RF Test Engineer

Job Title: RF Test Engineer

Job Description

The RF Test Engineer designs, executes, and maintains comprehensive RF and environmental test campaigns for RF and microwave hardware used in advanced digital communications radios. This role works hands-on with RF components and common RF test equipment to ensure accurate, valid measurements and properly calibrated test environments, including space-grade hardware. The engineer collaborates closely with test leadership to report status, resolve blocking issues, and continuously improve test execution and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Execute RF system test campaigns for multiple RF subsystems using common RF test equipment such as signal analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and vector network analyzers.
• Perform RF measurements for digital communications radios, including EVM, SEM, noise figure, IP2/IP3, ACLR, phase noise, and return loss, ensuring accurate and repeatable results.
• Execute environmental test campaigns, including shock, vibration (vibe), thermal, and thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing, in accordance with prescribed procedures.
• Conduct HALT, HASS, and ALT testing as directed to evaluate reliability and performance of RF hardware under stress conditions.
• Manage, maintain, and operate RF testers and associated test setups, ensuring all equipment remains properly calibrated and in good working order.
• Ensure the test environment is correctly configured and calibrated before and during all test campaigns, especially when handling space-grade hardware.
• Handle RF and microwave components, such as couplers, waveguides, adapters, and related hardware, following appropriate procedures and best practices.
• Troubleshoot and debug issues on RF radio designs down to the component level, including amplifiers, mixers, filters, and other RF components.
• Execute prescribed tests and test plans as directed, documenting procedures, configurations, and results in a clear and organized manner.
• Coordinate closely with the Test Execution Lead to schedule, plan, and conduct all assigned test campaigns.
• Provide regular test execution status updates, including progress, results, risks, and any deviations from test plans.
• Identify, report, and document blocking issues encountered during testing, and work proactively on mitigations and resolutions.
• Prepare and contribute to test reports summarizing test activities, configurations, data, results, and key findings.
• Support continuous improvement of test methods, setups, and processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and coverage.
• Follow all applicable procedures and guidelines for handling space-grade and high-reliability RF hardware throughout the testing lifecycle.

Essential Skills

• 5–10 years of hands-on RF testing experience, with a focus on test execution for RF systems and subsystems.
• Strong experience working with RF and microwave hardware in a laboratory or test environment.
• Proficiency using common RF test equipment, including signal analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and vector network analyzers.
• Ability to perform and interpret common RF measurements such as EVM, SEM, noise figure, IP2/IP3, ACLR, phase noise, and return loss.
• Experience executing environmental tests including shock testing, vibration (vibe) testing, thermal testing, and TVAC testing.
• Knowledge and practical experience with HALT, HASS, and ALT testing methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and debug RF radio designs down to the component level, including amplifiers, mixers, and filters.
• Hands-on experience handling RF components such as couplers, waveguides, adapters, and related RF hardware.
• Ability to manage and maintain RF test equipment and testers, including ensuring proper calibration.
• Strong test execution skills, including following detailed test procedures and accurately recording test data.
• Ability to produce clear, accurate test reports and communicate test results and status effectively.
• Familiarity with working safely and carefully with space-grade or high-reliability hardware.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with test automation using Python or similar scripting languages is highly desirable.
• Experience working within an RF system team executing integrated RF system test campaigns.
• Experience coordinating with test leads or test managers to plan and execute complex test campaigns.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and propose practical mitigations for test issues.
• Attention to detail and a methodical approach to test setup, execution, and documentation.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, technically demanding environment focused on advanced RF systems.
• Interest in contributing to large-scale RF testing initiatives that support cutting-edge communications projects.
• Motivation to build a strong resume through hands-on experience with sophisticated RF test campaigns and hardware.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role based in Redmond, working in a laboratory and test facility environment focused on RF and microwave systems. You will work daily with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal analyzers, vector network analyzers, and specialized testers used for shock, vibration, thermal, and TVAC campaigns. The environment involves handling space-grade RF hardware and components, requiring careful adherence to handling and calibration procedures. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to significant RF testing initiatives and to gain valuable, career-enhancing experience. The position includes a time-off package with 7 paid holidays and 15 days of paid time off per calendar year.

This is a Contract position based out of Seattle, WA.

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $70.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Seattle,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $55 - $70