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Rf Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

Prairie Engineers

Electrical Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Prairie Engineers is the place to be for Engineers looking to grow and excel! Join a collaborative team that fuels your growth and rewards your dedication. We're a team looking to make a lasting ...

Trilon Group

Early Career Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Early Career Engineer Department: Community Infrastructure Employment Type: Full Time Location: Champaign, IL Compensation: $65,000 - $95,000 / year Description Early Career Engineer Multiple ...

Trilon

Early Career Engineer

Champaign, IL

Early Career Engineer Multiple Positions - Civil, Municipal, Transportation Engineering & Project Controls Position Type: Full-Time | On-Site/Hybrid Locations: Detroit, Cleveland, Maumee, Chicago ...

Constellation Energy

Electrical Engineer

De Land, IL · On-site

$87K - $154K/yr

This Engineering role can be filled at the Entry, Mid-level, or Senior Engineer level. Please see minimum qualifications list below for each level*** Expected salary range: Entry-Level - $87,000 Mid ...

Constellation Energy

Electrical Engineer

White Heath, IL · On-site

$87K - $154K/yr

This Engineering role can be filled at the Entry, Mid-level, or Senior Engineer level. Please see minimum qualifications list below for each level*** Expected salary range: Entry-Level - $87,000 Mid ...

Constellation Energy

Electrical Engineer

Farmer City, IL · On-site

$87K - $154K/yr

This Engineering role can be filled at the Entry, Mid-level, or Senior Engineer level. Please see minimum qualifications list below for each level*** Expected salary range: Entry-Level - $87,000 Mid ...

Constellation Energy

Electrical Engineer

Weldon, IL · On-site

$87K - $154K/yr

This Engineering role can be filled at the Entry, Mid-level, or Senior Engineer level. Please see minimum qualifications list below for each level*** Expected salary range: Entry-Level - $87,000 Mid ...

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All JobsRf Engineer JobsRf Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL

Rf Engineer information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$37.1K

$117.9K

$183.3K

How much do rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf engineer in Champaign, IL is $117,852.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,600.00 and $139,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an RF engineer?

RF Engineers, or Radio Frequency Engineers, are professionals who design, implement, and maintain systems that transmit or receive radio waves. They work with wireless communication systems, including cellular networks, Wi-Fi, satellite, and broadcasting technologies. Their responsibilities include optimizing signal strength, troubleshooting interference issues, and ensuring regulatory compliance. RF Engineers use specialized software and testing equipment to analyze and improve network performance. They are essential in industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, and defense.

What does an RF engineer do?

A radio frequency (RF) engineer's primary responsibilities are to collect data, research radio frequency, and analyze gathered information to improve radar design. Your duties have you working with intelligence sensors, surveillance radars, cellular components, over-the-horizon radar, and radio waves. You design modules and switches to improve how the electronics transmit and perform surveys and installations. You take measurements of electromagnetic emissions, install equipment, test your designs, and troubleshoot and debug to improve the radio frequency and speed. RF engineers often coordinate with technicians and other engineers to cover multiple data sites.

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

To thrive as an RF Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, RF circuit design, and signal processing, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, simulation software (like HFSS or ADS), and certifications such as FCC or amateur radio licenses are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork help set top performers apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, testing, and optimizing wireless communication systems to ensure reliable and efficient performance.

What are some typical challenges an RF engineer might face when working on wireless network deployments?

RF Engineers often encounter challenges such as signal interference, environmental obstacles, and fluctuating network demands. Dealing with interference from both internal and external sources requires careful planning, site surveys, and frequent optimization. Additionally, working in multidisciplinary teams with network architects, field technicians, and software engineers is common, requiring strong communication skills to coordinate solutions. Keeping up-to-date with evolving wireless standards and technologies is also essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Rf Engineer vs Wireless Communications Engineer?

AspectRf EngineerWireless Communications Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, RF certificationsBachelor's in Electrical/Communications Engineering, RF certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and optimization of RF systemsDevelopment and deployment of wireless communication systems
Industry UsageTelecom, aerospace, defenseTelecom, mobile networks, IoT

RF Engineers focus on designing and testing RF components and systems, while Wireless Communications Engineers work on developing and implementing wireless network solutions. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, often overlap in industry applications, but differ in their specific focus areas within wireless technology.

Is RF engineering in demand?

RF engineering is in demand due to the growth of wireless communication, 5G networks, and satellite technology. RF engineers with skills in signal processing, antenna design, and RF testing are sought after in telecommunications, aerospace, and defense industries.

What is the average salary of a radio frequency engineer?

The average salary of a radio frequency (RF) engineer in the United States is approximately $100,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions typically start around $70,000, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn over $150,000 annually.
More about Rf Engineer jobs

What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Rf Engineer jobs?

Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Rf Engineer job openings:

Rf Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rf Engineer job openings in Champaign, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,852 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Firmware Engineer - Radio Control

Horizon Hobby

Champaign, IL • On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

At Horizon Hobby, we inspire dreams and help build memories! Our company is the leader in the global Radio Control industry, celebrating 40 years in 2025! We offer tremendous opportunities for growth and development and a full array of benefits including discounts on our products! We are currently hiring for a Firmware Engineer!
This is a full-time, on-site position at our Champaign IL location. Working hours are Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.
Typical pay for this position is $80,000 - $110,000 annually. The final offer for this position will be based on the unique experience and qualifications of the candidate selected. This position may also be eligible for a bonus not included in the base pay range.
This Firmware Engineer will focus on developing embedded firmware for radio-control (RC) systems used in hobby-grade aircraft, vehicles, and other model products. As a mid-level engineer, this role will take ownership of firmware features, contribute to system-level design decisions, and collaborate closely with hardware and product teams. This roll will work on control link logic, telemetry handling, device configuration, and performance optimization for compact and lightweight electronics that power Horizon Hobby's product lines.
Key Responsibilities
  • Firmware Development for RC Electronics - Design, implement, and maintain embedded firmware for transmitters, receivers, ESCs, sensors, and other RC components. Develop features such as signal processing, failsafe behavior, telemetry decoding, and configuration logic.
  • Hardware Integration - Work closely with electrical engineers to bring up new boards, validate interfaces, and ensure firmware and hardware operate seamlessly together.
  • RF System Support - Collaborate with RF engineers to integrate firmware with RF modules, optimize control-link performance, and support antenna tuning and range-testing workflows.
  • CAD & Documentation Support - Review schematics and PCB layouts to understand hardware interfaces and constraints. Provide firmware-specific input during design reviews.
  • Testing & Debugging - Use oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and RF test equipment to debug issues, validate performance, and ensure reliability in real-world RC environments.
  • Field & Bench Validation - Participate in controlled field tests with RC models to evaluate firmware behavior under realistic operating conditions.
  • Continuous Improvement - Identify opportunities to improve firmware architecture, testing workflows, and product performance.
  • Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
  • 2-5 years of experience developing embedded firmware in C or C++.
  • Familiarity with microcontrollers, real-time systems, and low-level drivers (SPI, I²C, UART, PWM, ADC).
  • Ability to read schematics and understand hardware interfaces.
  • Experience debugging embedded systems using standard lab tools.
  • Interest in RF-enabled consumer electronics or control systems.

Preferred
  • Experience with RC hobby products or similar consumer electronics.
  • Familiarity with 2.4 GHz RC control systems or spread-spectrum protocols.
  • Experience with Aircraft/Helicopter stabilization systems
  • Knowledge of basic RF concepts and how firmware interacts with RF hardware.
  • Experience with bootloaders, over-the-air updates, or configuration utilities.
  • Understanding of EMI/EMC considerations in embedded systems.
  • Comfort with scripting languages (Python, etc.) for test automation.

Key Competencies
  • Strong problem-solving and debugging skills
  • Clear communication and documentation habits
  • Ability to collaborate across hardware, firmware, and product teams
  • Attention to detail and commitment to reliability
  • Experience with Altium software for reviewing and completing circuit design reviews
  • Enthusiasm for hands-on testing and iterative development

Physical Requirements
  • Occasional lifting of office supplies and materials, up to 20 pounds.
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working on a computer.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Benefits & Other Perks
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • HSA and FSA options
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance and Supplemental Life Insurance
  • 401(k) with a company match
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Internal Rewards
  • Discounts on Products
  • Additional Coverage such as accident, critical, hospital and pet insurance

Horizon Hobby is a progressive, innovative company and, as such, is constantly reevaluating and reinventing the processes and procedures associated with each job. The essential duties and responsibilities of this position may change at any time. In addition, employees may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work necessary or important to the operation of Horizon. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected and appreciated.
Horizon Hobby, LLC is an equal opportunity and E-Verify employer
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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