What are the responsibilities and job description for the Test Engineer position at Kastech Software Solutions Group?
Job Title: Sr. Test Engineer
Location: Fremont, CA
Job Description
Core Responsibilities
1. Test Execution & System Validation Configure, calibrate, and operate multi-axis OTA anechoic test chambers (e.g., ETS-Lindgren AMS systems) across FR1 (Sub-6 GHz) and FR2 (mmWave) frequency ranges. Perform comprehensive radiated measurements including TRP, TIS, EIRP, EIS, and MIMO OTA throughput testing. Validate satellite positioning performance by executing A-GNSS (GPS/Glonass/Galileo) OTA sensitivity evaluations. Conduct systematic RF Desensitization (Desense) investigations to isolate internal platform noise (e.g., from display panels, high-speed digital buses, or power supplies) degrading receiver performance. Maintain chamber verification logs, performing routine range calibrations (path loss measurements using standard gain horn antennas) to ensure measurement repeatability and system accuracy.
2. Test Plan Compliance & Certification Execute testing matrices in strict accordance with CTIA Test Plan for Wireless Device Over-the-Air Performance, 3GPP Technical Specifications (TS 38.521 / 38.151), and specific North American wireless operator requirements. Analyze test data against strict regulatory and carrier acceptance limits, identifying and logging edge-case failures. Interface directly with the Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB) team and project managers to package validation data for formal regulatory submissions (FCC, CE, ISED).
Technical Requirements & Qualifications
Education & Experience bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Telecommunications, or a highly related technical discipline (Master’s Degree with an RF/Electromagnetics focus preferred).
2 to 5 years of direct, hands-on experience in an RF laboratory environment specifically executing OTA testing. Technical Skills & Instrumentation Knowledge Chamber Architectures:
Deep familiarity with conical-cut and great-circle-cut anechoic chamber testing geometries.
Wireless Protocols: Solid baseline knowledge of 5G NR (SA/NSA), LTE Advanced, Wi-Fi 7 / 6E (802.11be/ax), Bluetooth, and UWB physical layer parameters. RF Test Equipment: Hands-on operational mastery of network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and radio communication testers (e.g., Keysight UXM 5G, Rohde & Schwarz CMX500 / CMW500, Anritsu MT8000A).
Software & Automation: Experience utilizing automated lab software suites (e.g., ETS-Lindgren EMQuest, R&S AMS32). Proficiency in Python for parsing .csv data files and interfacing with instrument APIs is highly preferred.
Foundational Knowledge: Solid grasp of Smith charts, impedance matching, polarization alignment, Friis transmission equations, and measurement uncertainty calculations.
Soft Skills & Workplace Competencies Analytical Problem Solving:
A methodical approach to isolating variables when troubleshooting system anomalies or uncharacteristic device failures inside the chamber.
Meticulous Documentation: Strong attention to detail when logging hardware configurations, test settings, and EUT (Equipment Under Test) software build versions.