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

RF Performance & Wireless Link Verification: Rigorously test RF wireless performance of ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Wireless Communications, Music ...

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Rf Test Engineer information

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$45.4K

$130K

$212.4K

How much do rf test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf test engineer in Chicago, IL is $129,952.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,600.00 and $148,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by RF Test Engineers when troubleshooting signal integrity issues, and how can these be addressed?

RF Test Engineers often encounter challenges related to signal integrity, such as interference, noise, or unexpected losses in transmission. These issues can be complex due to the high frequencies involved and the sensitivity of RF circuits. To address them, engineers frequently use advanced diagnostic tools like spectrum analyzers and network analyzers, work closely with design and hardware teams, and apply methodical troubleshooting techniques. Collaboration and continuous learning are key, as technology and testing standards evolve rapidly in this field.

What Is an RF Test Engineer?

As an RF test engineer, you assess the functionality of devices that transmit or receive radio frequencies in manufacturing or research and development environments. Your job duties include using spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, signal generators, battery emulators, and other testing equipment, debugging issues that arise, and analyzing test data. A career as an RF test engineer requires you have some formal qualifications and post-secondary education, generally a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and experience with test instrumentation and equipment. You need strong math skills and familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD), Unix, MatLab, LabView, and C++ programming.

What are RF Test Engineers?

RF Test Engineers are professionals who design, implement, and conduct tests on radio frequency (RF) components and systems, such as antennas, transmitters, and receivers. They ensure that these devices meet technical specifications and regulatory requirements by using specialized test equipment. Their responsibilities often include troubleshooting, analyzing data, and collaborating with design teams to improve product performance. These engineers work across industries like telecommunications, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

What is the difference between Rf Test Engineer vs RF Design Engineer?

AspectRf Test EngineerRF Design Engineer
Primary FocusTesting and validating RF components and systemsDesigning RF circuits and systems
Required SkillsTesting procedures, measurement tools, RF testing certificationsCircuit design, simulation, RF theory
Work EnvironmentTesting labs, production environmentsDesign labs, R&D departments
Common CertificationsRF testing certifications, FCC certificationsRF design certifications, EE degrees

While both roles involve RF technology, Rf Test Engineers focus on testing and validating RF components, ensuring quality and compliance. RF Design Engineers are responsible for creating and developing RF circuits and systems. Both roles require strong RF knowledge, but their daily tasks and objectives differ significantly.

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

To thrive as an RF Test Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, RF principles, and experience with test procedures for wireless communication devices. Familiarity with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and signal generators, as well as knowledge of relevant certifications like FCC or ETSI compliance, is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and regulatory compliance of RF products in highly technical environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Rf Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Rf Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Rf Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Rf Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Rf Test Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $129,952 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

Manufacturing Test Engineering (RF Systems)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 20 hours ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 359 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 537 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.
We are looking for you to join our team as a Manufacturing Test Engineer, RF Systems (Engineer Electronics) located on-site in Rolling Meadows, IL. This position will support product testing in a dynamic, fast-paced and technically challenging environment in support of Radio Frequency systems.
The Manufacturing Test 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) Takes 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
What you will get to do:
As an electronics engineer, this individual will be responsible for deliverable hardware troubleshooting, test equipment troubleshooting, test fixtures and/or equipment design and review of test scripts. This position would include providing support for the acceptance testing of the Shop Replaceable Units, as well as supporting testing at the payload (Line Replaceable Unit) level. This position will support aerial, military-grade, or space-grade Electronic Warfare Systems and Subsystems.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Equipment design: Investigate, design, and provide solutions to meet new or modified testing requirements.
  • Support to Production: Coordinate with Electrical Design Engineering, Software & Firmware Engineering, Production technician, Project Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Quality organizations to meet contractual acceptance testing commitments.
  • Test procedure development/Maintenance: Generate and maintain/revise Manufacturing Acceptance testing procedures, Environmental Screening procedures, hardware drawings of test equipment and fixtures.
  • Continuous improvement: Review of quality metrics to identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cost, cycle time, defects.
  • Testability reviews: Collaborate with design engineering to achieve testability in new and updated product design.
  • Ability to interface/communicate with multiple levels of leadership, clients, and vendors.

Building a strong professional relationship with other Manufacturing disciplines (Process Engineering, Project Management, Shop Operations, Mission Assurance), strong decision-making skills and a high-level ethical standard is essential.
This position is contingent upon funding/contract award.
Basic Qualifications: Manufacturing Test Engineer (RF Systems):
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical and/or Computer Engineering or a related STEM field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience; OR a Master's degree in equivalent fields.
  • Experience with thte use electrical and/or RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, power supplies, network analyzers, etc.
  • Experience generating or reading/interpreting schematics, drawings, specifications.
  • Active DoD Security Clearance.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications: Manufacturing Test Engineer (RF Systems)
  • Prior test equipment, fixture or prime hardware design experience.
  • Software experience with C#, Lab windows CVI, Java, C, C++.
  • Experience with Electronic Warfare system/hardware.
  • Experience performing earned value/CAM efforts.
  • Experience with project planning

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: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00
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