Principal Test Engineer

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 123,000 - 255,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) with company match

Employee stock purchase plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Skyworks Solutions, Inc. seeks a Principal Test Engineer & Lab Manager to lead antenna lab operations and direct assembly, bring-up, and testing of phased array RF hardware for defense and aerospace products.

You will collaborate with RF, mechanical, power, array, and IC teams to design test plans, develop procedures, and train staff while ensuring calibration and test integrity across the lab.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) with 12+ years of experience.
• Deep knowledge of phased array systems and RF measurements.
• Experience testing active and passive antenna systems and RF/mmWave components.
• Familiarity with RF test methods and calibration of VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and noise figure meters.
• Proficiency in Python and OO programming.
• Experience leading engineering labs or technical teams and managing test priorities.

Responsibilities

• Manage antenna lab facilities, equipment, supplies, and day-to-day test priorities.
• Maintain calibration and operation of VNAs, chambers, and positioner systems.
• Design and execute test plans for phased array antennas and RF hardware.
• Lead assembly, bring-up, troubleshooting, and testing with cross-functional teams.
• Develop test procedures and train engineers and technicians.
• Coordinate cross-functional testing schedules and communicate priorities across teams.

Skills

Phased array knowledge

RF measurements

Automated testing

Python programming (OO)

Lab management

Cross-functional collaboration

System-level testing

VNA/Spectrum analyzers

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE)

Tools

Vector Network Analyzers

Spectrum Analyzers

Calibration equipment

Positioner systems

Job description

If you are looking for a challenging and exciting career in the world of technology, then look no further. Skyworks is an innovator of high-performance analog semiconductors whose solutions are powering the wireless networking revolution.Through our broad technology expertise and one of the most extensive product portfolios in the industry, we are Connecting Everyone and Everything, All the Time.

At Skyworks, you will find a fast-paced environment with a strong focus on global collaboration, minimal layers of management, and the freedom to make meaningful contributions in a setting that encourages creative thinking. We are excited about the opportunity to work with you and glad you want to be part of a team of talented individuals who together are changing the way the world communicates.

Description

Position: Principal Test Engineer & Lab Manager

Team

The Antenna Technologies team, part of the Defense Missions Technology group within Skyworks Defense & Aerospace (D&A) business unit, develops advanced phased array antenna solutions that enable our customers to accomplish critical missions. As a member of our team, you will collaborate with world-class antenna designers, RF engineers, and test professionals to create state-of-the‑art products for Satellite Communications, Line‑of‑Sight Communications, Radar, and other defense and aerospace applications.

Position Summary

Skyworks Antenna Technologies team is seeking a Principal Test Engineer & Lab Manager to manage antenna lab operations and lead assembly, bring‑up, and testing of phased array antenna and RF hardware for mission‑critical Defense & Aerospace products.

Responsibilities

A candidate in this position will be trained and expected to perform the following duties shortly after joining the antenna team:

• Manage antenna lab facilities, equipment, supplies, physical organization, and day‑to‑day test priorities.
• Maintain vector network analyzers, signal generators, chamber setups, positioner systems, range calibration, and related test equipment at appropriate calibration.
• Design and execute test plans for phased array antennas, active and passive RF/mmWave components, and RF hardware.
• Lead assembly, bring‑up, troubleshooting, and testing of arrays, circuits and RF designs with support from RF, mechanical, power supply, array, and IC teams.
• Develop test procedures and train engineers, technicians, and new staff on test setup operation where appropriate.
• Coordinate cross‑functional testing schedules and communicate priorities with Sales, R&D, New Product Development and Introduction, program management, systems, applications, and IC teams.

Required Experience and Skills

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or equivalent, with a minimum of 12+ years of overall experience, preferably with active electronics.
• Deep knowledge of phased array systems, RF measurements, and automated testing.
• Experience testing active and passive antenna systems and active and passive RF/mmWave components.
• Understanding of RF test methods, including operation and calibration methodologies for network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and noise figure meters.
• Experience coding with Python, including familiarity with object‑oriented programming.
• Prior experience managing engineering labs or technical teams, including clean lab organization, equipment sharing, test priorities, and supplies management.
• General knowledge of circuit components used in phased array antenna systems and transceivers.
• Strong communication and organization skills to work effectively across Sales, R&D, New Product Development and Introduction, program management, systems, applications, antenna, and IC teams.

Desired Experience and Skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with New Product Introduction, low‑rate production, and volume production test processes and procedures.
• Experience developing test requirements and test plans for phased array antennas, implementing plans with test scripts, performing data analysis, and generating test reports.
• Experience in electromagnetic modeling using CST or HFSS.
• Experience testing low‑cost, high‑volume consumer products.
• Maintaining internal stores such as assembled array boards, connectors, electronics, resistors, capacitors, mechanical housings, radomes, test fixtures, cables, and related materials required to build, test, and deliver assembled, packaged array products.

The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is currently USD$122,900 -$255,200 per year. Starting base pay will depend on relevant experience and skills, training and education, business needs, market demands, the ultimate job duties and requirements, and work location. Skyworks has different base pay ranges for different work locations in the U.S. Benefits include access to healthcare benefits (including a premium‑free medical plan option), a 401(k) plan and company match, an employee stock purchase plan, paid time off (including vacation, sick/wellness, parental leave), among others. Employees are eligible to participate in an incentive plan, and certain roles are also eligible for additional awards, including recognition and stock. These incentives and awards are based on individual and/or company performance.

Skyworks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.Skyworks strives to create an accessible workplace; if you need an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at [e-mail].