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Senior Rf Design Engineer Jobs in Northbrook, IL

Sterling Engineering Inc.

SR Design Engineer

Wheaton, IL · On-site +1

$135K - $160K/yr

Senior Design Engineer - Electric Distribution Location: Remote/Wheaton, IL Hire Type: Direct Hire Salary: $135K-$160K/YR Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k) with company match ...

Lippert

Sr. Design Engineer

Chicago, IL

The Sr. Design Engineer is responsible for solving day-to-day design challenges of existing products as well as developing new products from concept through production. They will support existing ...

Lippert

Sr. Design Engineer

Chicago, IL

The Sr. Design Engineer is responsible for solving day-to-day design challenges of existing products as well as developing new products from concept through production. They will support existing ...

Lippert

Sr. Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Sr. Design Engineer is responsible for solving day-to-day design challenges of existing products as well as developing new products from concept through production. They will support existing ...

Actalent

Fpga Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55 - $80/hr

FPGA Design Engineer We are seeking a skilled FPGA Design Engineer to join a leading defense ... Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams, including RF, systems, hardware, and firmware.

The Will Group

Senior Design Engineer

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

The Will Group is seeking a Senior Design Engineer - Electrical Distribution to help lead utility engineering projects serving Commonwealth Edison and other Exelon operating companies. This is an ...

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All JobsRf Design Engineer JobsSenior Rf Design Engineer JobsSenior Rf Design Engineer Jobs in Northbrook, IL

Senior Rf Design Engineer information

See Northbrook, IL salary details

$71.6K

$136.6K

$197.9K

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

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior rf design engineer in Northbrook, IL is $136,595.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,100.00 and $159,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 cities near Northbrook, IL are hiring for Senior Rf Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Northbrook, IL with the most Senior Rf Design Engineer job openings:
Senior Rf Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Rf Design Engineer job openings in Northbrook, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,595 per year, or $65.7 per hour.
SR Design Engineer

SR Design Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Wheaton, IL • On-site, Remote

$135K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Title: Senior Design Engineer – Electric Distribution
Location: Remote/Wheaton, IL
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Salary: $135K-$160K/YR
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k) with company match, generous PTO, paid holidays, paid volunteer time off, continuing education reimbursement, and additional comprehensive benefits

Sterling Engineering is looking for a Senior Design Engineer – Electric Distribution to join a growing engineering consulting firm supporting electric utility infrastructure projects. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced electrical engineer who enjoys leading utility design projects, serving as a technical resource, mentoring junior engineers, and working directly with utility clients on critical grid modernization and infrastructure initiatives.

Job Summary:
The Senior Design Engineer will lead the design, analysis, and technical execution of electric distribution projects while serving as a client-facing engineering lead. This role is responsible for overseeing engineering deliverables, performing advanced power system studies, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring projects are completed in accordance with utility standards, scope, schedule, and quality expectations.

Job Duties:
  • Lead the design of overhead and underground electric distribution systems (4kV–34kV).
  • Perform and review engineering studies including load flow, voltage drop, short circuit, and protection coordination analyses.
  • Serve as the technical lead for electric distribution infrastructure projects.
  • Interpret and apply utility standards, engineering specifications, and design criteria across multiple utility environments.
  • Support distribution planning, capacity analysis, reliability improvements, and infrastructure modernization initiatives.
  • Coordinate directly with utility clients, municipalities, field personnel, and internal engineering teams.
  • Review engineering drawings and project deliverables for quality, constructability, and compliance.
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to engineering standards, best practices, and technical development.
  • Support continuous process improvements and technical excellence across the engineering team.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required (Illinois preferred).
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in electric utility, power delivery, or utility consulting.
  • Strong experience designing overhead and underground electric distribution systems.
  • Familiarity with utility engineering standards, particularly within Midwest investor-owned utility environments.
  • Experience using power system analysis software such as CYME, Synergi, ETAP, or similar platforms.
  • Proven client-facing experience with strong communication and relationship management skills.
  • Experience supporting investor-owned utilities is preferred.
  • Knowledge of distributed energy resources (DER), grid modernization initiatives, Illinois utility regulations, utility GIS systems, and work management platforms is a plus.
Additional Information:
  • Primarily remote role with occasional travel to the Wheaton office and project sites as needed.
  • Opportunity to lead high-profile electric distribution, grid modernization, and infrastructure improvement projects.
  • Strong opportunity for technical leadership, client interaction, and long-term career growth within a growing engineering consulting organization.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.