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

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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Showing results 1-20

Senior Rf Engineer information

See Itasca, IL salary details

$57.9K

$123.2K

$178.7K

How much do senior rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior rf engineer in Itasca, IL is $123,224.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,700.00 and $139,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior RF engineer do?

A senior RF engineer designs, develops, and tests radio frequency systems and components used in wireless communication devices. They analyze signal performance, troubleshoot issues, and often use simulation tools like MATLAB or HFSS. This role typically requires strong knowledge of RF theory, circuit design, and industry standards, along with experience in project management and team collaboration.

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 engineers make $500,000 a year?

Senior RF engineers in specialized industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, or defense can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives for senior-level positions requiring expertise in RF design, testing, and system integration.

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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior RF engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries like telecommunications or defense, can earn $200,000 or more annually. Compensation often depends on location, certifications, and the complexity of projects handled.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Rf Engineer jobs in Itasca, IL? The most popular types of Rf Engineer jobs in Itasca, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Rf Engineer jobs in Itasca, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Rf Engineer jobs in Itasca, IL are:
What cities near Itasca, IL are hiring for Senior Rf Engineer jobs? Cities near Itasca, IL with the most Senior Rf Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Rf Engineer job openings in Itasca, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,224 per year, or $59.2 per hour.
Principal FPGA/Sr. Principal FPGA Design Engineer

Principal FPGA/Sr. Principal FPGA Design Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$139K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 352 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: SAP
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.
This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman.
The Multi-domain Sensing, Targeting, and Survivability Division (MSTS), located in the Northwest Chicago suburbs, 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 and sensors, infrared counter-measure systems (IRCM), automatic test equipment, modeling and simulation, and situational awareness programs.
The Principal/Sr. Principal FPGA Design Engineer role involves full life-cycle product development from system concept and requirements through design, implementation, test verification, production, field support while working in integrated product teams spanning Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management. Digital subsystem and circuit card designs utilize the latest FPGA technologies from all major vendors and device families including Xilinx, Altera, and Actel, and support high speed interfaces, Radio Frequency (RF) and Electro-Optical (EO) DSP, controls, data links, embedded processing and interfaces.
As a Principal/Sr. Principal FPGA Design Engineer, you will join our diverse team and be responsible for research, design, and development of digital hardware products. Your expertise in digital component design and analysis, modeling and simulation, circuit level design and test, and project leadership are desired for this position. Research, designs, develops, and tests a variety of electronic equipment and systems, including radar and radiation detection equipment; radio, television and other communications equipment and systems; circuitry components; analog and digital computers; and control and test equipment.
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 will be full-time and on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location.
This position may be filled at either a Principal or Sr. Principal FPGA Design Engineer level based on the qualifications listed below.
Basic Qualifications for a Principal FPGA Design Engineer:
- Bachelors' degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline with a minimum 5 years of digital electronics design experience or 3 years of digital electronics design experience with a Master's degree in a technical field or in lieu of degree, an additional 4 years of experience is required.
- Digital circuit design experience, including simulation & schematic capture through test and integration
- Prior hands-on prototyping and debug experience testing complex digital subsystems, such as complex circuit card development involving FPGAs, and/or embedded processors, and/or high-speed interfaces.
- Demonstrated ability to lead projects with 2 or less team members.
- Demonstrated ability to translate system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements, design, and test specifications.
- Familiarity with documentation revision control and review systems similar to DOORS, ClearCase, and ClearQuest.
- US Citizenship
- Current Active Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.
Basic Qualifications for a Sr. Principal FPGA Design Engineer:
- Bachelors' degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline with a minimum 8 years of digital electronics design experience or 6 years of digital electronics design experience with a Master's degree in a technical field or in lieu of a degree, an additional 4 years of experience is required.
- Extensive digital circuit design experience, including simulation & schematic capture through test and integration.
- Extensive hands-on prototyping and debug experience testing complex digital subsystems, such as complex circuit card development involving FPGAs, and/or embedded processors, and/or high speed interfaces
- Demonstrated ability to lead projects with 2 or more team members.
- Demonstrated ability to translate system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements, design, and test specifications.
- Familiarity with documentation, revision control and review systems similar to DOORS, ClearCase, and ClearQuest.
- US Citizen
- Current Active Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering with a minimum 12 years of digital electronics design experience.
- Working knowledge of Electronic Warfare systems.
- Experience in Aerospace and/or Defense industries.
- Recent circuit card design experience utilizing circuit-related tools including Cadence Concept, Allegro, and/or Mentor DxDesigner, Expedition.
- Working experience with ClearCase/ClearQuest and DOORS Current Secret or Top Secret Security Clearance.
- Proven skills to include: team leadership, mentoring others, communicating with all levels of an organization internally and externally, being adaptable, creative, collaborative and also comfortable working independently and enjoys solving difficult problems
Primary Level Salary Range: $119,600.00 - $179,400.00
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