Antenna Test Engineer

Actalent; United States; On-site; USD 59,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Job summary

Actalent seeks an RF Test Software Engineer to develop and automate RF test solutions for advanced antenna systems. You will split time between C/C++/MATLAB development and hands-on RF hardware testing in a lab and antenna range environment.

The role offers exposure to radar, electronic warfare, and related systems, with a focus on automating test procedures and ensuring repeatability across test campaigns. A Secret clearance is required, with SAP eligibility ongoing.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of professional or project-based experience in software development using C/C++ or MATLAB.
• Hands-on lab experience with electrical test equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, network analyzers).
• Experience programming to automate test fixtures or processes in C/C++ or MATLAB.
• Ability to develop test software for Nearfield and Compact Antenna Ranges or similar RF test setups.
• Experience troubleshooting RF issues during testing of antenna or RF systems.
• Ability to analyze test data to identify early trends and performance concerns.
• Active Secret Clearance at time of hire; eligibility for access to SAP.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain software in C/C++ or MATLAB to automate test fixtures and processes.
• Design and implement test software for Nearfield and Compact Antenna Ranges.
• Create and document software programs to automate RF test procedures.
• Troubleshoot RF issues and identify root causes.
• Support technicians with troubleshooting and test instructions.
• Analyze test data to identify anomalies and performance issues.
• Collaborate with RF design engineers to improve hardware and test processes.
• Work with RF test equipment to execute and validate procedures.
• Document test procedures and software changes for traceability.

Skills

Software development

C/C++

MATLAB

Lab testing

RF hardware troubleshooting

Data analysis

Clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering

Tools

C/C++

MATLAB

Oscilloscopes

Network analyzers

RF test equipment

Job description

Job Title: RF Test Software Engineer Job Description
This role focuses on developing and automating RF test solutions for advanced antenna systems within a lab and antenna range environment. You will split your time between programming in C/C++ or MATLAB and working hands-on with RF hardware, test equipment, and antenna ranges to validate complex radar, electronic warfare, and related systems. This position offers strong exposure to both software and hardware, making it ideal for an early to mid-career engineer who wants to apply and expand their electrical or computer engineering background while contributing to mission-critical programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain software in C/C++ or MATLAB to automate test fixtures and test processes.
• Design and implement test software for Nearfield and Compact Antenna Ranges to support RF system validation.
• Create and document software programs that automate antenna and RF test procedures, ensuring repeatable and efficient testing.
• Troubleshoot RF issues that arise during testing of advanced antenna and RF systems, identifying root causes and recommending solutions.
• Support technicians by providing troubleshooting guidance, technical training, and clear test instructions.
• Analyze test data to identify early trends, anomalies, and performance issues, and communicate findings to the broader engineering team.
• Participate in program meetings to support root cause analysis and development of corrective actions for test and product issues.
• Collaborate closely with design engineering teams to drive hardware and test process improvements based on test results and field feedback.
• Work with RF design engineers to create and refine test equipment configurations and automated test software for RF products.
• Use lab and range test equipment, including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and other RF instruments, to execute and validate test procedures.
• Document test procedures, configurations, and software changes to ensure traceability and repeatability of test activities.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of professional or project-based experience in software development using C/C++ or MATLAB.
• Hands-on experience testing in a lab environment with electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and network analyzers.
• Experience programming software in C/C++ or MATLAB to automate test fixtures or test processes.
• Ability to develop test software for Nearfield and Compact Antenna Ranges or similar RF test setups.
• Experience troubleshooting RF issues during testing of antenna or RF systems.
• Ability to analyze test data and identify early trends, anomalies, and performance concerns.
• Experience using RF and electronic test equipment, including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and other lab instruments.
• Active Secret Clearance at time of hire.
• Eligibility for access to Special Access Programs (SAP).
• For senior-level openings, 5+ years of relevant experience for band 3 or 9+ years of relevant experience for band 4.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with RF design or RF testing involving antennas gained through coursework, projects, or professional roles.
• Experience working with antenna test ranges, including Nearfield and Compact Antenna Ranges.
• Exposure to radar, electronic warfare, or EO/IR systems in an academic, project, or professional setting.
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with RF design engineers, technicians, and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to support training and mentoring of technicians on test procedures and troubleshooting.
• Interest in long-term career growth within a large engineering organization, including the desire to explore different programs, groups, or technical domains over time.

Work Environment

The position is based at a campus that includes both indoor and outdoor antenna test ranges and RF laboratories. You will work in a mixed environment that combines lab-based activities with work at indoor and outdoor ranges, supporting testing of RF products on predominately cleared programs. The role involves working closely with RF design engineers to develop test equipment and automated test software, using a variety of lab and RF test instruments such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and other electrical test equipment. The lab operates 24/7, and there are multiple shifts to ensure continuous coverage and smooth transition of work between first and second shifts; this role includes a weekday first-shift (MondayFriday) opening. The environment emphasizes hands‑on engineering, collaboration, and the opportunity to gain deep experience in both software and hardware. The organization supports internal mobility and long‑term career development, encouraging engineers to pursue new programs, groups, or skills as they demonstrate strong performance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.27 - $76.92/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors. 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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in LINTHICUM HEIGHTS,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 19, 2026.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.