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

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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 5, 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.

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:

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

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

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.

Hardware Design Engineer (FPGA, Xilinx)

Prolim Global

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$85 - $90/hr

Contractor

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Engineer Hardware 2 (1885)

Location: Rolling Meadows Illinois

Secret Clearance: Active SECRET

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Must Have

  • Computer Simulations
  • Digital Electronics Design
  • Hardware Design
  • Integrated Circuit Layout

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Hardware Design Engineer 2 role involves full life-cycle product development from system concept and requirements through design, implementation, test verification, production, and field support while working in integrated product teams spanning Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management. Digital subsystem and circuit card designs utilize the latest FPGA technologies from all major vendors and device families including Xilinx, Altera, and Actel, and support high speed interfaces, Radio Frequency (RF) and Electro-Optical (EO) DSP, controls, data links, embedded processing, and processor interfaces.

As a Hardware Design Engineer 2, you will join our diverse team and be responsible for research, design, and development of digital hardware products. Your expertise in digital component design and analysis, modeling and simulation, circuit level design and test, and project leadership are desired for this position. Research, designs, develops, and tests a variety of electronic equipment and systems, including radar and radiation detection equipment; radio, television and other communications equipment and systems; circuitry components; analog and digital computers; and control and test equipment.

This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location. 

Basic Qualifications for a Principal Digital Design Engineer:

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline with a minimum 5 years of digital electronics design experience or a master’s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline and 3 years of digital electronics design experience.
  • Digital circuit design experience, including simulation & schematic capture through test and integration
  • Prior hands-on prototyping and debug experience testing complex digital subsystems, such as complex circuit card development involving FPGAs, and/or embedded processors, and/or high-speed interfaces.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead projects with 2 or less team members.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements, design, and test specifications.
  • Familiarity with documentation revision control and review systems like DOORS, ClearCase, and ClearQuest.
  • US Citizen
  • Current Active Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering with a minimum 10 years of digital electronics design experience.
  • Working knowledge of Electronic Warfare systems.
  • Experience in Aerospace and/or Defense industries.
  • Recent circuit card design experience utilizing circuit-related tools including Cadence Concept, Allegro, and/or Mentor Dx Designer, Expedition.
  • Working experience with ClearCase/ClearQuest and DOORS Current Secret or Top-Secret Security Clearance.
  • Proven skills to include team leadership, mentoring others, communicating with all levels of an organization internally and externally, being adaptable, creative, collaborative, and also comfortable working independently and enjoying solving difficult problems.