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Rf Engineer Jobs in Elgin, 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 ...

NEOTECH

Design Engineer III (24903)

Naperville, IL

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 ...

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All JobsRf Engineer JobsRf Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL

Rf Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$36.6K

$116.3K

$180.9K

How much do rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf 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 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.
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Rf Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rf Engineer job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,328 per year, or $55.9 per hour.

Design Engineer III

Ignite Human Capital

Naperville, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 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