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Senior Rf Engineer Jobs in Elmhurst, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior level Engineering Analyst who can mentor global team, conduct analysis, evaluation ... SAP WM / RF expertise in the following areas: * Warehouse Management with RF, Transfer order ...

They are seeking a Senior SAP Developer to lead the development and implementation of SAP solutions ... • Develop RF applications for SAP EWM to improve warehouse and logistics operations. • ...

Overview The Senior Staff Managing, Mechanical Engineer is a senior technical leader who defines ... Success in this role requires seamless collaboration across Electrical, RF, Acoustics, Firmware ...

Overview The Senior Staff Managing, Mechanical Engineer is a senior technical leader who defines ... Success in this role requires seamless collaboration across Electrical, RF, Acoustics, Firmware ...

Overview The Senior Staff Managing, Mechanical Engineer is a senior technical leader who defines ... Success in this role requires seamless collaboration across Electrical, RF, Acoustics, Firmware ...

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Senior Rf Engineer information

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$59.3K

$126K

$182.8K

How much do senior rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior rf engineer in Elmhurst, IL is $126,048.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,100.00 and $142,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest salary for an RF engineer?

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

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Senior RF engineers, a specialized role within electrical engineering, can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-paying industries like telecommunications or defense. However, such salaries are typically achieved through senior positions, bonuses, and stock options, and are not common for entry-level roles. Overall, reaching this level requires significant expertise and often involves leadership responsibilities or working in lucrative markets.

What are Senior RF Engineers?

Senior RF Engineers are experienced professionals who design, implement, and optimize radio frequency (RF) systems used in telecommunications, broadcasting, and other wireless communications. They are responsible for ensuring the performance and reliability of RF networks by conducting tests, troubleshooting issues, and developing solutions to improve signal quality. Senior RF Engineers often lead project teams, mentor junior engineers, and work closely with other departments to deliver effective wireless communication solutions.

What are some common technical challenges faced by Senior RF Engineers, and how are they typically addressed within engineering teams?

Senior RF Engineers often encounter challenges related to signal interference, system integration, and maintaining optimal performance under real-world conditions. These issues are typically addressed through collaborative troubleshooting with cross-functional teams, such as hardware, software, and test engineers. Utilizing advanced simulation tools, performing thorough field testing, and conducting design reviews are standard practices to ensure solutions are effective and reliable. Regular knowledge sharing within the team helps in quickly resolving complex RF problems and staying updated with evolving technologies.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior RF engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in radio frequency design, and certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries like telecommunications and defense. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives, and typically requires advanced knowledge of RF systems, tools, and industry standards.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior RF 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, expertise in signal processing, and working in senior or managerial roles with significant responsibilities.

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

AspectSenior RF EngineerRF Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, certifications like FCC or RF-specific coursesBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field, some certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and troubleshooting RF systems in labs or fieldAssist in RF system development, testing, and maintenance
ResponsibilitiesLead projects, optimize RF performance, mentor junior staffSupport RF design, perform measurements, and document results

The main difference lies in experience and responsibility level. Senior RF Engineers typically lead projects and mentor others, while RF Engineers focus on supporting design and testing tasks. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but the senior position involves more leadership and strategic planning.

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

To thrive as a Senior RF Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of radio frequency theory, wireless communication systems, and a relevant engineering degree, often complemented by several years of industry experience. Familiarity with RF simulation tools (such as CST, HFSS, or ADS), network analyzers, and certifications like Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help in troubleshooting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are vital for designing reliable RF solutions, optimizing performance, and ensuring seamless integration in complex wireless environments.
What job categories do people searching Senior Rf Engineer jobs in Elmhurst, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Rf Engineer jobs in Elmhurst, IL are:
What cities near Elmhurst, IL are hiring for Senior Rf Engineer jobs? Cities near Elmhurst, IL with the most Senior Rf Engineer job openings:
Principal / Sr. Principal Electronics Engineer

Principal / Sr. Principal Electronics Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 339 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE 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.

The successful candidate will join NorthropGrumman's Defense Systems (DS) Specialized Tactical Electronic Warfare Systems (STEWS) team in RollingMeadows, IL. The role focuses on the development, testing, and sustainment of legacy and advanced electronic systems for U.S. Air Force platforms, including RF microwave airborne RADAR, infrared (IR) sensors, laboratory test stations, and transportable flightline electronic warfare combat test sets.

Our team provides sustainment support for the US Air Force platforms. Our team members complete engineering, reverse engineering, and logistics solution efforts to solve complex obsolescence problems and ensure warfighter training, combat and supportability.

You will support execution of various program activities to include test system design and evaluation, design and development of RF systems and components, radar, power and/or electrical systems architecture, components, circuits, and products for aircraft and flight line. Theposition will research, develop, design, and test electrical components, perform equipment, systems, and design evaluations and provide general engineering support for defense or commercial systems.

The role demands handson troubleshooting of field failures, supplier coordination, and the ability to mentor junior engineers while interfacing with customers and program leadership.

Roles and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Lead or support system integration activities, coordinating with crossfunctional teams to deliver endtoend system functionality.

  • Design, develop, integrate, test, and deploy hardware and system modifications.

  • Create and execute Verification and Validation (V&V) plans that ensure radarsystem requirements satisfy mission objectives and customer needs.

  • Diagnose hardware and subassembly failures, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions.

  • Facilitate smooth transitions from design to production.

  • Produce and maintain engineering documentation, including specifications, change notices, parts lists, bills of materials, test plans, test procedures, and test reports to support the engineering development lifecycle and program goals.

  • Establish milestones and monitor adherence to master plans and schedules.

  • Evaluate, integrate, and test hardware and software components to reduce development risk and investigate anomalies.

  • Interface with internal and external customers, delivering clear presentations and status updates.

  • Provide troubleshooting support for field failures, leveraging deep knowledge of both hardware and software interfaces within the system and subsystem components.

  • Offer technical assistance to Northrop and USAF technicians and collaborate with suppliers to resolve hardware issues.
    **This position may be filled at either Principal or Sr. Principal Level.

Principal Electronics Engineer Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and5years of related engineering experience; or a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and3years of related engineering experience with:

  • Exposure to airborne RADAR and Electronic Warfare (EW)

  • Familiarity in C++, Python or MATLAB development and/or debugging

  • Familiarity with National Instruments (NI/Emerson) LabWindows/CVI or LabVIEW.

  • Understanding of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms implemented on FPGAs.

  • Familiarity with PathWave RF Synthesis (Genesys)

  • U.S. Citizenship and eligibility to obtain a US Government Secret security clearance.

or

Sr. Principal Electronics Engineer Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline, with a minimum of 9 (nine) years of relevant experience or a Master's degree in a relevant STEM discipline and7(six) years of related engineering experience with:

  • Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication abilities, coupled with excellent organizational skills.

  • Proficiency with airborne RADAR and Electronic Warfare (EW)

  • Proficiency in C++, Python or MATLAB development and/or debugging

  • Proficiency with National Instruments (NI/Emerson) LabWindows/CVI or LabVIEW.

  • Proficiency of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms implemented on FPGAs.

  • Proficiency with PathWave RF Synthesis (Genesys)

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Altium Designer, RF and Digital test and measurement equipment.

  • U.S. Citizenship and eligibility to obtain a US Government Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proven experience with airborne RADAR Electronic Warfare (EW)

  • Proficiency in C++, Python or MATLAB development and/or debugging

  • Proficiency with National Instruments (NI/Emerson) LabWindows/CVI or LabVIEW.

  • Strong understanding of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms implemented on FPGAs.

  • Proficiency with PathWave RF Synthesis (Genesys)

Professional Experience in any of the following:

  • RADAR product data analysis

  • Software requirements definition and verification

  • Supplier Management of Hardware/Embedded Software system

  • Operations and Sustainment of fielded systems

  • Proposal development and review

  • Root Cause and Corrective Action Investigations

  • Test and evaluation of Software design solutions and tools

  • Experience with data analysis, simulation, and modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB toolboxes,)

  • Experience with configuration management, issue tracking/trending, and basic software engineering practices.

  • Proficiency in one or more technical languages: MATLAB/Simulink, Python; C/C++ embedded/real time implementations.

  • Ability to comprehend and analyze complex problems, develop solutions, and make decisions that impact the organization's credibility, operations and services.

  • Documented ability to interpret numerical data for reporting purposes and prepare and analyze data and figures.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate in a team environment across with multiple engineering disciplines.

  • Ability to diagnose/troubleshoot/repair hardware components

  • Experience with test planning at the circuit card, equipment, and system level

  • Experience generating and diagnosing automated test software

  • Analog, Digital, RF, EMI / EMC signal integrity experience

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00Secondary 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.

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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