RF Test Engineer

Actalent; Washington; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is hiring an RF Test Engineer for an onsite role in Redmond, WA. You will lead RF test plans for components, modules, and systems, and automate bench measurements using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, and related tools, ensuring accurate data and repeatable results.

The role emphasizes RF characterization, calibration discipline, and collaboration with design and manufacturing teams to support design verification, qualification, and production release.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in EE, Electronics, Physics, or related field.
• 3+ years in RF or microwave testing, characterization, or validation.
• Strong RF fundamentals and hardware behavior.
• Hands-on RF lab equipment experience (VNA, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes).
• Proficiency with test automation and Python scripting.
• Ability to read schematics and datasheets.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills for RF.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute RF test plans for components, modules, and systems.
• Perform RF measurements and set up fixtures, cables, adapters, and related hardware.
• Automate bench measurements using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW or similar tools.
• Design and maintain test scripts, data logging tools, and reporting workflows.
• Troubleshoot RF test setups and measurement errors for reliable results.
• Correlate lab results with simulations and design expectations.
• Support design verification, qualification, and production release testing.
• Analyze failures and lead root-cause investigations for RF issues.
• Maintain calibration awareness and measurement uncertainty discipline.
• Create clear documentation for procedures and reports.
• Support environmental, thermal, TVAC, HALT, HASS, ALT testing as required.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide test data and insights.

Skills

RF testing

VNA

Oscilloscopes

Python

Troubleshooting

Schematic reading

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Scripting

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: RF Test Engineer

Location: Redmond, WA - 100% Onsite

Placement Type: Salaried Managed Service Project

Top Skills

RF measurements and fixtures

RF Testing experience

Troubleshoot and debug issues for RF circuits or PCBs

Job Description

The RF Test Engineer designs, executes, and automates RF test plans for components, modules, and systems, ensuring accurate measurement, thorough characterization, and reliable validation of RF performance. This role focuses on RF bench testing, test automation, troubleshooting complex RF setups, and supporting design verification, qualification, and production release activities.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute RF test plans, procedures, and test cases for RF components, modules, and systems.
• Perform RF measurements and set up RF measurement fixtures, cables, adapters, and related hardware for accurate testing.
• Automate bench measurements using tools such as Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar test automation software.
• Design and maintain test scripts, data logging tools, and report generation workflows to streamline RF test execution and reporting.
• Troubleshoot RF test setups, fixtures, cables, adapters, and measurement errors to ensure reliable and repeatable results.
• Correlate lab measurement results with simulation data and design expectations to validate RF performance.
• Support design verification, qualification, and production release testing for RF and microwave hardware.
• Analyze failures and lead root-cause investigations for RF performance issues in circuits, PCBs, and systems.
• Maintain strong calibration awareness and discipline around measurement uncertainty to uphold test accuracy and integrity.
• Create clear documentation for test procedures, test results, and detailed engineering reports.
• Support environmental, thermal, shock, vibration, TVAC, HALT, HASS, and ALT testing as required for RF hardware qualification.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams by providing test data, insights, and recommendations based on RF characterization.
• Use RF lab equipment such as vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, vector signal generators, and oscilloscopes to conduct measurements.
• Read and interpret schematics, block diagrams, and datasheets to plan tests and troubleshoot RF circuits and PCBs.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in RF or microwave testing, characterization, or validation.
• Strong understanding of RF fundamentals and radio frequency hardware behavior.
• Hands-on experience with RF lab equipment such as vector network analyzers (VNA), spectrum analyzers, vector signal generators, and oscilloscopes.
• Experience performing RF measurements and setting up RF measurement fixtures and test equipment.
• Proficiency with test automation and scripting, particularly using Python.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, block diagrams, and component datasheets.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills for RF circuits, PCBs, and test setups.
• Ability to troubleshoot and debug issues in RF circuits or PCBs and related hardware.
• Good written and verbal communication skills for documenting procedures, reports, and collaborating with engineering teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with test automation software and tools beyond Python, such as MATLAB or LabVIEW.
• Experience in RF test execution, test equipment operation, and RF hardware characterization.
• Familiarity with environmental, shock, vibration, thermal, and TVAC testing for RF hardware.
• Experience with HALT, HASS, and ALT testing methodologies.
• Ability to create detailed test reports and engineering documentation.
• Experience supporting design verification, qualification, and production release testing.
• Calibration awareness and understanding of measurement uncertainty in RF test environments.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role based in Redmond, working in a hands-on RF lab and hardware test environment. You will regularly use RF test equipment such as vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, vector signal generators, oscilloscopes, and various fixtures, cables, and adapters. The work involves bench testing, environmental and stress testing, and close collaboration with engineering teams. The role offers a significant opportunity to contribute to advanced RF testing initiatives and build your res