Principal RF Test Engineer I

CesiumAstro; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

CesiumAstro is seeking a Principal RF Test Engineer I in Austin, Texas. This role focuses on designing, analyzing, and implementing RF test plans while collaborating with various engineering teams. Applicants should possess a BS in Electrical or Computer Engineering, 9 years of relevant experience, and strong skills in RF measurements and test architecture. Excellent communication skills are crucial as the engineer will liaise with stakeholders and manage lab resources. This is a unique opportunity to work at a forefront aerospace company.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 9 years of experience in RF test systems design and implementation.
• Proficiency in performing RF measurements including S-parameters and phase noise.
• Hands-on experience with various RF lab instruments.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with design teams to develop test requirements.
• Implement test plans and procedures, log, and present results.
• Manage lab equipment and assist in purchasing decisions.

Skills

RF measurements

Test architecture design

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering

Tools

Digital oscilloscopes

Network analyzers

Vector signal analyzers

Spectrum analyzers

Job description

To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

CesiumAstro develops out‑of‑the‑box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles and other space and airborne platforms. We are seeking a collaborative, energetic individual to join our team as a Principal RF Test Engineer I.

The Principal RF Test Engineer is responsible for designing, analysing and implementing engineering test plans and procedures. The role requires a strong combination of hardware and software knowledge, proficiency in RF measurements, test equipment (VSAs, VSGs, VNAs, etc.), test architectures and automation. The engineer works closely with multidisciplinary teams to address company‑wide hardware test needs, and works with steep learning‑curve environments. Experience with phased array testing is preferred.

Core day‑to‑day responsibilities

• Collaborate with design and test engineering teams to develop test requirements, map requirements to reusable test architectures and procedures.
• Implement test plans and procedures and log and present results to key stakeholders.
• Manage lab and equipment, and guide key equipment purchase decisions.

Principal‑level test engineers are distinguished by an ability to architect RF test systems, draw insightful conclusions from test results, and participate in “design for test” planning and review from the early stages of RF product development. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, as the engineer will present engineering design review materials to customers and the executive team and participate in proposal‑writing efforts.

Job Requirements And Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (BS) or higher degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering from an accredited university or institution.
• Minimum of 9 years of industry or university research experience in design, analysis and implementation of RF test systems.
• High proficiency with RF measurements (Linearity, NSD, EVM, etc.).
• Test architecture design and development including scripting, test executives, hardware and measurement abstraction layers.
• Proficiency in performing conducted RF measurements including S‑parameters, AM/PM, compression, noise figure, harmonics/spurious emission, phase noise, switching speed, bit error rate, adjacent channel power and group delay.
• Hands‑on experience with lab instruments such as digital oscilloscopes, multimeters, electronic loads, source measurement units, RF signal generators, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers and vector signal analyzers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Experience

• Familiarity or hands‑on experience with phased array over‑the‑air range testing, including phase/amplitude calibration, EIRP, G/T, axial ratio, scan loss and pattern cuts.
• Programming or scripting experience (Python, MATLAB, C/C++, etc.).
• Understanding of RF and mixed‑signal hardware (e.g., amplifiers, filters, ADCs/DACs, antennas) and its effect on test design.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.