RF Test Technician

Ultimate Staffing Services; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Ultimate Staffing is seeking an RF Test Technician to join a client in San Jose, CA. This is a 6 month contract role with potential extension. The position is 100% onsite, Mon-Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm with some overtime.

The RF Test Technician will perform RF testing, tuning, calibration, and final testing of RF networks using VNAs and HV test equipment in a cleanroom/test bay environment. Strong troubleshooting and documentation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong RF fundamentals and impedance matching knowledge.
• Hands-on experience with high-power RF systems and diagnostics.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics and RF block diagrams.
• 3+ to 5+ years of RF testing, tuning, and troubleshooting experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform full functional RF testing, tuning, and calibration of RF matching networks.
• Operate VNAs, spectrum analyzers, power meters, LCR meters, and HV test gear.
• Tune VVC drives, motor positions, and coils for optimal match tuning trajectories.
• Conduct Hi-Pot dielectric tests, insulation resistance, and RF leakage checks.
• Monitor liquid-cooling manifolds during high-power burn-in and verify flow/pressure.
• Log test data and calibration metrics into SAP with traceability.
• Troubleshoot non-conforming units and initiate NCRs as needed.
• Collaborate with RF Eng and NPI to validate test scripts and TWIs.

Skills

RF testing

High-power RF

VNA operation

Impedance matching

Smith chart

Electrical safety

Documentation in SAP

Troubleshooting

Test instrumentation

Power meters

Education

Associate Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology (ASEET)

Military RF/Radar Electronics training

Tools

Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs)

Spectrum Analyzers

Power Meters

LCR meters

Hi-Pot testers

SAP data entry

Job description

Salary: USD35 - USD37 per hour

Ultimate Staffing is seeking an RF Test Technician to join a client in San Jose CA. This is a 6 month contract role with potential extenstion. The position is 100% onsite. Hours for the role are Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. with some overtime.

Job Summary: Main Objectives of the Position

The RF Test Technician is responsible for performing functional electrical tuning, high-power RF characterization, and comprehensive final testing of RF matching networks used in semiconductor and plasma process equipment. This role operates high-voltage test cells, Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), RF power generators, and automated test stations to calibrate impedance tuning ranges, verify RF power handling capability, and ensure product reliability prior to customer delivery.

Tasks and Duties (incl. percentages of tasks if applicable)

• Perform full functional RF testing, tuning, and calibration on production RF matching networks across standard frequency ranges (350kHz to 200MHz) at power levels exceeding 1kW–10kW+.
• Set up and operate RF test instrumentation, including Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), Spectrum Analyzers, LCR meters, high-voltage oscilloscopes, directional couplers, and digital power meters.
• Tune vacuum variable capacitor (VVC) drives, stepper motor homing positions, and inductive coils to optimize match tuning trajectories, Smith chart response, and response times.
• Perform high-voltage electrical safety testing, including Hi-Pot dielectric withstand tests, insulation resistance checks, ground bonding continuity, and RF leakage verification.
• Connect, purge, and monitor liquid-cooling manifolds during high-power thermal burn-in cycles; verify flow rates, pressure drops, and thermal stability.
• Log test data, sweep plots, and calibration metrics into SAP and automated test data repositories; record test travelers with strict traceability.
• Perform troubleshooting, fault isolation, and component-level diagnosis on non-conforming units (e.g., failed match responses, thermal hot spots, RF arcing, encoder communication faults); initiate non-conformance reports (NCRs).
• Partner with RF Engineering and NPI teams to validate new test scripts, refine Test Work Instructions (TWIs), and provide feedback on test fixture design and automated software routines.
• Maintain cleanroom/test bay 5S standards, follow strict high-voltage RF safety protocols, and ensure regular calibration of test equipment.
• Other duties as assigned

Role Related Knowledge, Education & Experience

• Strong technical understanding of RF fundamentals, impedance matching networks, Smith chart navigation, transmission lines, high-power RF containment, and phase/magnitude detectors.
• Hands-on proficiency operating VNAs, spectrum analyzers, RF signal generators, power meters, directional couplers, and electrical safety testers (Hi-Pot).
• Command of SAP data entry, manufacturing test software execution, and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, RF block diagrams, wiring harness layouts, and detailed engineering test specifications.
• Excellent technical communication and problem-solving skills; ability to document failure modes clearly for engineering disposition.
• Associate Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology (ASEET), Military RF/Radar Electronics training, or equivalent technical trade discipline required.
• 3+ to 5+ years of hands-on experience in RF testing, tuning, and troubleshooting high-power RF systems, power amplifiers, or semiconductor equipment sub-assemblies.

Physical Requirements

• Capability to safely work near high-voltage, high-power RF signals and liquid-cooling line connections in enclosed test cell environments.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and position test specimens and equipment components weighing up to 35–50 lbs unassisted, and up to 75+ lbs using hoists or team lifts.
• Excellent close-up visual acuity and color vision to observe indicator lights, fine component markings, digital trace displays, and wiring connections.
• Manual dexterity to hook up RF cables, torque N-type/7-16 DIN/EIA connectors, attach cooling lines, and manipulate fine test probes.
• Capability to stand, sit, stoop, reach, and maneuver around test benches for extended shift periods (8–10 hours per shift).