RF Engineer I (R6108)

Shield; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a new-graduate RF Hardware Test Engineer to verify RF modules and interfaces in airborne and ground systems. You’ll gain hands-on experience with RF measurements, automation, and data analysis under mentorship.

This Engineer I role targets graduates or near-graduates and emphasizes disciplined test execution, traceable results, and collaboration with cross-functional teams in a lab environment.

Qualifications

• RF or microwave coursework, research, or internship experience.
• Fundamental understanding of S-parameters, impedance, and frequency response.
• Hands-on lab experience through coursework, projects, or internships.
• Basic programming and data analysis in Python or MATLAB.
• Ability to follow procedures and document results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Execute RF test plans and record configurations with mentorship.
• Characterize RF modules for S-parameters, gain, loss, and noise figure.
• Set up and operate VNA, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and related gear.
• Calibrate setups and assess measurement accuracy and error sources.
• Develop simple fixtures and monitor circuits; perform basic soldering as needed.
• Automate instrument control and data plotting using Python or MATLAB.
• Compare measurements to requirements and summarize conclusions in reports.
• Troubleshoot anomalies with senior engineers and distinguish causes.
• Support EMI/EMC and MIL-STD-461 testing as needed.
• Maintain safe lab practices and data-management processes.

Skills

RF basics

S-parameters

Python

Lab measurements

Team collaboration

On-site lab work

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Vector network analyzer

Spectrum analyzer

Signal generator

Power meter

Oscilloscope

Noise-figure analyzer

Programmable test equipment

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense‑tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia‑Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai . Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn , X , Instagram , and YouTube .

Job Description

Shield AI develops intelligent autonomous systems that protect service members and civilians. The X-BAT Engineering team is building a next‑generation autonomous aircraft for demanding and contested environments.

We are seeking a new‑graduate RF Hardware Test Engineer to help verify RF modules, assemblies, and interfaces used in airborne and ground systems. Working alongside experienced engineers, you will build practical expertise in RF measurements, instrument automation, data analysis, troubleshooting, and qualification support. This role is centered on disciplined test execution and objective evidence rather than top‑level RF system architecture.

This is an Engineer I (L1) position intended for candidates completing an undergraduate or graduate degree or beginning their professional career. Coursework, research, internships, student teams, and personal projects are all relevant ways to demonstrate readiness.

What you’ll do

• Execute documented RF test plans and procedures with mentorship, record test configurations, and produce clear, traceable results.
• Characterize RF modules and assemblies for S-parameters, gain and loss, output power, compression, harmonics and spurious emissions, isolation, rejection, noise figure, and receiver sensitivity as applicable.
• Set up and operate vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, oscilloscopes, noise‑figure equipment, programmable power supplies, and related laboratory instruments.
• Calibrate measurement setups and characterize cables, adapters, attenuators, fixtures, and other sources of measurement error.
• Develop simple test fixtures, harnesses, interface adapters, and monitoring circuits; perform basic soldering and hardware rework when appropriate.
• Automate instrument control, data collection, analysis, and plotting using Python, MATLAB, or comparable tools.
• Compare measured performance with requirements, identify unexpected behavior, and summarize conclusions in engineering reports and reviews.
• Troubleshoot test anomalies with senior engineers and learn to distinguish device behavior from setup, calibration, software, or environmental artifacts.
• Support EMI/EMC pre‑compliance and MIL‑STD‑461 qualification testing, environmental testing, hardware integration, and ground or flight test activities as needed.
• Maintain safe, organized laboratory practices and follow equipment calibration, configuration‑control, and data‑management processes.
• Collaborate with RF, electrical, mechanical, systems, software, manufacturing, and supplier teams.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical field, completed or expected within 12 months of the anticipated start date.
• Coursework, research, project, or internship experience in RF or microwave engineering, communications, electromagnetics, analog circuits, or electronic hardware testing.
• Fundamental understanding of S‑parameters, impedance, transmission lines, gain and loss, noise, power, spectral content, and frequency response.
• Hands‑on laboratory experience gained through coursework, research, an internship, a student organization, or a personal project.
• Basic programming and data‑analysis skills in Python, MATLAB, or a similar environment.
• Ability to follow test procedures, document setups and results accurately, recognize uncertainty, and ask for guidance when needed.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work constructively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work on‑site in a laboratory and hardware‑development environment.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience using a vector network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, power meter, oscilloscope, noise‑figure analyzer, or programmable test equipment.
• Experience automating laboratory instruments or analyzing measurement data using Python, MATLAB, SCPI, or a comparable approach.
• Familiarity with RF simulation or design tools such as ADS, AWR, HFSS, or CST.
• Experience with PCB bring‑up, soldering, RF connectors and cables, test fixtures, harnesses, or basic hardware rework.
• Exposure to EMI/EMC testing or MIL‑STD‑461 through coursework, research, an internship, or laboratory work.
• Exposure to environmental, qualification, reliability, or acceptance testing of electronic hardware.
• Experience on a university design team, research laboratory, internship, co‑op, or project involving aerospace, defense, robotics, communications, or other high‑reliability hardware.
• Ability to obtain an S//SAR level security clearance, if required by the program.

$100,000 - $150,000 a year

#LA

Full‑time regular employee offer package

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part‑time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.