RF Test Technician IV

Mercury Systems; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercury Systems is seeking an RF Test Technician to conduct RF measurements and mechanical assembly of semiconductor components, operating from DC to 40GHz+. The role involves problem solving, ATP-style testing, and reporting results per procedures.

Responsibilities include RF testing with VNAs and spectrum analyzers, thermal/environmental testing, and setup of test rigs for production hardware. High attention to detail and reading schematics are essential.

Qualifications

• Requires basic to advanced RF/Microwave measurement knowledge.
• Must understand RF parameters such as return loss, insertion loss, gain, noise figure, harmonics.
• Experience with lab test equipment like VNAs, analyzers, meters.
• Ability to read schematics and work instructions.

Responsibilities

• Test RF components from 20MHz to 40GHz and assemble modules.
• Perform RF/microwave tests with lab equipment and document results.
• Conduct thermal and environmental tests and troubleshoot issues.
• Setup test equipment for production hardware and assist design teams as needed.

Skills

RF measurement

Microwave testing

Troubleshooting

Hand-eye coordination

Schematics comprehension

Education

High School Diploma

Associate degree in Electronics

Tools

Vector Network Analyzers

Spectrum Analyzers

Oscilloscopes

Digital Multi-meters

Job description

Job Summary:

The RF Test Technician will conduct RF measurements and mechanical assembly of semiconductor components such as amplifiers, switches, filters, mixers, multi-chip modules, and RF Modules that operate from DC to 40GHz +. The Technician will complete problem solving which will require an understanding of electronic standards and concepts and the ability to comprehend basic block diagrams, schematics, and device layouts. In addition, the Technician may be asked to prepare test reports and data in accordance with Acceptance Test Procedures (ATP) and may help write Acceptance Testing Procedures.

Job Responsibilities:

• Test, troubleshoot, and mechanically assemble RF components from 20MHz to 40GHz, including but not limited to, filters, mixers, switches, diplexers, multiplexers, filter-LNAs, amplifiers and RF modules
• 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
• Execute thermal and environmental tests, troubleshooting/problem solving, debugging moderate problems by using a variety of test equipment, including bus analyzers, oscilloscopes and logic analyzers to ensure the highest quality of integrated and tested products
• Setup test equipment for testing of production hardware independently
• Work from schematics, work instructions, drawings and operating procedures
• May assist engineers with new design and development activities including prototyping and first article units
• Develop an understanding and familiarity of operation, and parametric behavior of RF components

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma
• Typically requires 5+ years' experience in RF and Microwave component and/or module testing.
• Deep comprehension of electronic circuits fundamentals, and RF measurement methods.
• Thorough understanding of RF electrical measurements including but not limited to return loss, insertion loss, rejection, gain, noise figure, 1 dB compression, intermodulation, harmonics, spurious, etc.
• Experience using lab test equipment including vector network analyzers, RF signal generators, spectrum analyzers, power meters, digital multi-meters, and basic electronic tools.
• Experience in following test instructions and manufacturing procedures.
• 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 in Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Electronics
• Understand RF circuit concepts, such as filter topologies and impedance matching

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 adjust RF gaskets under a microscope. Specific abilities required by this job include the frequent requirement of overtime work.

"This position requires you to access information that is subject to U.S. export regulations. You may only access such information if you are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. government."

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.

To find out more aboutWhy Mercury?, or visit the Mercury Community or find answers to general questions at Mercury FAQs

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.

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