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Senior Principal Rf Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

We are seeking a Senior RF Engineer to help create industry-leading radar and communications products. The role includes RF circuit and system development, optimization, and characterization. The ...

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Senior Principal Rf Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$84.5K

$160.1K

$221K

How much do senior principal rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior principal rf engineer in Chicago, IL is $160,115.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,300.00 and $178,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Principal RF Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Principal RF Engineer, you need deep expertise in RF circuit design, electromagnetic theory, wireless communications, and typically an advanced degree in electrical engineering. Proficiency with RF simulation tools like ADS or HFSS, network analyzers, and industry certifications such as IEEE or FCC compliance are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help in guiding teams and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders. These skills ensure the reliable design and implementation of complex RF systems essential for cutting-edge telecommunications and electronics projects.

What is the difference between Senior Principal Rf Engineer vs RF Systems Engineer?

AspectSenior Principal Rf EngineerRF Systems Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (BSc, MSc, PhD) in Electrical Engineering or related fields, with extensive RF certificationsUsually holds a bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical Engineering, with some RF certifications
Work EnvironmentFocuses on high-level RF design, system architecture, and leadership in R&D teamsInvolves RF system integration, testing, and troubleshooting within product development teams
Industry UsageCommonly found in telecommunications, aerospace, and defense industriesUsed across wireless communications, consumer electronics, and network infrastructure sectors

The Senior Principal Rf Engineer typically holds more advanced credentials and leads complex RF projects, focusing on system-level design and strategic development. In contrast, RF Systems Engineers often work on implementing and testing RF systems within project teams. Both roles are essential in RF engineering but differ mainly in seniority, scope, and responsibilities.

What are Senior Principal RF Engineers?

Senior Principal RF Engineers are highly experienced professionals who lead the design, development, and optimization of radio frequency (RF) systems and components. They play a critical role in projects involving wireless communications, radar, satellite, and other RF applications by providing technical guidance, setting design standards, and solving complex engineering challenges. These engineers typically oversee teams, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with other departments to ensure successful project delivery. Their expertise helps organizations achieve high performance and reliability in RF systems.

How does a Senior Principal RF Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the development of new wireless products?

A Senior Principal RF Engineer frequently works alongside hardware designers, software engineers, and product managers to ensure that wireless products meet performance specifications and regulatory requirements. Collaboration often involves participating in design reviews, troubleshooting complex RF issues, and guiding teams through the integration of RF subsystems. Effective communication and leadership skills are essential, as the role often requires translating technical RF concepts for non-specialist stakeholders and mentoring junior engineers. This team-oriented environment helps drive innovation and ensures that the end product is robust and reliable.
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Rf Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Principal Rf Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Sr. Principal Manufacturing Test Engineer (RF Systems)

Sr. Principal Manufacturing Test Engineer (RF Systems)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 356 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 535 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 sector is looking for a Sr. Principal Engineer, Electronics (TPM, MSE) - Manufacturing Test Engineering (RF Systems) located on-site in Rolling Meadows, IL who will lead efforts needed in standing up, modifying and/or sustaining testing capability for aerial, military-grade, or space-grade Electronic Warfare Systems and Subsystems
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.
What you will get to do:
As a Technical Leader, this individual will be responsible for:
  • Shaping requirements for Acceptance Testing and Environmental Screening during prime hardware design phase. [Positioning the org for success by providing needed technical involvement prior to, or at the start of manufacturing / productionization efforts]
  • Leading & driving to on schedule and on budget completion of Test capability stand up, modification or sustainment. This includes leading & driving Test equipment and/or test fixture design efforts, software coding and integration efforts, other manufacturing engineering relevant efforts. [Demonstrating technical leadership to ensure NRE activities progress at positive SPI & CPI]
  • Reporting progress at multiple levels of leadership. [Leading Executive level presentations]
  • Performing Earned Value to track progress and put mitigation in place to address schedule or cost risks. [CAM]
  • Leading key internal or customer events such as (but not limited to) Manufacturing Readiness Reviews.

High-level ethical standards, strong decision-making skills, and building a strong professional relationship / leading cross functional collaborative effort with other disciplines are essential.
Behavioral Traits sought out:
  • The Manufacturing 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
This position is contingent upon funding/contract award.
Basic Qualifications for the Sr. Principal Manufacturing Test Engineer (RF Systems):
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer Engineering, Aerospace or related STEM field with a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience; OR a Master's in equivalent fields with a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience.
  • Experience leading medium-scale technical projects in Electronics and/or Aerospace industry with limited assistance.
  • Experience in design of test equipment or test fixture or prime (sell-off) hardware.
  • Experience using C#, C++, Java, C or related programming language.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Secret security clearance.
  • US Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications for the Sr. Principal Manufacturing Test Engineer (RF Systems):
  • Exprience with Electronic Warfare System or sub-system (especially with RF products).
  • Experience as IPT, Manufacturing Systems Engineer, Technical Project Manager or discipline level technical leadership.
  • Experience in leading relevant portion of internal or customer milestone events (such as Preliminary or Critical Design Review events - PDR/CDR, Manufacturing or Technology Readiness Reviews - MRR or TRR, Non-Advocate Reviews - NAR).
  • CAM certification.
  • Active DoD Security Clearance.

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: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00
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