Radar Power Amplifier Test Technician

Indra Group USA; Overland Park (KS); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Indra Group USA in Overland Park, KS seeks a Radar Power Amplifier Test Technician to support testing and characterization of high‑power RF amplifiers used in radar systems. You will configure RF test setups, perform pulsed and CW measurements, and collect performance data to assist engineers.

The role requires hands‑on RF test experience, safety awareness with high power RF, and a detail‑oriented approach to diagnose issues and generate reliable test results.

Qualifications

• AS/AAS in Electronics or related technical field or equivalent certification.
• Hands-on RF test instrumentation experience required.
• Knowledge of RF power amplifier concepts (dBm, gain, pulse).

Responsibilities

• Set up and execute RF power amplifier tests for radar applications.
• Measure and characterize amplifier performance including gain and efficiency.
• Configure pulsed RF measurements and CW tests as needed.
• Operate spectrum analyzers, power meters, signal generators, and VNAs.
• Measure forward and reflected RF power with dir. couplers and loads.
• Determine safe attenuation to protect equipment.
• Record data and generate performance curves such as gain and current.
• Perform initial diagnostics for oscillation, gain loss, or thermal issues.
• Follow RF safety, high‑voltage, and ESD procedures and document results.
• Collaborate with engineering, systems, and quality teams during testing.

Skills

RF testing

High-power RF safety

Spectrum analyzers

Vector network analyzers

CW/pulsed measurements

Data recording/analysis

Troubleshooting

Education

Associate degree in Electronics/Telecommunications

Technical/trade school certificate in Electronics/Telecommunications

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

RF power meters

Signal generators

Vector network analyzers

Directional couplers

RF loads/attenuators

Job description

We are seeking a Radar Power Amplifier Test Technician to support the testing and characterization of high-power RF amplifiers used in radar systems. This role involves configuring RF test setups, performing pulsed and continuous wave (CW) measurements, collecting performance data, and assisting engineering teams with troubleshooting and validation.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in electronics or telecommunications, hands-on experience with RF test equipment, and the ability to work safely with high-power RF systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and execute RF power amplifier tests for radar applications
• Measure and characterize amplifier performance, including gain, compression, efficiency, harmonics, and spurious emissions
• Configure and perform pulsed RF measurements
• Use RF test equipment including spectrum analyzers, power meters/sensors, signal generators, and vector network analyzers
• Measure forward and reflected RF power using directional couplers and loads
• Determine safe attenuation levels to protect measurement equipment
• Record test data and generate performance curves (e.g., gain, efficiency, current)
• Perform initial diagnostics on issues such as oscillation, gain loss, premature compression, or thermal problems
• Follow RF safety, high-voltage safety, and ESD procedures
• Collaborate with engineering, systems, and quality teams during testing and troubleshooting

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree (AS/AAS) in Electronics, Telecommunications, Computer Systems, Control Systems, or a related technical field OR technical/trade school certification as an Electronics or Telecommunications Technician
• Hands-on experience with RF test instrumentation, such as:
• Spectrum analyzers
• RF power meters and sensors
• Signal generators (CW and pulsed)
• Vector network analyzers
• Directional couplers, RF loads, and attenuators
• Basic knowledge of RF power amplifier concepts including dBm, gain, compression, and pulse measurements
• Ability to safely work with high-power RF and high-voltage electronic systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience testing RF power amplifiers for radar systems
• Familiarity with GaN, GaAs, or LDMOS power amplifier technologies
• Experience with pulsed RF measurement techniques
• Spanish language skills are a plus

Additional Requirements

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow formal test procedures
• Experience working with ESD-sensitive electronics
• Ability to work shift schedules if required
• Willingness to travel internationally (initial extended travel, with occasional travel thereafter)