RF Test Technician

Actalent; Fair Lawn (NJ); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability—Short and Long-term

HSA/Transportation benefits

PTO / Vacation

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an RF Test Engineer in Fair Lawn, NJ for a contract-to-hire role. The engineer will design, test, and support RF/microwave components for telecommunications, performing hands-on testing and troubleshooting in prototype and production environments.

Responsibilities include defining test setups, generating detailed reports, and collaborating with teams to ensure product performance. Requires 3–5 years of hands-on RF testing experience and strong instrumentation skills.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years hands-on experience testing and optimizing RF components.
• Strong RF testing experience with laboratory instruments.
• Ability to read electronic/mechanical blueprints.
• Proficient with MS Office for reporting and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and support RF/microwave components and production testing.
• Follow RF test procedures and complete test reports.
• Troubleshoot and optimize RF modules (PA, LNAs) in prototype and production.
• Define RF test setups to measure VSWR, gain, IP3, noise figure, and harmonics.
• Perform RF testing using network analyzers, power meters, and related equipment.
• Test DAS and tower-mounted amplifiers for public safety and carrier applications.
• Read and apply information from blueprints to testing.
• Communicate technical information clearly with internal teams and clients.

Skills

RF testing

Component-level troubleshooting

English communication

Blueprint reading

Group work / independence

Documentation and reporting

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Network analyzers

Power meters

Noise figure meters

Job description

RF Test Engineer

This role focuses on the design, development, documentation, and production support of RF and microwave components, including active and passive devices, for the telecommunications industry. The RF Test Engineer performs hands‑on testing, optimization, and troubleshooting of RF components and systems in both prototype and production environments, ensuring products meet performance specifications and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and support the documentation and production of RF and microwave components, including active and passive devices for telecommunications applications.
• Follow established RF test procedures and accurately complete detailed test reports for all tested products.
• Troubleshoot and optimize discrete power amplifier modules and low noise amplifiers (LNAs) in both prototype and production stages.
• Define and construct RF test setups to measure VSWR, gain, group delay, phase variation, IP3, P1dB/P3dB compression points, noise figure, and harmonics for narrowband and broadband high‑power amplifiers.
• Perform RF testing using network analyzers, power meters, noise figure meters, and other RF test instruments to validate performance and identify issues.
• Define and construct test setups to measure VSWR, insertion loss, group delay, and phase variation for passive filtering products.
• Test, characterize, and optimize Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and related systems, including bi‑directional amplifiers and tower‑mounted amplifiers for public safety and carrier applications.
• Read, interpret, and apply information from electronic and mechanical blueprints to support testing and troubleshooting activities.
• Communicate technical information clearly and effectively with internal teams and external clients to resolve issues and support product performance.
• Manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously while adapting quickly to changing production requirements and schedules.
• Document new designs and test configurations thoroughly to support future repeat orders and ensure consistent product performance.
• Perform component‑level troubleshooting and board‑level repair using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and other laboratory test equipment.
• Use test equipment and tools, including PCB test fixtures and soldering equipment, to diagnose, repair, and validate electronic assemblies.
• Maintain accurate records of test setups, results, and corrective actions to support continuous improvement and traceability.

Essential Skills

• 3–5 years of hands‑on experience in testing and optimizing active and passive discrete RF components.
• Strong experience in RF testing and RF test equipment at the component level.
• Proficiency with RF test instruments such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, power meters, and noise figure meters.
• Demonstrated component‑level troubleshooting skills for RF and electronic assemblies.
• Experience with board repair, electronic troubleshooting, and use of laboratory test equipment.
• Ability to read and understand electronic and mechanical blueprints.
• Ability to read and speak English to interpret technical documentation and communicate effectively.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules and operating procedures.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications for reporting, documentation, and communication.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly with internal teams and clients.
• Ability to work well both in a group and independently, managing tasks and priorities effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate within a test engineering team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience testing and optimizing Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), bi‑directional amplifiers, and tower‑mounted amplifiers for public safety and carrier applications.
• Experience defining and constructing RF test setups to measure VSWR, gain, group delay, phase variation, IP3, compression points, noise figure, harmonics, insertion loss, and related parameters.
• Familiarity with testing passive filtering products and characterizing their RF performance.
• Experience with PCB‑level work, including soldering and rework for RF and electronic assemblies.
• Ability to document new designs, test procedures, and configurations for future repeat orders and production use.
• Strong attention to detail in completing test reports and maintaining accurate records of test results.
• Proficiency in using microscopes and other laboratory tools for inspection and detailed work on electronic assemblies.
• AutoCAD experience or familiarity is a plus for interpreting or supporting design documentation.

Work Environment

The RF Test Engineer works as part of a dedicated RF test technician team within an engineering‑focused environment. The role involves close collaboration with test engineering leadership and engineering teams to support a growing product portfolio in the RF and microwave domain. Work is hands‑on and laboratory‑based, using advanced RF test equipment such as network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, power meters, noise figure meters, oscilloscopes, microscopes, and other laboratory instruments. The organization is experiencing significant growth and is actively introducing new products, creating opportunities to support new designs and contribute to the expansion of the business. The environment values teamwork, clear communication, and adaptability to changing production requirements, with a strong emphasis on safety, adherence to operating procedures, and high‑quality technical documentation

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fair Lawn, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Fair Lawn,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 23, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News‑Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.