Behavioral Traits sought out:
  • The Manufacturing Engineers are expected to be problem solvers with the ability to provide results that are innovative and often achieved through collaboration across functional groups.
  • We seek individuals with proven excellence in the following 6 core competencies:

a) Takes high levels of Self-accountability and Ownership
b) Acts with Speed
c) Responds to Challenges with Resilience
d) Leads with Courage
e) Sets vision for the assigned products
f) Builds a High Performing Team
Building a strong professional relationship with other Manufacturing disciplines (Process Engineering, Project Management, Shop Operations, Mission Assurance), strong decision-making skills and a high-level ethical standard is essential.
What you will get to do:
  • Equipment design - hardware: Investigate, design test equipment or fixture, and provide solutions to meet new or modified testing requirements.
  • Software design - coding & integration/validation: Investigate, develop code, and integrate new or modified software to meet acceptance testing and/or environmental screening requirements.
  • Test procedure development/Maintenance: Generate and maintain/revise Manufacturing Acceptance testing procedures, Environmental Screening procedures, hardware drawings of test equipment and fixtures.
  • Support to Production: Investigate and identify failure modes due to failures identified during MTP, Environmental Screening or Acceptance Testing.
    • This investigation may require troubleshooting of sell off hardware, test equipment and/or fixture troubleshooting, or stepping into automated test equipment code.
    • Leading collaborative troubleshooting with multi-disciplinary teams may prove to be vital in troubleshooting complex issues and to meet contractual acceptance testing commitments.
  • Testability reviews: Collaborate with design engineering to achieve testability in new and updated product design.
  • Communication: Ability to interface/communicate with multiple levels of leadership, clients, and vendors.
  • Continuous improvement: Review of quality metrics to identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cost, cycle time, defects per unit, etc..

This position is contingent upon funding/contract award.
Basic Qualifications for the Manufacturing Test Engineer (RF Systems):
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering or a related STEM field with a minimum of 5 years relevant work experience;
  • Prior experience in design of test equipment or test fixture or prime (self-off) hardware.
  • Experience on how to use electrical and/or RF test equipment (such as spectrum analyzers, power supplies, network analyzers, oscilloscope, signal generators, etc.).
  • Experience using C#, C++, Java, C or related programming language.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance.
  • US Citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications for the Manufacturing Test Engineer (RF Systems):
  • Experience in troubleshooting unit under test.
  • Active DoD Security Clearance.
  • Experience in project planning, communicating with all levels of an organization, performing earned value/CAM efforts.
  • Python and MATLAB experience.
  • Experience with Electronic Warfare system/hardware.

What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off, and Additional Benefits, including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
#MPR
Primary 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