RF Test Engineer

Spire Global, Inc; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space analytics company in the United Kingdom is seeking an RF Test Engineer to transition RF designs into production. The successful candidate will improve product quality and streamline manufacturing processes. Key qualifications include strong RF fundamentals, hands-on test equipment experience, and skills in communication and collaboration. The position operates under a hybrid work model requiring a minimum of three days in-office work.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience using VNAs and spectrum analyzers.
• Proven ability to manage calibration programs for RF equipment.
• Experience with developing and documenting RF processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the transition of RF designs into production.
• Own calibration and maintenance of all RF test equipment.
• Develop detailed work instructions for RF engineering.

Skills

Strong knowledge of RF fundamentals

Hands-on experience with RF test equipment

Experience developing and optimizing test processes

Clear communication and collaboration skills

Tools

VNAs

Spectrum analyzers

Signal generators

Python

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Job description

As an RF Test Engineer at Spire, you’ll be at the cutting edge of transforming satellite designs into production-ready builds. Your work will directly improve RF product quality, streamline manufacturing flow, and ensure seamless transitions from complex engineering concepts to scalable, high-reliability production.

You’ll define the standards, calibration practices, and test processes that underpin consistent RF performance, while maintaining the infrastructure and equipment that enable repeatable results. This is a unique opportunity to shape how advanced RF systems are built and tested, driving performance and quality from the ground up.

What you’ll do:

• Lead the transition of RF designs into production by developing and validating repeatable manufacturing and test processes.
• Own calibration, readiness, and maintenance of all RF test equipment, including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and anechoic chambers, ensuring measurement integrity and compliance.
• Develop and review detailed work instructions, translating complex RF engineering requirements into clear technician-level procedures.
• Feed manufacturability, testability, and process improvement recommendations back to design teams, ensuring updates are reflected in production documentation.
• Participate in build readiness reviews, ensuring documentation maturity, and tooling/test equipment readiness.
• Collaborate with quality assurance to ensure processes meet performance and reliability requirements, and incorporate lessons learned into continuous improvement.
• Provide early training and guidance to production teams, ensuring key RF considerations and care points are well understood ahead of builds.

Key Skills:

• Strong knowledge of RF fundamentals with hands‑on experience using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and other RF test equipment.
• Experience developing, documenting, and optimizing manufacturing and test processes.
• Proven ability to manage calibration programs and maintain quality standards for RF equipment and facilities.
• Clear communication and collaboration skills across engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with antenna measurements, anechoic chamber testing, and over‑the‑air validation.
• Familiarity with automated test scripting and data analysis (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB).
• Exposure to Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles and ability to influence design decisions.
• Comfortable in a fast‑paced, evolving engineering environment.

Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Access to US export‑controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying.

About Spire

We improve life on Earth with data from space.

Spire Global is a space‑to‑cloud analytics company that owns and operates the largest multi‑purpose constellation of satellites. Its proprietary data and algorithms provide the most advanced maritime, aviation, and weather tracking in the world. In addition to its constellation, Spire’s data infrastructure includes a global ground station network and 24/7 operations that provide real‑time global coverage of every point on Earth.

Spire is Global and our success draws upon the diverse viewpoints, skills and experiences of our employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status.

To help maintain a safe and secure workplace for Spire employees, all candidates who receive a conditional offer will be required to complete a background check. This may include criminal history and employment verification.