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Rf Development Engineer Jobs in Cary, IL (NOW HIRING)

... RF business unit programs. Responsibilities * Design, develop, integrate, and sustain software ... Support embedded software development activities, ensuring proper integration with hardware and ...

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 ... Level RF Group to support operating systems in the Booster Synchrotron and new development of ...

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Rf Development Engineer information

See Cary, IL salary details

$37.5K

$119.4K

$185.6K

How much do rf development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf development engineer in Cary, IL is $119,374.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,900.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectRf Development EngineerRf Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, RF or CommunicationsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, RF or Communications
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and optimize RF circuits and systemsTest and validate RF products and prototypes
Industry UsageResearch and development, product designQuality assurance, testing labs, manufacturing

While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in RF and communications industries, the Rf Development Engineer focuses on designing and developing RF components, whereas the Rf Test Engineer specializes in testing and validating these components to ensure performance and quality.

What are some typical challenges an RF Development Engineer faces when working on new wireless products?

RF Development Engineers often encounter challenges such as minimizing signal interference, ensuring regulatory compliance, and optimizing circuit layout for performance and manufacturability. Collaborating closely with hardware, firmware, and testing teams is essential to quickly address issues like electromagnetic compatibility or unexpected test results. Staying up-to-date with evolving communication standards and troubleshooting complex integration problems are also common aspects of the role. These challenges make adaptability and strong problem-solving skills valuable assets in this position.

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

To thrive as an RF Development Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, strong understanding of RF circuit design, and a relevant degree such as a B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering. Familiarity with simulation tools like ADS, HFSS, or CST, as well as experience with network analyzers and spectrum analyzers, is typically required. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with teams and troubleshoot complex issues. These skills are crucial for developing reliable RF systems that meet performance standards and project requirements.

Is RF engineering in demand?

RF engineering is in high demand due to the growth of wireless communication, 5G networks, and IoT devices. RF development engineers are needed to design, test, and optimize radio frequency systems, often requiring knowledge of signal processing and tools like MATLAB or RF simulation software.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

An RF Development Engineer typically does not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles within the tech or telecommunications industries. Senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in RF design, and leadership responsibilities may approach high six-figure incomes, but reaching $500,000 usually involves additional bonuses, stock options, or executive positions.

What are RF Development Engineers?

RF Development Engineers are specialized professionals who design, develop, and test radio frequency (RF) systems and components used in wireless communication devices and networks. Their work often involves creating circuits, antennas, and modules that operate at high frequencies, ensuring optimal performance and regulatory compliance. They collaborate closely with hardware engineers, software developers, and testing teams to integrate RF solutions into products like smartphones, satellite systems, and radar equipment. RF Development Engineers also troubleshoot signal issues, analyze system performance, and help improve device efficiency and connectivity.

How much does an RF engineer earn?

RF Development Engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand sectors like telecommunications and aerospace.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior RF Development Engineers with extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and often specialized certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually. These roles typically involve designing and testing high-frequency communication systems and may require working in high-demand industries such as telecommunications or aerospace. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.
What cities near Cary, IL are hiring for Rf Development Engineer jobs? Cities near Cary, IL with the most Rf Development Engineer job openings:
Principal Engineer Electronics - Manufacturing Engineering (RF)

Principal Engineer Electronics - Manufacturing Engineering (RF)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 346 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 527 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 is looking for you to join us as a Principal Engineer Electronics - Manufacturing Engineering (RF) based on-site in Rolling Meadows, IL.
Manufacturing Engineers thrive in an environment of daily unique challenges and close proximity to products. Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product, collaborate and communicate well across functions, and are innovative problem solvers. Best suited to this role are those who enjoy learning and bring a sense of urgency and energy to their tasks.
This position will support software efforts associated with testing Radio Frequency (RF) production hardware in a dynamic, fast-paced and technically challenging production environment.
Behavioral Traits sought out:
  • The Manufacturing Process 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) 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

This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location.
This position is contingent upon funding/contract award.
What you will get to do:
  • Test Station Development: Lead and support Non-Recurring (NRE) test station development for EOIR products including requirements reviews, equipment selection and procurement, drawings, station build, validation, and development testing.
  • Design Feedback: Identify design improvements for manufacturability to reduce assembly complexity and costs. Engage with Design Engineering to successfully incorporate changes.
  • Support to Production: Coordinate with Design Engineering, Production technician, Project Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Quality organizations to test EOIR products and provide solutions to support nonconformance repair procedures.
  • Continuous improvement: Review of quality metrics to identify and lead efforts needed to implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cost, cycle time, and defects.
  • Project management: Leading and reporting day-to-day test engineering efforts, providing executive level presentation on current state of a project or on a plan to resolve a production level issue, performing earned value on non-recurring activities.

The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational, communication and leadership skills to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with all levels of management and individual contributors.
Basic Qualifications for the Principal Engineer Electronics (RF):
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology or related STEM field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience; OR a Master's degree in equivalent fields and minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience.
  • Experience with hardware and calibration / testing methodology
  • Experience working with use of any RF test instruments such as (but not limited to) Performance Network Analyzer, Signal Generator, Spectrum Analyzer, Oscilloscope, etc.
  • Experience with troubleshooting of hardware, software, or firmware issues
  • Experience completing hardware projects involving hardware design / development activities and/or integration and validation activities on schedule and on budget.
  • Experience in managing small to medium scale projects or leading continuous improvement projects.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
  • US Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications for the Principal Engineer Electronics (RF):
  • 5 or more years of experience in electronic hardware Manufacturing environment
  • Prior hardware & software troubleshooting experience of test equipment or prime hardware.
  • Experience in troubleshooting unit under test.
  • Experience with RF Electronic systems in manufacturing or design (software, firmware, etc.) environment.
  • Familiarity with reading schematics and interpreting electrical one-lines.
  • Active DoD Security Clearance.
  • Experience in creating test procedures or developing/improving manufacturing processes
  • Experience with Manufacturing software planning tools such as SAP or other ERP systems
  • Experience with Root Cause Corrective Action methods.

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