RF Engineer I (R6108)

Seattle · USD 100,000-150,000 / year · Onsite · Posted Sep 25, 2026

At a glance

The RF Hardware Test Engineer I will verify RF modules, assemblies, and interfaces for airborne and ground systems within the X-BAT Engineering team. This role focuses on disciplined test execution, data analysis, and troubleshooting under the mentorship of experienced engineers.

Execute documented RF test plans and procedures with mentorship, record test configurations, and produce clear, traceable results.
Characterize RF modules and assemblies for S-parameters, gain and loss, output power, compression, harmonics, spurious emissions, isolation, rejection, noise figure, and receiver sensitivity.
Set up and operate vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, oscilloscopes, noise-figure equipment, and programmable power supplies.
Calibrate measurement setups and characterize cables, adapters, attenuators, fixtures, and other sources of measurement error.
Develop simple test fixtures, harnesses, interface adapters, and monitoring circuits; perform basic soldering and hardware rework.
Automate instrument control, data collection, analysis, and plotting using Python, MATLAB, or comparable tools.
Compare measured performance with requirements, identify unexpected behavior, and summarize conclusions in engineering reports and reviews.
Troubleshoot test anomalies with senior engineers and distinguish device behavior from setup, calibration, software, or environmental artifacts.
Support EMI/EMC pre-compliance and MIL-STD-461 qualification testing, environmental testing, hardware integration, and ground or flight test activities.
Maintain safe, organized laboratory practices and follow equipment calibration, configuration-control, and data-management processes.

Bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical field, completed or expected within 12 months of start date.
Coursework, research, project, or internship experience in RF or microwave engineering, communications, electromagnetics, analog circuits, or electronic hardware testing.
Fundamental understanding of S-parameters, impedance, transmission lines, gain and loss, noise, power, spectral content, and frequency response.
Hands-on laboratory experience gained through coursework, research, an internship, a student organization, or a personal project.
Basic programming and data-analysis skills in Python, MATLAB, or a similar environment.
Ability to follow test procedures, document setups and results accurately, recognize uncertainty, and ask for guidance.
Clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work constructively in a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to work on-site in a laboratory and hardware-development environment.

Experience using a vector network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, power meter, oscilloscope, noise-figure analyzer, or programmable test equipment.
Experience automating laboratory instruments or analyzing measurement data using Python, MATLAB, SCPI, or a comparable approach.
Familiarity with RF simulation or design tools such as ADS, AWR, HFSS, or CST.
Experience with PCB bring-up, soldering, RF connectors and cables, test fixtures, harnesses, or basic hardware rework.
Exposure to EMI/EMC testing or MIL-STD-461 through coursework, research, an internship, or laboratory work.
Exposure to environmental, qualification, reliability, or acceptance testing of electronic hardware.
Experience on a university design team, research laboratory, internship, co-op, or project involving aerospace, defense, robotics, communications, or other high-reliability hardware.
Ability to obtain an S//SAR level security clearance.

Ability to work on-site in a laboratory and hardware-development environment is required.

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