RF Systems Technician: Lab & Debug Expert

Applicantz; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Applicantz in Fremont, CA is seeking an Engineering Technician 5 – RF System to provide advanced hands-on support in a lab environment for RF, electrical, and electromechanical systems used in semiconductor equipment.

You will troubleshoot complex issues from schematics, assemble and test high‑power RF subsystems, document results, and collaborate with development engineers on prototype and NPI activities while ensuring safety and ESD controls.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with installation, maintenance, repair, testing, or troubleshooting of complex equipment or electronic systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proficiency with computer-based data systems, engineering tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work a shift schedule and support hands-on laboratory activities.
• Strong hands-on experience with high-power RF systems, RF matching networks, sensors, and calibration techniques.
• Experience troubleshooting system-level and component-level issues across electrical, mechanical, fluidic, and vacuum subsystems.
• Proficiency with RF and electronic test equipment including VNAs, oscilloscopes, signal generators, power meters, and DMMs.
• Experience performing board-level debug, component-level repair, and soldering/SMD rework.
• Familiarity with semiconductor capital equipment, RF power delivery systems, or plasma processing tools.
• Experience supporting prototype development, validation testing, and New Product Introduction (NPI) activities.
• Experience working in laboratory and/or cleanroom environments with appropriate safety and ESD controls.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced testing, checkout, calibration, and troubleshooting of RF, electrical, electromechanical, and vacuum systems using schematics, diagrams, layouts, and defined test plans.
• Assemble, configure, test, and diagnose high-power, high-voltage RF subsystems, including RF matching networks, sensors, power delivery components, and associated electronics.
• Conduct system-level and PCBA-level troubleshooting, fault isolation, and root-cause analysis for electrical, mechanical, and RF-related failures.
• Utilize electronic and RF test equipment such as VNAs, oscilloscopes, signal generators, power meters, DMMs, and specialized diagnostic tools to support characterization and debug.
• Inspect materials, components, and assemblies for defects; perform measurements using precision instruments, microscopes, and standard lab procedures.
• Support prototype hardware bring-up, integration, modification, and validation in close collaboration with development engineers.
• Assist engineering teams with experimental setups, data collection, and validation testing for concept, feasibility, and NPI activities.
• Perform component-level rework, repair, and replacement, including soldering and SMD rework, in accordance with lab and ESD standards.
• Maintain accurate documentation including test results, procedures, build records, and troubleshooting notes.
• Manage and maintain lab equipment, fixtures, and test infrastructure, including calibration tracking, asset organization, and safe operation.
• Follow all safety, ESD, and cleanroom protocols when working with high-voltage RF systems, hazardous materials, and vacuum equipment.
• Associate’s degree, technical certificate, diploma, or higher education in electronics, RF engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field.
• Strong hands-on experience with high-power RF systems, RF matching networks, sensors, and calibration techniques.
• Experience troubleshooting system-level and component-level issues across electrical, mechanical, fluidic, and vacuum subsystems.
• Proficiency with RF and electronic test equipment including VNAs, oscilloscopes, signal generators, power meters, and DMMs.
• Experience performing board-level debug, component-level repair, and soldering/SMD rework.
• Familiarity with semiconductor capital equipment, RF power delivery systems, or plasma processing tools.
• Experience supporting prototype development, validation testing, and New Product Introduction (NPI) activities.Communicate technical issues, progress, and results clearly with engineers, technicians, and cross-functional stakeholders while managing multiple parallel priorities.

Skills

High-power RF systems

RF matching networks

Troubleshooting

Reading schematics

Mechanical drawings

Electrical schematics

Lab safety and ESD controls

Soldering / SMD rework

Data collection & validation

English communication

Education

Associate degree or higher in electronics / RF engineering

6+ years hands-on experience in electronics/RF/semiconductor equipment

Tools

VNAs

Oscilloscopes

Signal generators

Power meters

DMMs

Microsoft Office

Job description

Applicantz in Fremont, CA is seeking an Engineering Technician 5 – RF System to provide advanced hands-on support in a lab environment for RF, electrical, and electromechanical systems used in semiconductor equipment.

You will troubleshoot complex issues from schematics, assemble and test high‑power RF subsystems, document results, and collaborate with development engineers on prototype and NPI activities while ensuring safety and ESD controls.