RF Hardware Test Engineer

Fortress Solutions; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Fortress Solutions in Plano, TX is seeking an experienced RF Hardware Test Engineer to verify RF circuits and systems. You will bridge design and production, develop test plans, run characterization, and ensure regulatory and reliability standards are met.

You''ll work with VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and automated scripts in Python/LabVIEW to streamline data collection and report findings to the design and systems teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Five+ years of RF/microwave hardware testing or design experience.
• Strong RF fundamentals: S-parameters, impedance matching, noise figure, linearity, mixers/filters.

Responsibilities

• Develop test plans and procedures based on design specs and industry standards (e.g., 3GPP, IEEE, MIL-STD).
• Execute RF characterization, validation, and verification on components, PCBs, and subsystems.
• Set up and operate RF lab equipment: VNA, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, oscilloscopes.

Skills

RF/microwave testing

S-parameter analysis

Python

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Vector Network Analyzers (VNA)

Spectrum Analyzers

Oscilloscopes

Python

LabVIEW

MATLAB

C#

Job description

Fortress Solutions is seeking a detail-oriented RF Hardware Test Engineer to join our dynamic hardware team. In this role, you will be responsible for the verification and validation of complex RF circuits and systems. You will bridge the gap between design and production, ensuring that our products meet rigorous performance standards, regulatory requirements, and reliability benchmarks.

Position

Key Responsibilities

• Test Planning & Strategy: Develop comprehensive test plans and procedures based on design specifications, schematics, and industry standards (e.g., 3GPP, IEEE, MIL-STD).
• Hands-On Testing: Execute RF characterization, validation, and verification testing on components, PCBs, and subsystems (e.g., amplifiers, filters, mixers, antennas, transceivers).
• Instrumentation Operation: Set up and operate advanced RF lab equipment, including Vector Network Analyzers (VNA), Spectrum Analyzers, Signal Generators, Power Meters, and Oscilloscopes.
• Automation: Design, develop, and maintain automated test scripts and software (using Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or C#) to control instrumentation and streamline data collection.
• Data Analysis: Analyze test data to identify trends, anomalies, and failure modes; prepare detailed technical reports and present findings to design and systems engineering teams.
• Troubleshooting: Perform root-cause analysis on RF failures down to the component level; collaborate with design engineers to implement corrective actions.
• Production Support: Assist in the transition of products from R&D to manufacturing, including defining factory test procedures and fixtures.
• Compliance: Ensure designs comply with relevant regulatory and safety standards (FCC, CE, etc.).

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience: Five + years of experience in RF/microwave hardware testing or design.
• RF Theory: Solid understanding of RF fundamentals, including S-parameters, impedance matching, noise figure, linearity and mixers/filters.
• Lab Proficiency: Demonstrated experience using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators for calibration and measurement.
• Programming: Proficiency in at least one scripting language (Python preferred) for test automation and data parsing.
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and excellent written/verbal communication skills.