RF Test Technician

Mercury Systems, Inc.; Oxnard (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercury Systems, Inc. in Oxnard, CA seeks an RF Test Technician III to test and tune RF and microwave technologies for defense applications.

You will perform functional, environmental, and operational tests on semiconductor devices and IMAs, interpreting block diagrams and test requirements to deliver reliable products while preparing detailed test reports. You will work from schematics and procedures, use high-end lab equipment, and collaborate with engineering to drive continuous improvement;

Qualifications

• High School Diploma is required.
• Typically 3+ years in RF and Microwave module testing.
• Hands-on tuning of RF/microwave devices.
• Experience with RF measurements: return loss, insertion loss, gain, noise figure, intermodulation, harmonics, spurious.
• Ability to read assembly drawings and electrical schematics.
• Must be able to obtain security clearance (U.S. citizen).

Responsibilities

• Tune, test and troubleshoot microwave devices from 20MHz to 40GHz with minimal direction.
• Perform RF/microwave tests using lab equipment (network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, meters).
• Work from schematics, drawings, and procedures.
• Record and organize test results and communicate status of production efforts.
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment or test setup issues.
• Maintain and calibrate test equipment for reliability.

Skills

RF testing

Microwave measurement

Troubleshooting

Schematics reading

Security clearance

Hand-eye coordination

DC theory

Test instructions compliance

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Vector network analyzers

RF signal generators

Spectrum analyzers

Power meters

Digital multimeters

Oscilloscopes

Job description

The RF Test Technician III plays a key role in advancing Mercury’s mission by testing and tuning cutting‑edge RF and microwave technologies that directly support critical defense and aerospace applications. In this role, you will perform complex functional, environmental, and operational tests on semiconductor devices and state of the art chip and wire assemblies, ensuring they meet rigorous engineering and military standards. Your expertise in RF measurements, troubleshooting, and interpreting block diagrams enables you to deliver reliable, high‑quality products designed to protect American lives and provide our military with a decisive technological advantage. By preparing detailed test reports and collaborating closely with engineering, you help drive continuous improvement and operational excellence across the organization.

Join a dynamic, friendly team of technicians where you can make an impact. We offer flexible work schedules and the opportunity to improve your skills.

Job Responsibilities:

• Tune, test and troubleshoot, with minimum to no verbal direction, microwave devices from 20MHz to 40GHz, including but not limited to filters, mixers, switches, diplexers, multiplexers, LNAs, amplifiers and integrated microwave assemblies (IMAs)
• Perform RF/Microwave related tests utilizing laboratory equipment including network analyzers, signal analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, function generators, high power amplifiers, noise meters, power meters, and multi-meters Solve practical problems encountered in an efficient and timely manner
• Work from schematics, work instructions, drawings and operating procedures
• Record and organize test results and communicate the status of various production efforts
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment or test setup issues.
• Maintain and calibrate test equipment to ensure reliability.
• Other responsibilities as directed and necessary for the business.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma
• Typically requires a minimum of 3(+) years of experience in RF and Microwave module testing.
• Hands-on experience tuning RF and microwave devices using stubs or other methods.
• Hands-on experience in electrical measurements including but not limited to return loss, insertion loss, rejection, gain, noise figure, 1 dB compression, intermodulation, harmonics, spurious, etc.
• Understand DC theory (Ohm's Law).
• Experience in following test instructions and manufacturing procedures.
• Experience reading assembly drawings and electrical schematics.
• Experience working under a microscope including excellent hand-eye coordination Physical hand dexterity to perform all duties needed to complete the work (will require using small hand tools for prolonged periods).
• Experience with electronic circuits fundamentals, and RF measurement methods.
• Experience using lab test equipment including vector network analyzers, RF signal generators, spectrum analyzers, power meters, digital multi-meters, and basic electronic tools.
• This position requires you to have or obtain a government security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens.

Preferred Qualification:

• Previous experience working for aerospace or defense electronics company
• Familiarity with Following ESD procedures

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Constantly move objects and use abdominal and lower back muscles to provide support over time without fatigue.
• Specific abilities required by the job include positioning oneself to lift or move objects weighing up to 40lbs
• Constant movement and use of limbs.
• Specific abilities required by this job include prolonged sitting, twisting and working under a microscope for long periods of time will be required.
• Occasional Standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing, and gripping is required daily. Frequently observe, detect, discern, and convey information.
• Specific abilities required by this job include near, far and color vision acuity, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Requires good manual dexterity, coordination, and stamina.
• Ability to safely control surgical razor blades and small hand tools used to manipulate tuning stub under a microscope.
• Specific abilities required by this job include the frequent requirement of overtime work.

#LI-RL1

Fulltime Equivalent Job Grade Salary Range for this position

• $34,200.00 - $68,400.00 annual salary for in-office or hybrid employees in FL, GA, IN, AZ, AL, MD or TX, and all remote employees
• $38,300.00 - $76,600.00 annual salary for in-office or hybrid employees in VA, CA, NH or MA
• $40,400.00 - $80,700.00 annual salary for in-office or hybrid employees in NJ

Additional Information

Mercury considers a variety of factors to determine individual base salary offers to candidates, including:

• the role and related responsibilities;
• education, training, skills and certifications;
• internal equity with others employed by Mercury in similar roles;
• geographic location; and
• alignment with market data.

In addition to base salary, Mercury provides a variety of benefits for team members including:

• bonus opportunities (or special incentives for sales positions);
• health, life and disability insurance;
• company-paid holidays and time off;
• discounted employee stock purchase plan;
• tuition reimbursement; and
• access to professional development and personal wellness platforms including LinkedIn Learning, Headspace, Aaptiv and Virgin Pulse.

Team members at the Director or Vice President level are also eligible to receive annual stock-based awards.

Mercury offers a 9/80 alternative work schedule that provides employees more opportunity for work/ life balance (available based off location)

Why Mercury?

Why should you join Mercury Systems?

Mercury Systems is a technology company that makes the world a safer, more secure place. We push processing power to the tactical edge, making the latest commercial technologies profoundly more accessible for today's most challenging aerospace and defense missions. From silicon to system scale, Mercury enables customers to accelerate innovation and turn data into decision superiority. Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, Mercury employs more than 2,300 people in 24 locations worldwide. To learn more, visit mrcy.com

Our Culture

We are committed to making Mercury a great place to work, no matter where our employees are located. We offer a casual and enjoyable atmosphere that allows employees to learn and grow. We help and care for one another and work as one to achieve results for us and for our customers. We value communication and transparency, and strive to foster two-way dialogue at all levels of the organization. We are committed to lifelong learning, offering comprehensive skills training and tuition reimbursement. Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or you are an experienced professional, it's important to us that you feel recognized and rewarded for your contributions.

Mercury Systems is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, creed, citizenship, disability, protected veteran or marital status.

As an equal opportunity employer, Mercury Systems is committed to a diverse workforce. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact the number below for assistance.