Principal/Sr. Principal Test Development Engineer

Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions; Richardson (TX); On-site; USD 113,000 - 187,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an innovative team as a Principal Test Development Engineer, where your expertise in RF and microwave testing will be pivotal in developing cutting-edge technology for defense and aerospace applications. This role offers the chance to lead the design and implementation of high-volume test solutions, ensuring accuracy and reliability in testing processes. You'll work closely with a diverse team, tackling complex challenges and contributing to the advancement of mission-critical electronic solutions. If you're passionate about technology and eager to make a difference, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive PTO

Paid Holiday

Paid Family Leave Programs

Student Loan Repayment Program

Tuition Reimbursement

9/80 Alternate Work Week Schedule

Tailored Management/Leadership Training

Innovative Medical Programs

Qualifications

• 8+ years of hands-on experience in RF/microwave testing.
• Expertise in calibration techniques and on-wafer testing.
• Strong understanding of RF measurement concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of RF/microwave test setups and procedures.
• Utilize Keysight PNA-X for S-parameter measurements.
• Collaborate with customers to develop tailored test systems.

Skills

RF and microwave testing

Calibration techniques

S-parameter measurements

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

Keysight PNA-X network analyzers

Electromagnetic simulation tools

Job description

Delivering mission-critical, electronic solutions that protect lives. Use your creativity and critical thinking to take our products from concept to customer.

At CAES, we engineer solutions for the world’s most critical missions. We serve customers in the defense and aerospace markets.

Seeking a career that offers challenging, diverse projects and opportunities? Looking for a position with a company that offers long-term professional advancement? Searching for a place that values a diverse, team-based environment? One that values YOU. Consider CAES.

The most important thing we build is TRUST

Overview

Seeking a Principal Test Development Engineer for an exciting opportunity with the MMIC Design Center organization under CAES by Honeywell Defense Systems, in our Richardson, TX location! The MMIC Design Center is comprised of a team of 20+ MMIC and Packaging Designers creating advanced RF solutions for internal and external customers. The Center has PMO, test and test support engineering to convert designs into delivered products as well as systems expertise to support customer architectures and trade studies also enabling CAES capabilities at board and sub-array levels. Consider joining us! Apply today. Role requires the successful candidate to work onsite daily.

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Test Development Engineer specializing in RF and microwave tests. The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge of modern network analyzers such as the Keysight PNA-X network analyzers, expert knowledge in calibration techniques, on-wafer testing, and expertise in s-parameters, third-order intercept point (IP3) testing. Additionally, the candidate should have experience in developing test systems based on specific customer requirements and ATE deployment of high-volume test solutions for RF/microwave products. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technology in RF/microwave design, testing, and validation.

Responsibilities

• Leading the technical solution development, demonstration, and in some cases proposals.
• Develop, implement, and optimize RF/microwave test setups and procedures, focusing on high-frequency testing of devices and components.
• Utilize the Keysight PNA-X network analyzer to perform S-parameter measurements, vector network analysis (VNA), and other RF/microwave characterization tasks.
• Expertise in calibration methods, including the design of custom calibration standards necessary for various test environments and implementation for test. Expertise in understanding measurement uncertainty for a given test set-up.
• Expertly perform and troubleshoot complex RF/microwave calibration techniques, including multi-port, full two-port and one-port calibrations.
• Lead the development and implementation of on-wafer testing for RF/microwave components, ensuring accurate measurement and validation of device performance.
• Perform advanced two-tone measurements and third-order intercept point (IP3) testing to evaluate linearity, distortion, and dynamic range of RF components and systems.
• Drive the development and deployment of high-volume test solutions, ensuring test automation, throughput optimization, and high reliability in production environments.
• Collaborate with customers to understand their specific test requirements and develop tailored test systems to meet their needs, ensuring alignment with product specifications and operational goals.
• Design, integrate, and deploy custom RF/microwave test systems based on customer specifications, ensuring all requirements are met in terms of functionality, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Maintain high standards of documentation and traceability for test setups, procedures, and results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve test issues, ensuring fast and efficient product development cycles.
• Continuously stay up to date with industry best practices, emerging RF technologies, and new developments in test equipment and methodologies.

Qualifications

Minimum:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related field or equivalent education and experience.
• 8 years hands-on experience in RF/microwave testing, with a strong focus on PNA-X Network Analyzers.
• In-depth expertise in calibration techniques (e.g., TRL, SOLT, and other advanced RF calibration methods) and applying them to complex systems.
• Proven experience with on-wafer testing techniques for RF/microwave components, including probes, fixtures, and probe stations.
• Strong understanding of RF/microwave measurement concepts, including network analysis, S-parameters, noise figure, and power measurements.
• Expert-level knowledge in two-tone measurements and third-order intercept point (IP3) testing to assess the linearity and distortion characteristics of RF systems.
• Experience in the development and deployment of high-volume test solutions, including automation and throughput optimization.
• Proven ability to design and develop custom test systems based on specific customer requirements, from initial specification gathering through system deployment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and meet project deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact with engineering teams, customers, and stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver results.
• This position requires access to technology, materials, software or hardware that is controlled by US export law. In order to be eligible for this position, you must be a "US Person" under US export laws (or eligible for approval under a U.S. Government export license).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred:

• 11 years component test experience working with modern network analyzers.
• Semiconductor test experience.
• Prior experience as a RFuW Test Solutions Engineer working with any of the leading edge network analyzer companies, emphasis on network analyzer knowledge.
• Knowledge of electromagnetic simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, ADS, or similar).

Salary Range: $113,049.19 - $186,884 annually (Richardson, TX).

Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Applicable pay within the posted range may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, geographical location, job function of the position, education, and experience of the successful candidate. CAES provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, 401K, paid holidays and vacation.

EMPLOYMENT TRANSPARENCY

BENEFITS

We take care of our people and provide competitive health, wealth and wellbeing benefits – from day one. You’ll also discover learning and development opportunities so you can take your career to the next level – and beyond.

Other benefits include:

• Comprehensive PTO, Paid Holiday and Paid Family Leave Programs.
• Student Loan Repayment Program & Tuition Reimbursement.
• 9/80 Alternate Work Week Schedule - Every Other Friday is an Off-Friday.
• Tailored Management/Leadership Training.
• Innovative Medical Programs, Including Family Forming.

ABOUT CAES

CAES by Honeywell is the largest provider of analog and radiation hardened technology for the United States aerospace and defense industry. From human spaceflight and space exploration, to missile defense and electronic warfare, to healthcare solutions addressing COVID-19, our talented team develop high performing electronic solutions that work the first time, every time.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

At CAES by Honeywell we welcome differences and celebrate new ideas. We believe the diversity of our people inspires our creativity and drives our innovation. Everyone is welcome here, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability for any part of the employment process, please email [e-mail].