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Senior Rf Power Amplifier Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

... Engineering or related field * 8+ years of experience in RF/microwave design * Strong understanding ... Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzer, power meters) * Experience ...

SR Design Engineer

Wheaton, IL · On-site +1

$135K - $160K/yr

Title: Senior Design Engineer - Electric Distribution Location: Remote/Wheaton, IL Hire Type ... This role is responsible for overseeing engineering deliverables, performing advanced power system ...

LLRF FPGA Design Engineer

Batavia, IL · On-site

$111K - $146K/yr

The candidate will work in a design team environment under the supervision of a more senior ... power amplifiers, filters, phase locked loops, RF switches, and base band circuits is preferred.

We combine our strategic manufacturing capabilities with the power of our winning team culture to ... The Sr. Design Engineer is responsible for solving day-to-day design challenges of existing ...

We combine our strategic manufacturing capabilities with the power of our winning team culture to ... The Sr. Design Engineer is responsible for solving day-to-day design challenges of existing ...

We combine our strategic manufacturing capabilities with the power of our winning team culture to ... The Sr. Design Engineer is responsible for solving day-to-day design challenges of existing ...

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Senior Rf Power Amplifier Design Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$74.7K

$133.9K

$174.6K

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

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior rf power amplifier design engineer in Chicago, IL is $133,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,300.00 and $150,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior RF Power Amplifier Design Engineers in project development?

Senior RF Power Amplifier Design Engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing high efficiency with linearity requirements, especially when designing for modern wireless communication systems. Managing thermal performance and device reliability under high-power conditions also requires careful material and layout considerations. Additionally, collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as PCB designers and system engineers, is critical to ensure design specifications are met while adhering to project timelines and regulatory standards.

What are Senior RF Power Amplifier Design Engineers?

Senior RF Power Amplifier Design Engineers are experienced professionals who specialize in designing, developing, and testing high-frequency power amplifiers used in RF (radio frequency) applications. They work on amplifiers for wireless communication systems, radar, satellite, and other electronic devices. Their responsibilities include circuit design, simulation, prototyping, troubleshooting, and ensuring the amplifiers meet performance, reliability, and regulatory standards. They often collaborate with other engineers and lead projects to deliver advanced RF solutions.

What is the average salary of an RF engineer in the US?

The average salary of a senior RF power amplifier design engineer in the US typically ranges from $100,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Advanced knowledge of RF circuit design, simulation tools, and certifications can influence compensation levels.

What does a senior RF engineer do?

A senior RF power amplifier design engineer develops and optimizes high-frequency RF power amplifiers used in communication systems. They analyze circuit performance, select appropriate components, and use simulation tools to ensure signal integrity and efficiency, often working with advanced test equipment and adhering to industry standards. Their role involves troubleshooting, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring designs meet specifications and regulatory requirements.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior RF Power Amplifier Design Engineers in the telecommunications and defense industries can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications. Such roles often require expertise in high-frequency circuit design, RF testing, and the use of specialized simulation tools, and may include performance bonuses or stock options. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual qualifications.

How much does a senior design engineer get paid?

A senior RF power amplifier design engineer typically earns between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Compensation may also include bonuses, benefits, and opportunities for professional development in advanced RF design tools and techniques.

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

To thrive as a Senior RF Power Amplifier Design Engineer, you need deep expertise in RF circuit design, electromagnetic theory, and experience with high-frequency semiconductor devices, typically supported by an electrical engineering degree and relevant industry experience. Mastery of simulation and layout tools like ADS, HFSS, and Cadence, as well as familiarity with test equipment such as network analyzers, is essential. Strong problem-solving, project management, and collaborative communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure the development of efficient, reliable power amplifier solutions that meet demanding performance and industry standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Rf Power Amplifier Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Rf Power Amplifier Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
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RF Microwave Design Engineer Level 3/4 - Rolling Meadows

RF Microwave Design Engineer Level 3/4 - Rolling Meadows

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 3 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: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
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.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems sector delivers a decisive advantage to its customers through software-defined, hardware-enabled solutions.
The Electrical Design & Technology (EDT) team enables these hardware solutions by providing RF microwave architecture, design, verification, and support expertise across a wide variety of electronic sensor products. Our engineers work on complex, leading edge, high reliability electronics supporting different space platforms.
Our department is fertile ground for all experience levels to become part of our growing team and contribute to our goals. The department offers opportunities to grow on a technical track both broad and deep as well as explore project leadership or management positions. This role will support our growing EDT team within our Electronics & Payload Engineering Business Unit located in Rolling Meadows, IL.
EDT is seeking engineers with experience and interest in RF/Microwave and Mixed Signal circuit card assembly (CCA) design and tests including:
  • Designing, modeling, and verifying RF/microwave and mixed signal CCAs
  • Utilize analysis, simulations and prototyping to develop CCA designs
  • Predicting assembly level performance through selecting materials, components, and packaging approaches, RF chain analysis, electromagnetic simulation, data collection and analysis, and other modeling techniques
  • Participate in RF hardware requirements verification and flow downs.
  • Developing and executing detailed test procedures to verify functionality and interfaces.
  • Participating in design reviews, TRRs and formal verification activities.
  • Support payload level integration with higher level assemblies and tests.

This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or Level 4.
Basic Qualifications for RF Microwave Design Engineer Level 3:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or comparable STEM degree with a minimum of 5 years of RF engineering experience; or 3 years with MS degree; or 0 years with Ph.D.
  • Proficiency with industry standard RF/Microwave modeling, simulation and printed circuit board design tools (e.g. Xpedition, ANSYS HFSS/Maxwell, MATLAB, CST Microwave, Eagleware/Genesys, Keysight ADS, Altium, FEKO, TICRA)
  • RF budgeting, frequency planning, RF chain analysis and modeling
  • Proficient in RF/Microwave and mixed signal circuit design, schematic capture, and PWB/board layout
  • Completed and/or led multiple board designs from schematic capture to board release
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze and troubleshoot RF subsystems, complex mixed-signal ECAs and RF modules using schematics, component design documents, and basic lab test equipment
  • Developing, planning, executing, and overseeing the integration and test activities for the Payload support electronics box.
  • Ability to provide solutions to a broad variety of RF/Microwave design and test related problems of complex difficulty
  • Demonstrated Technical Team Leadership and ability to work on multi-discipline engineering teams and communicate clearly within integrated product team leads.
  • No clearance required to start, but must be a US Citizen and have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance with Special Access

Basic Qualifications for RF Microwave Design Engineer Level 4:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or comparable STEM degree with a minimum of 8 years of relevant engineering experience; or 6 years with MS degree; or 3 years with PhD
  • Expert proficiency with industry standard RF/Microwave modeling, simulation and printed circuit board design tools (e.g. Xpedition, ANSYS HFSS/Maxwell, MATLAB, CST Microwave, Eagleware/Genesys, Keysight ADS, Altium, FEKO, TICRA)
  • RF budgeting, frequency planning, RF chain analysis and modeling
  • Proficient in RF/Microwave and mixed signal circuit design, schematic capture, and PWB/board layout
  • Completed and/or led multiple board designs from schematic capture to board release
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze and troubleshoot RF subsystems, complex mixed-signal ECAs and RF modules using schematics, component design documents, and basic lab test equipment
  • Developing, planning, executing, and overseeing the integration and test activities for the Payload support electronics box.
  • Ability to provide solutions to a broad variety of RF/Microwave design and test related problems of complex difficulty
  • Demonstrated Technical Team Leadership and ability to work on multi-discipline engineering teams and communicate clearly within integrated product team leads.
  • No clearance required to start, but must be a US Citizen and have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance with Special Access

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active Top Secret / SCI security clearance
  • Experience in Worst Case Circuit Analysis (WCCA) including logic compatibility, component derating, timing analysis, signal and power integrity analyses
  • Signal integrity analysis (SERDES, Bit error rates, jitter components and contributors, board to board analysis)
  • High-speed digital circuit design experience
  • Familiarity with Point of Load (PoL) design
  • Experience in integrating FPGA/Digital controls on the bench (no VHDL experience required)
  • Understanding of basic signal processing
  • Experience with network analyzers (reading and interpreting Smith Chart)

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00
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