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

Ignite Human Capital

Design Engineer III

Naperville, IL · On-site

We are seeking an experienced RF Designer to lead the design, development, and validation of high ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field * 8+ years of experience ...

Jump Trading

RF Hardware Engineer

Chicago, IL

We design, develop, and deploy technologies that change our world, fund start-ups across industries ... An RF hardware engineer responsible for owning driving improvements in the analog/RF design ...

NEOTECH

Design Engineer III (24903)

Naperville, IL · On-site

We are seeking an experienced RF Designer to lead the design, development, and validation of high ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field * 8+ years of experience ...

NEOTech

Design Engineer III (24903)

Naperville, IL · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

We are seeking an experienced RF Designer to lead the design, development, and validation of high ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field * 8+ years of experience ...

Jump Trading

RF Hardware Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

We design, develop, and deploy technologies that change our world, fund start-ups across industries ... An RF hardware engineer responsible for owning driving improvements in the analog/RF design ...

P2P

RF Hardware Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

We design, develop, and deploy technologies that change our world, fund start-ups across industries ... What You'll Do An RF hardware engineer responsible for owning driving improvements in the analog/RF ...

Actalent

Fpga Design Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$55 - $80/hr

FPGA Design Engineer We are seeking a skilled FPGA Design Engineer to join a leading defense ... Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams, including RF, systems, hardware, and firmware.

Northrop Grumman

FPGA Design Engineer

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$96K - $144K/yr

... wave RF. By joining us, you'll work on projects that help safeguard our nation related to land ... The FPGA Design Engineer role involves full life-cycle product development from system concept and ...

Fermilab

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 Department's Low-Level RF Group to support operating systems in the Booster Synchrotron and new ...

Fermilab

Jr. ASIC Design Engineer

Batavia, IL · On-site

$70K - $93K/yr

Performing a leading role in Analog and RF ASIC design projects, while being able to contribute ... Bachelor's degree in an applicable Engineering discipline from an ABET accredited institution.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsRf Design Engineer JobsRf Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Rf Design Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$74.7K

$134K

$174.7K

How much do rf design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf design engineer in Chicago, IL is $134,021.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,400.00 and $150,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an RF design engineer?

An RF design engineer is a specialist within electrical engineering whose duties involve working with electronics and radio frequency. RF design engineers have job experience working with systems that are used to receive or transmit radio waves. Examples of this type of equipment include radios, cellular phones, circuits, and wireless communications. To have a career as an RF design engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering to start and a master’s degree for more advanced positions. Other qualifications and skills may include experience working with radio transmission equipment, as well as state-specific licensing or certification.

What are some common challenges faced by RF design engineers when working on new wireless communication projects?

RF Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing signal interference, optimizing circuit layouts for minimal loss, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. They must balance performance requirements with cost and manufacturability while collaborating closely with hardware, software, and testing teams. Troubleshooting unexpected issues during prototyping and adapting designs to evolving project needs are also frequent aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RF design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an RF Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, RF circuit design, and electromagnetic theory, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation tools like ADS, HFSS, and CAD software, as well as knowledge of industry standards and FCC regulations, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in collaborative technical environments. These skills ensure reliable, innovative RF solutions that meet performance specifications and regulatory requirements in wireless systems.

What is the difference between Rf Design Engineer vs Rf Test Engineer?

AspectRf Design EngineerRf Test Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing RF circuits and systemsTesting, validating, and troubleshooting RF products
Skills & CertificationsRF circuit design, simulation, knowledge of RF componentsTesting procedures, measurement tools, RF testing certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departmentsTesting labs, production environments
Industry UsageTelecommunications, aerospace, consumer electronicsManufacturing, quality assurance, product validation

While both roles involve RF technology, Rf Design Engineers focus on creating RF circuits and systems, whereas Rf Test Engineers specialize in testing and validating RF products to ensure performance and quality. Both roles often collaborate but serve different stages of product development.

Is RF design engineering in demand?

RF design engineering is in high demand due to the growth of wireless communication, 5G technology, and IoT devices. Professionals with skills in RF circuit design, simulation tools, and certifications are sought after in telecommunications, aerospace, and consumer electronics industries.
More about Rf Design Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Rf Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Rf Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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

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

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

Rf Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rf Design Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $134,021 per year, or $64.4 per hour.

Design Engineer III

Ignite Human Capital

Naperville, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced RF Designer to lead the design, development, and validation of high-frequency circuits and systems for demanding applications including aerospace, defense, industrial, and medical products. This role requires deep expertise in RF/microwave design, PCB materials, and system integration, along with the ability to work in a customer-facing environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop RF and microwave circuits including amplifiers, filters, mixers, oscillators, and antennas
  • Perform schematic capture, simulation, and layout of high-frequency PCBs
  • Select and apply advanced RF materials (e.g., Rogers laminates such as RO4350B, RO4003C, RT/duroid series)
  • Conduct RF simulation using tools such as:
    • Keysight ADS
    • Ansys HFSS
    • Cadence AWR Microwave Office
  • Optimize impedance matching, signal integrity, and EMI/EMC performance
  • Develop RF test plans and perform lab validation using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators
  • Collaborate with PCB layout, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM/DFA)
  • Interface directly with customers to define requirements, present designs, and support technical reviews

Support prototype builds, troubleshooting, and production ramp-up
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
  • 8+ years of experience in RF/microwave design
  • Strong understanding of transmission lines, impedance matching, S-parameters, and EM theory
  • Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzer, power meters)
  • Experience designing multilayer RF PCBs and working with controlled impedance structures
  • Familiarity with high-frequency PCB materials and stack-up design

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with mmWave or high-frequency (>10 GHz) designs
  • Knowledge of hermetic and high-reliability packaging techniques
  • Experience with LTCC, hybrid circuits, or module-level RF design
  • Familiarity with military and aerospace standards (MIL-STD, IPC Class 3)
  • Experience designing for harsh environments (temperature, vibration, radiation)

Key Skills
  • RF circuit simulation and modeling
  • Signal integrity and power integrity analysis
  • PCB layout guidance for RF performance
  • Debugging and root cause analysis
  • Strong communication and customer interaction skills

Due to ITAR and / or CUI compliance, this position requires candidates to be a U.S. Citizen.

Apply