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

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 ...

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 ...

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Rf Module Design Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$74.7K

$133.9K

$174.6K

How much do rf module design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf module design engineer in Chicago, IL is $133,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,300.00 and $150,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an RF Module Design Engineer do?

An RF Module Design Engineer specializes in designing, developing, and testing radio frequency (RF) modules used in a variety of wireless communication devices. They are responsible for creating circuit layouts, selecting components, and ensuring the modules meet performance, reliability, and regulatory standards. Their work often involves simulation, prototyping, and troubleshooting to optimize signal integrity and minimize interference. RF Module Design Engineers collaborate closely with hardware, software, and testing teams to integrate their modules into larger systems. This role is essential in industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

What is the difference between Rf Module Design Engineer vs RF System Engineer?

AspectRf Module Design EngineerRF System Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, RF certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical or RF Engineering, RF certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, manufacturing facilitiesSystem integration labs, testing environments, R&D teams
Industry UsageWireless device manufacturing, telecom, consumer electronicsWireless networks, telecom infrastructure, system-level design

Both roles require strong RF engineering knowledge and similar educational backgrounds. The Rf Module Design Engineer focuses on designing and developing RF modules, while the RF System Engineer works on integrating RF components into complete systems. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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

To thrive as an RF Module Design Engineer, you need strong expertise in RF circuit design, electromagnetic theory, and a relevant engineering degree, such as electrical or electronics engineering. Familiarity with tools like ADS, HFSS, and network analyzers, plus knowledge of industry standards and certifications such as IPC, is highly valued. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and troubleshooting complex issues. These competencies ensure the development of high-performance, reliable RF modules that meet stringent industry requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by RF Module Design Engineers during the product development cycle?

RF Module Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as minimizing interference and signal loss, ensuring compliance with international wireless standards, and integrating modules into compact device enclosures without sacrificing performance. Balancing trade-offs between power consumption, cost, and performance is also a frequent consideration. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as PCB layout engineers and system architects, is essential to address these challenges and deliver robust, manufacturable designs.
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Rf Module Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Rf Module Design Engineer job openings:
Principal/ Sr. Principal Engineering Design

Principal/ Sr. Principal Engineering Design

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 337 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 516 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE TYPE: SAPTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered by providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

Northrop Grumman offers challenging career opportunities in Hardware Engineering within the Mission Systems Sector that play a key role in the mission to protect our military personnel. The Hardware Engineering organization is dedicated to consistently providing high quality product designs in support of multiple product areas. The Design Data and Product Integrity Engineering (DDPIE) organization provides engineering support services for all programs at the Rolling Meadows campus including CCA Design Layout Technology, Configuration Management, Data Management, Drafting, Standards and Components, Product Follow, and Product Integrity Engineering. Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking an experienced Principal Design Engineer/Sr. Principal Design Engineer to join its Design Layout Technology team.

The Principal Design/Sr. Principal Design Engineer plans, lays out, draws and revises parts, assemblies and fabrication engineering drawings from basic layouts, establishing references and standard data for PWB design artifacts. Utilizes computer-aided design graphic tools such as Cadence Allegro. Completes details of major layout drawings in accordance with standard engineering drafting practices, military specifications, as well as industry standards.

Primary Functions:

- Layout of PWBs/PCBs, flex circuits, interconnect routing, and drawing generation

-Calculates layer stack-up based on industry standards, supplier capabilities, and engineering requirements

-Creates and documents the required electronic data file outputs for fabrication and manufacturing

-Responsible to interface with electrical and mechanical engineers to work through component placement, routing, mechanical fitment for rigid, flex, and rigid-flex assemblies

-Understands technical theories of electrical and mechanical behavior of PWBs/PCBs to influence layout decisions (i.e. impedance matching, differential pairs, strains and stresses, orientation of components, etc.)

-Incorporates PWB/PCB change notices.

-Checks designs and drawings for manufacturability.

-Excellent interpersonal skills. Be able to coordinate and lead design reviews with engineering, quality and manufacturing personnel.

This position is On-site and full-time at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location

This position is contingent upon Funding/Contract award, special access program and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.

This position can be filled at the Principal Design Engineer or Sr. Principal Design Engineer level based on the requirements below

Basic Qualifications for Principal Design Engineer:

- Bachelor's degree in STEM field with 5+ years of directly related professional working experience or Master's degree in STEM field with 3+ years of directly related professional working experience or 9 years of directly related professional working experience in lieu of degree.

- Drafting and design experience in PCB design for fabrication and PWB layer stack up for digital, RF, mixed signal, and power supply CCAs

- Experience with Cadence Allegro or similar CAD tool

- Knowledge of industry specifications and design for manufacturing (DFM) rules for CCA and PWB design, fabrication and manufacturing

- Must be able to read drawings and schematic diagrams

- US Citizenship

- Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret security clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.

Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Design Engineer:

- Bachelor's degree in STEM field with 8+ years of directly related professional working experience or Master's degree in STEM field with 6+years of directly related professional working experience or 12 years of directly related professional working experience in lieu of degree.

- Drafting and design experience in PCB design for fabrication and PWB layer stack up for digital, RF, mixed signal, and power supply CCAs

- Experience with Cadence Allegro or similar CAD tool

- Knowledge of industry specifications and design for manufacturing (DFM) rules for CCA and PWB design, fabrication and manufacturing

- Must be able to read drawings and schematic diagrams

- US Citizenship

- Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret security clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Advanced degree in STEM field

- Experience in PCB fabrication, testing, and quality

- Good self-organization, and communication skills

Primary Level Salary Range: $95,800.00 - $143,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $119,200.00 - $178,800.00The 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