RF Test Engineer - MMIC

Mini-Circuits; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Mini-Circuits designs, manufactures and distributes RF and microwave products for a wide range of applications, with engineering and production sites around the world. The RF Test Engineer I will test RF Power Amplifier products in die and packaged forms from initial prototype evaluation to manufacturing, adhering to semiconductor standards and generating accurate test data for process improvement.

This entry‑level role offers exposure to test systems, ECO processes and cross‑functional

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering or related field with RF design/test experience
• Coursework in amplifier design, filters, electromagnetic theory, system analysis, digital modulation, S-parameter analysis, Python

Responsibilities

• Test RF Power Amplifiers (die and packaged) according to standards
• Troubleshoot issues and record accurate test data
• Support test, characterize, and qualify products
• Assist in production-readiness reviews and training of personnel
• Collaborate with project managers on catalog and customer specials
• Provide bench data and test plans for product verification
• Develop test procedures and block diagrams for existing and new tests
• Ensure compliance with ECOs and release processes

Skills

RF testing

Data analysis

Lab troubleshooting

Test equipment usage

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent + 2 years experience in RF Product Design & Test

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent + 1 year experience in RF Product Design & Test

Tools

Spectrum analyzer

Network analyzer

Oscilloscope

Job description

Mini-Circuits designs, manufactures and distributes integrated circuits, modules, and sub‑systems for high‑performance radio frequency (RF) and microwave applications. With design, sales and manufacturing locations in over 30 countries, Mini‑Circuits’ products are used in a range of wired and wireless communications applications. Our products are also used in detection, measurement and imaging applications, including military communication, guidance and electronic countermeasure systems, commercial, scientific, military land, sea and aircraft; automotive systems; medical systems; and industrial test equipment.

Position Summary

The RF Test Engineer I is responsible for testing RF Power Amplifier products in both die and packaged forms from initial prototype evaluation to manufacturing.

Salary Range

$90,000 – $100,000

Job Function

• Test products in accordance with semiconductor standards/specifications
• Troubleshoot issues and record verified‑accurate test data
• Provide engineering support to test, characterize and qualify products
• Participate in production‑run readiness reviews and support training of production personnel
• Participate in final design review meetings for all catalog and customer specials
• Collaborate with Project Managers to support the release of catalog product quotas and customer specials
• Provide meaningful bench data ensuring all elements of the applicable product specifications/requirements are tested and verified
• Provide test strategy and implementation plan for all types of relevant products (power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, mixers, and various passive components such as baluns, power splitters, etc.)
• Assist in the efficient and cost‑effective transition of design prototypes from engineering to production
• Analyze and recommend improvements to production processes and methods to facilitate cost‑reduction and quality improvement
• Prepare new test procedures and generate block diagrams for existing and new test procedures
• Ensure compliance with Phase Gated Process, Engineering Change Order (ECO) and release processes with respect to test systems and software

The duties, responsibilities and expectations described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the member, within the scope of the position.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or similar engineering field of study + 2 years of experience in RF Product Design & Test
  • OR Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or similar engineering field of study + 1 year of experience in RF Product Design & Test
  • Related coursework (preferred):
    • Amplifier circuit design (low noise & power)
    • Filter/network analysis and synthesis techniques
    • Electromagnetic theory
    • System Analysis
    • Digital communication and modulation techniques
    • S-parameter based network analysis
    • Python coding

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Basic understanding of surface mount and microelectronic chip‑and‑wire manufacturing methods and techniques, including soldering, wedge bonding, silver epoxy application, expansion coefficient and thermal conductivity of materials, plating, hard and soft substrate materials, printed circuit board manufacturing methods and techniques
• Measurement of RF, thermal and electrical characteristics for RF Power Amplifiers such as Linearity, Power, Efficiency, NF, Thermal Scans, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to review data and rationalize when the data may be erroneous
• Hands‑on experience with RF test equipment including spectrum and network analyzers, oscilloscope, power meter, signal generator, and power supply
• Using thermal chambers and environmental test equipment
• Hands‑on ability to assemble, tune, test and troubleshoot hardware in a laboratory environment
• Experience or coursework in microwave and millimeter‑wave hardware design, including electrical, mechanical, thermal and test environment
• Theoretical and basic practical knowledge in the use of MMIC, LTCC and ferrite core and wire products including couplers, dividers, baluns, transformers, mixers and amplifiers
• Familiarity with semiconductor probe testing

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to operate a computer keyboard. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Additional Requirements/Skills

• Comply, understand, and support corporate safety initiatives to ensure a safe work environment.
• Ability and willingness to abide by the Company’s Code of Conduct.

Disclaimer: The listed qualifications and requirements for each position are intended as guidelines. Mini‑Circuits reserves the right to hire outside of these guidelines at Management’s discretion.

Mini‑Circuits is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, gender identity, gender dysphoria, pregnancy‑related condition, and domestic violence victim status or protected class characteristic, or any other protected characteristic as established by federal or state law.