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Senior Rf Power Amplifier Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

GFT is seeking a Senior Highway Design Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago ... At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings ...

GFT is seeking a Senior Highway Design Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago ... At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings ...

GFT is seeking a Senior Highway Design Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago ... At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings ...

GFT is seeking a Senior Highway Design Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago ... At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings ...

FPGA Design Engineer

Schaumburg, 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 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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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 15, 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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What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Senior Rf Power Amplifier Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Senior Rf Power Amplifier 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

Re-posted 20 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 availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SAPTRAVEL: 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.

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.

#MSRMTA

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 - $143,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $119,200.00 - $178,800.00The 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