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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 1, 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:
Senior Principal Rf Engineer jobs near you
Sr. Principal RF Design Engineer

Sr. Principal RF Design Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL

$135K - $203K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Participate in full life-cycle product development from system concept and requirements through design, production, verification, and field support as part of integrated product teams.

  • Research, design, and develop signal conversion and analog/mixed signal products.

  • Perform circuit level design and test of RF, mixed signal, and Electro-Optical components including analysis, modeling, and simulation.

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 346 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: 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 with 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 Mission Systems develops Operational Electronic Warfare (EW) and targeting systems that provide situational awareness, self-protection, and offensive electronic attack capability to platforms across the spectrum from visible light IR to millimeter wave RF.

By joining us, you'll work on projects that help safeguard our nation related to land forces, rotary wing survivability systems, international and U.S. military electronic warfare systems, communications systems, missile warning systems (MWS), and sensors, infrared countermeasure systems (IRCM), automatic test equipment, modeling and simulation, and situational awareness programs. The Hardware Engineering organization plays a key role in developing these solutions.

The Sr. Principal RF role involves full life-cycle product development from system concept and requirements through design, production, verification, and field support while working in integrated product teams spanning Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management. RF/Analog subsystem and circuit card designs utilize the latest MMIC and discrete device technologies from all major vendors including internal Northrop Grumman designed devices, Electro-Optical (EO) circuitry, controls, detectors and data converters. As an RF/Analog Electrical Engineer, you will join our diverse team and be responsible for research, design, development of signal conversion and analog/mixed signal products. Your expertise in RF, mixed signal, and/or Electro-Optical component design and analysis, modeling and simulation, and circuit level design and test are desired for this position.

#MSRMTA

This position will be full-time and on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. Location

Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal RF Engineer:

Bachelors' degree in STEM field with a minimum 8 years of electronics design experience or MS degree in STEM field with 6 years of electronics design experience.

RF/Analog circuit design experience, including schematic capture through test and integration

Hands-on prototyping and debug experience testing complex RF subsystems, such as complex circuit card development involving amplifiers, mixers, control systems, ADCs, DACs, and/or phase lock loops

Demonstrated ability to translate system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements, design, and test specifications

Familiarity with documentation, revision control and review systems like DOORS, ClearCase, and ClearQuest

US Citizenship

Must have Interim Secret clearance prior to starting and once started, must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

An advanced degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering

Minimum 7 years of RF and/or mixed signal electronics design experience

Working knowledge of Electronic Warfare systems

Recent circuit card design experience utilizing circuit-related tools including Cadence Concept, Allegro, and/or Mentor DxDesigner, Expedition

Experience with Advanced Design System (ADS) and MatLab modeling tools

Experience with SPICE modeling tools

Proven skills to include: communicating with all levels of an organization internally and externally, adaptable, creative, collaborative and comfortable working independently and enjoy solving difficult problems

Current Secret or Top-Secret security clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00The 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.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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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

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