RF Test Engineering & Lab Automation Leader

Leonardo DRS; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Flexible work options

Telemedicine

Life and disability insurance

Job summary

Leonardo DRS is seeking a Manager of RF Test Engineering & Engineering Labs to lead and scale our RF test capabilities across development, integration, and production. You will define a modern, automated, data-driven RF test strategy and lead teams from technicians to senior engineers in delivering scalable test solutions that align with program objectives.

The role emphasizes leadership in test engineering, lab operations, and automation, with a focus on RF performance validation, test

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of experience in RF test engineering, system validation, or ATE development.
• 3+ years of experience in engineering leadership / people management.
• Strong hands-on experience with RF test equipment (signal generators, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, power meters, noise figure analyzers).
• Proven experience architecting and implementing automated RF test systems (ATE).
• Deep understanding of RF measurement techniques and performance metrics (gain, NF, IP3, harmonics, spurs, phase noise, etc.).
• Experience with system-level RF integration and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in Python or similar scripting languages for test automation.
• Experience with LabVIEW or comparable test development environments.
• Familiarity with test data management, databases (SQL), and analysis workflows.
• Experience working in Linux and Windows environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Test Engineering and Engineering Labs organization, including team development, hiring, performance management, and technical leadership
• Define and execute a comprehensive test strategy across development, integration & test (I&T), and production
• Architect and standardize Automated Test Equipment (ATE) and test frameworks across multiple programs and product lines
• Develop and deploy automated test solutions to validate key RF performance metrics (gain, noise figure, linearity/IP2/IP3, spurious, phase noise)
• Drive improvements in test efficiency, throughput, yield, and cycle time through automation and data-driven approaches
• Integrate AI/ML and advanced analytics into test workflows for predictive diagnostics and faster root cause analysis
• Partner with RF Design, Systems Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management to ensure strong Design-for-Testability (DFT) practices are implemented early in product development and strong correlation between simulation, lab validation, and production test
• Lead and support complex RF system debug across lab and production environments (hardware, firmware, and integration issues)
• Own engineering lab operations, including capacity planning, equipment lifecycle management, calibration strategy, and ESD/safety compliance
• Lead transition of test solutions from engineering to manufacturing, including readiness, documentation, training, and sustaining support
• Support proposals (RFP/RFQ/RFI) with test strategies, cost estimates, and execution plans
• Own test-related CAPEX planning and execution, ensuring alignment with long-term architecture and ROI objectives
• Establish and track key metrics (yield, test time, MTTR, defect escape rate) to drive continuous improvement
• Develop and maintain a long-term RF test technology roadmap aligned with product complexity and business growth
• Drive development of scalable test data infrastructure and analytics to enable enterprise-wide visibility and insights
• Ensure lab and test environments meet quality, performance, and audit readiness standards
• Mentor engineers in test development, RF measurement techniques, automation, and data-driven engineering practices
• Foster a culture of technical rigor, accountability, and continuous improvement

Skills

RF test engineering

System validation

ATE development

Engineering leadership

Python scripting

LabVIEW

RF measurement

Linux/Windows

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related

Tools

RF test equipment

SQL databases

Job description

Leonardo DRS is seeking a Manager of RF Test Engineering & Engineering Labs to lead and scale our RF test capabilities across development, integration, and production. You will define a modern, automated, data-driven RF test strategy and lead teams from technicians to senior engineers in delivering scalable test solutions that align with program objectives.

The role emphasizes leadership in test engineering, lab operations, and automation, with a focus on RF performance validation, test