Rf Test Technician

Actalent; Washington; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Washington state is seeking an RF Test Technician to provide hands-on support in a satellite hardware development lab. You will execute RF tests, build fixtures, and maintain equipment to keep the lab operational and efficient.

The role requires 2+ years of hands-on lab experience, familiarity with RF test equipment, and the ability to work with cross-functional engineering teams on development programs.

Qualifications

• AS or AAS in Electronics Technology or equivalent training is required.
• Hands-on experience with RF or microwave lab equipment preferred.
• Ability to read wiring diagrams, schematics, and mechanical drawings.
• Experience soldering, cable fabrication, and PCB rework for test hardware.
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds and work in a lab setting.
• Strong attention to detail for inventory and documentation.
• Experience in RF test practices and equipment is preferred.
• Knowledge of thermal chamber operations and environmental testing.
• IPC J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610 certifications are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Execute RF and hardware test procedures for satellite-related components.
• Build and modify test racks and fixtures to support development and validation activities.
• Perform hardware assembly and disassembly and handle RF components.
• Provide coverage during day hours; occasional extended hours or weekend work as needed.
• Maintain and repair test equipment and fixtures with basic troubleshooting.
• Conduct preventative maintenance on lab equipment to minimize downtime.
• Support PCBA rework and cable fabrication for test configurations.
• Operate wire bonder equipment and BGA rework stations as required.
• Manage calibration logistics and ensure timely return of calibrated assets.
• Operate environmental test chambers for thermal, vibration, and TVAC testing.
• Fulfill ad-hoc equipment and test setup requests from engineering teams.
• Handle receiving and shipping of DUTs and RMAs as needed.
• Track assets and inventory to maintain visibility and availability.
• Document test activities with traceability and compliance.
• Read wiring diagrams, schematics, and mechanical drawings to build and troubleshoot setups.
• Collaborate with engineers and lab management to prioritize work and meet schedules.

Skills

RF test procedures

Schematic reading

Attention to detail

Troubleshooting

Inventory management

Education

AS / AAS in Electronics Technology

Equivalent military or vocational training

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Multimeters

Spectrum analyzers

Soldering

Cable fabrication

PCB rework

Wire bonder

BGA rework station

Thermal chambers

Calibration logistics

Environmental testing equipment

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: RF Test Technician

The RF Test Technician provides hands-on technical support in an RF satellite hardware development lab, ensuring test activities, equipment, and inventory run smoothly and reliably. This role executes test procedures, builds and modifies test racks and fixtures, supports hardware assembly and disassembly, and maintains lab organization so engineering and development teams have the tools, data, and equipment they need, when they need it. The technician works under the direction of engineers and lab leadership, contributes to RF and environmental testing, and plays a key role in keeping the lab operational and efficient.

Responsibilities

• Execute RF and hardware test procedures accurately and consistently, including test execution for satellite-related components and systems.
• Build, modify, and assemble test racks, fixtures, and hardware setups to support engineering development and validation activities.
• Perform hardware assembly and disassembly tasks, ensuring proper handling of RF and electronic components and adherence to lab standards.
• Provide coverage during day hours and, when required, support occasional extended hours or weekend work during major test pushes.
• Maintain and repair test equipment and custom fixtures, including first-line troubleshooting and basic corrective actions to keep systems operational.
• Conduct preventative maintenance on lab equipment and fixtures to minimize downtime and ensure reliable test performance.
• Support PCBA rework activities, including soldering, basic PCB rework, and cable fabrication as needed for test configurations.
• Operate wire bonder equipment and support BGA rework station operations when required by engineering teams.
• Manage calibration logistics by pulling equipment for calibration, coordinating installation and removal, and ensuring timely return of calibrated assets.
• Operate thermal chambers for environmental testing, including setting up tests, monitoring conditions, and supporting thermal, shock, vibration, and TVAC-related activities.
• Fulfill ad-hoc equipment and test setup requests from engineering teams, ensuring quick response and accurate configuration.
• Handle receiving and shipping of test equipment, units under test (DUTs), and related materials, including coordinating RMAs and interfacility equipment transport.
• Manage DUT and equipment inventory, including tracking locations, status, and usage to support asset visibility and availability.
• Maintain lab organization, including grounding and ESD controls, cable, tool, and parts storage, and overall cleanliness and orderliness.
• Track assets and consumables, ensuring adequate stocking of tools, parts, and materials and updating asset management or inventory systems.
• Document test activities, equipment status, and inventory changes with strong attention to detail to support traceability and compliance.
• Read and interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, and mechanical drawings to build, modify, and troubleshoot test setups and hardware.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and lab management to prioritize work, support ongoing development programs, and meet test schedule needs.

Essential Skills

• AS or AAS in Electronics Technology, equivalent military or vocational training, or a minimum of 2+ years of hands-on lab experience.
• Hands-on experience using electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and spectrum analyzers.
• Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams, electrical schematics, and mechanical drawings for test and assembly work.
• Proficiency in soldering, cable fabrication, and basic PCB rework for test and development hardware.
• Comfort working in a lab environment and the ability to lift 50+ pounds safely when handling equipment and hardware.
• Strong attention to detail for accurate inventory tracking, documentation, and asset management.
• Experience working in RF or microwave lab environments and familiarity with RF test equipment and practices.
• Knowledge of thermal chamber operations and environmental testing, including thermal, vibration, shock, and TVAC-related activities.
• Experience operating wire bonder equipment or BGA rework stations.
• Familiarity with asset management or inventory systems for tracking equipment and consumables.
• Troubleshooting skills for test equipment, fixtures, and hardware setups in a lab environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• IPC J-STD-001 certification, indicating proficiency in soldered electrical and electronic assemblies.
• IPC-A-610 certification, demonstrating knowledge o