RF R&D Technician

ARA Career; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) in Lafayette, CO seeks an RF R&D Technician to assist engineers with RF hardware realization and testing during the design phase.

The role covers RF, electrical, and mechanical design, fabrication, measurement, and troubleshooting of antennas, RF circuits, waveguides, radomes and RF/EM materials. You will work with network/spectrum analyzers, near-field scanners, and CAD tools, soldering and machining of aerospace/defense hardware, and contribute to

Qualifications

• 6+ years’ experience in the aerospace/defense or related industry with a portfolio of designed and tested hardware.
• Must have, or be able to obtain, a DoD secret level security clearance.
• Extensive knowledge of RF measurements techniques and equipment including analyzers and antenna ranges.
• Mechanically inclined metal worker or assembler with strong soldering skills.
• Knowledge of ESD practices and tools for active devices and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform S-Parameter reflection, transmission, frequency and time domain measurements of antennas, circuits, waveguide, and materials.
• Operate a near field scanner and direct illumination anechoic chamber to characterize antenna gain patterns.
• Fabricate an assortment of different prototypes to validate designs and formulate materials and manufacturing processes.
• Provide insight to assist engineers in troubleshooting and optimizing RF hardware performance.

Skills

RF measurement techniques

Soldering

ESD practices

Aerospace/Defense experience

Education

Associates or better in Science or related field

Tools

Network analyzer

Spectrum analyzer

Near field scanner

Anechoic chamber

CAD software

Job description

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Locations

Showing 1 location

Lafayette, CO 80026, USA

• On-site
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: RFRDT010236

Description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), Applied Electromagnetics Division (AED) in Lafayette, CO seeks a RF R&D Technician. This position is an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on technician to assist engineers with the realization and implementation of innovative RF hardware solutions during the design phase. This position supports research and development activities where the candidate will perform RF, electrical, and mechanical design, fabrication, measurement, and troubleshooting of antenna, RF circuit, waveguide, radomes, and RF/EM material prototypes. It requires the understanding and operation of a network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, near field scanner, and antenna range as well as CAD software for printed circuits. The candidate must also be skilled at soldering, bonding, and machining of aerospace/defense related hardware at a high level of craftsmanship with an eye for detail. Must have 6+ years of experience; however, prefer 15+ years of experience. Must have a security clearance or the ability to obtain and hold a security clearance.

What you’ll do as an RF R&D Technician:

• Perform S-Parameter reflection, transmission, frequency and time domain measurements of antennas, circuits, waveguide, and materials.
• Operate a near field scanner and direct illumination anechoic chamber to characterize antenna gain patterns.
• Fabricate an assortment of different prototypes to validate simulated designs and formulate materials and manufacturing processes.
• Provide important insight to assist engineers in troubleshooting and optimizing RF hardware performance.

Requirements for an RF R&D Technician:

• Extensive knowledge of RF measurements techniques and equipment including analyzers and antenna ranges.
• Mechanically inclined metal worker or assembler and highly skilled at soldering.
• Knowledge of ESD practices and tools for active devices and equipment.
• Must have, or be able to obtain, a DoD secret level security clearance.
• 6+ Years’ experience required in the aerospace/defense or related industry with a portfolio of successfully designed and tested hardware.

Preferences for a RF R&D Technician:

• Associate degree in technology or science related to RF design and/or test a PLUS
• Soldering certifications: J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620 a PLUS
• Direct antennas, radomes, circuits, and/or RF/EM materials experience a PLUS
• 15+ years of experience in the aerospace/defense or related industry with a portfolio of successfully designed and tested hardware a PLUS.

Pay Ranges: $35.00 to $45.00 USD per hour based on years of experience, degree and any special skills and knowledge that they may bring to the position. ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at https://www.ara.com/benefits/

Company & Division Information

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee‑owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2,200 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns’ greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com .

Behaviors

Team Player : Works well as a member of a group

Innovative : Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking

Detail Oriented : Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Dedicated : Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Motivations

Self-Starter : Inspired to perform without outside help

Flexibility : Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals

Ability to Make an Impact : Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Education

Associates or better in Science or related field.

Experience

15 years: Aerospace/Defense Related Industry Experience

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.