1

Senior Rf Design Engineer Jobs in Lake Forest, IL

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid - Flexible Schedule, Partial Remote) Company: Epstein Global (Represented by Luxus Group) Salary: $85,000 - $115,000 annually Experience ...

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid - Flexible Schedule, Partial Remote) Company: Epstein Global (Represented by Luxus Group) Salary: $85,000 - $115,000 annually Experience ...

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid - Flexible Schedule, Partial Remote) Company: Epstein Global (Represented by Luxus Group) Salary: $85,000 - $115,000 annually Experience ...

GFT is seeking a Senior Highway Design Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago or Schaumburg, IL ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our ...

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, a related field, or ... Experience in RF design, board-level and firmware debug, schematic creation, and PCB design.

Overview Epstein is seeking an Electrical Senior Design Engineer to join our MEP engineering team. The Design Engineer performs a variety of engineering tasks, and works with others on the design ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Senior Rf Design Engineer information

See Lake Forest, IL salary details

$69.8K

$133.3K

$193.1K

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

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior rf design engineer in Lake Forest, IL is $133,250.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,400.00 and $155,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are RF engineers in demand?

RF engineers are in high demand due to the growth of wireless communication, 5G networks, and IoT devices. Their expertise in RF circuit design, testing, and troubleshooting is essential for developing and maintaining modern communication systems, leading to strong job prospects across various industries.

What are Senior RF Design Engineers?

Senior RF Design Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and optimize radio frequency (RF) circuits and systems used in communication devices, radar, wireless networks, and other applications. They lead projects, solve complex technical issues, and often mentor junior engineers. Their work typically involves simulation, prototyping, testing, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. These engineers play a critical role in advancing wireless technology and supporting reliable, high-performance electronics.

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

AspectSenior RF Design EngineerRF Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, specialized in RF design, often with certifications like FCC or IEEEBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, with some certifications optional
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, product development teamsField testing, system integration, troubleshooting in various environments
ResponsibilitiesLeading RF circuit design, simulation, and optimization; mentoring junior engineersImplementing RF systems, testing, and troubleshooting existing designs

The main difference is that Senior RF Design Engineers focus on advanced design, simulation, and leadership in RF projects, while RF Engineers typically handle implementation, testing, and troubleshooting. Senior roles require more experience and often involve guiding projects and teams.

What is the highest salary for an RF engineer?

The highest salaries for senior RF design engineers can exceed $150,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, specialized skills in high-frequency circuit design, and certifications. Salaries vary based on industry, location, and company size, with top earners often working in telecommunications, aerospace, or defense sectors.

What are the main challenges faced by Senior RF Design Engineers during the product development cycle?

Senior RF Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing performance with cost and manufacturability, mitigating interference and signal integrity issues, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. They may also need to troubleshoot complex integration problems when working with cross-functional teams in hardware, software, and testing. Staying updated with evolving technologies and adapting designs to meet tight project timelines are also common aspects of the role.

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

To thrive as a Senior RF Design Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of RF circuit design, electromagnetic theory, and a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Expertise in using simulation tools such as ADS, HFSS, or CST, as well as familiarity with PCB layout and test equipment, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for developing high-performance RF systems, meeting project deadlines, and effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior RF Design Engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries like telecommunications or aerospace, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, a strong track record, and working in senior or managerial roles with complex projects.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior RF Design Engineers in the telecommunications and aerospace industries can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in large corporations or high-demand sectors.
What cities near Lake Forest, IL are hiring for Senior Rf Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Lake Forest, IL with the most Senior Rf Design Engineer job openings:
Principal/ Sr. Principal Engineering Design

Principal/ Sr. Principal Engineering Design

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 340 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE TYPE: SAP
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
Description
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. 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 - $143,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $119,200.00 - $178,800.00
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.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

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