Radio Frequency (RF) /Radar Prototype & Test Equipment Technician

Envisioneering Inc; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k (immediate vesting)

Medical/Dental/Vision

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Leave

Job summary

A leading defense technology company in Washington is seeking an RF/Radar Prototype & Test Equipment Technician to support the development, integration, and testing of advanced prototype systems for the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. This role requires hands-on work with radar systems and RF assemblies, and strong experience in troubleshooting and testing. Candidates must have an active DoD Secret Clearance and be able to lift equipment up to 50 lbs. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret Clearance.
• Experience with cable construction and soldering.
• Ability to pass an FAA crew flight physical.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and test prototype RF and radar systems.
• Perform RF measurements using various test equipment.
• Support aircraft ground tests and environmental tests.

Skills

Hands-on experience with RF or radar systems

Proficiency with multimeters and oscilloscopes

Strong documentation skills

Ability to lift and transport equipment

Tools

Keysight VNA

Spectrum analyzers

Microsoft Visio

Job description

Overview

The Radio Frequency (RF) /Radar Prototype & Test Equipment Technician supports the development, integration, and testing of advanced prototype systems used in defense and aerospace applications for the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). This role involves hands‑on work with radar systems, RF assemblies, electronic subsystems, custom cabling, and specialized instrumentation. The technician works closely with engineering teams to assemble, troubleshoot, and validate new hardware in laboratory, field, and airborne environments, including operating as crew on small aircraft during flight test missions.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, integrate, and test prototype RF, radar, and electronic systems for development and evaluation.
• Perform RF measurements using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, power meters, and other test equipment.
• Read, interpret, and work from schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering documentation.
• Fabricate, terminate, and repair wiring harnesses, coaxial cables, RF assemblies, and electrical subsystems.
• Conduct precision soldering (surface‑mount and through‑hole) and electronic rework.
• Assist engineers in developing test setups, procedures, and documentation.
• Participate as mission crew in small aircraft; operate test equipment in confined spaces for up to 4 hours.
• Support aircraft ground tests, environmental tests, antenna range events, and prototype installation activities.
• Maintain, inventory, and calibrate electronic and RF test equipment.
• Adhere to aviation, military, and engineering workmanship standards during assembly and integration activities.

Physical Demands

• Occasionally lift/transport equipment up to 40-50 lbs.

Minimum Skills / Qualifications

• DoD Secret Clearance that is active or was active within the 24 months prior to date of hire.
• Hands‑on experience with RF or radar systems, RF measurements, troubleshooting, and integration.
• Proficiency with multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, electronic loads, and Fourier/spectral analysis tools.
• Experience with cable construction, soldering, electronic assembly, and prototype hardware builds.
• Ability to pass an FAA crew flight physical and work comfortably in small, cramped aircraft environments.
• Ability to lift and transport equipment, typically up to 40–50 lbs.
• Strong documentation skills, attention to detail, and adherence to safety protocols.

Preferred Experience & Familiarity

• Experience with Aviation, Military, and Workmanship Standards (AC 43.13, FAA-H-8083-30, NAVAIR 01-1A-505 series).
• Familiarity with aircraft avionics and airborne Electronic Warfare systems and pods.
• Experience in prototype development labs, rapid-prototyping environments, or test ranges.
• Ability to work independently, adapt to changing technical requirements, and solve problems quickly.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, particularly in mission-critical or flight test environments.

Software Tools

• Microsoft Visio

RF & Test Equipment

• Keysight VNA family (PNA, ENA, FieldFox, etc.)
• Spectrum analyzers, signal generators, RF power meters
• Standard electronic test equipment (multimeter, oscilloscope, power supplies, electronic loads)
• Software or tools supporting Fourier and spectral analysis

Other Desired Attributes

• Experience working on aircraft avionics
• Experience working on airborne Electronic Warfare systems and pods
• Experience in prototype development labs, rapid‑prototyping environments, or test ranges.
• Ability to work independently, adapt to changing technical requirements, and solve problems quickly.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, particularly in mission‑critical or flight test environments.

Travel

Travel: Regular travel will be required for flight tests, range events, integration activities, and field evaluations.

Education / Certification

Education/Certification: None required

Salary Range

$90,000 - $135,000

Benefits

Envisioneering, Inc. offers a stable work environment, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package including 401k (immediate vesting), Medical/Dental/Vision, FSA, Short Term, Long Term, AD&D and Life insurance (employer paid), voluntary life, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Leave, Holidays and much more.

As a Condition of Employment

You must pass a drug and pre-employment screening. U.S. Citizenship Required. A Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required. Please confirm in your cover letter or resume.

Envisioneering Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship and immigration status, age, disability or handicap, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, hairstyle, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment. Envisioneering Inc. is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.