Senior RF Technician

Herrick Labs; Germantown (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology company located in Germantown, MD, is seeking a Senior RF Technician to support assembly and testing of advanced software-defined radio systems. The role demands strong RF hardware skills, experience with sophisticated RF measurements, and the ability to mentor junior technicians. Applicants should have a degree in Electronics Technology or similar, paired with substantial hands-on RF experience. Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and quality improvement.

Qualifications

• 5 years of hands-on RF test and troubleshooting experience.
• Strong expertise in diagnosing RF/microwave hardware issues.
• Proficiency with advanced RF instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• System-level and board-level integration, test, and troubleshooting.
• Perform advanced RF measurements across the operating spectrum.
• Support engineering root-cause analysis for product nonconformance.

Skills

RF/microwave hardware diagnosis

Advanced RF measurements

System-level troubleshooting

Collaboration with engineering

Education

Associate’s degree in Electronics Technology

Bachelor’s in a related discipline

Tools

Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs)

Spectrum analyzers

Phase noise analyzers

Automated test systems

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Senior RF Technician to support the assembly, integration, test, and troubleshooting of advanced software-defined radio (SDR) systems and RF subsystems spanning low frequency through 50 GHz.

Job Location:

Germantown, MD

Position Type:

Full-time

Description:

This role requires deep hands-on technical expertise in RF/microwave hardware, proficiency with advanced test methodologies, and the ability to collaborate closely with engineering to resolve complex performance issues and support new product introduction (NPI).

Key Responsibilities

• System-level and board-level integration, test, and troubleshooting of SDR platforms and RF subsystems.
• Perform advanced RF measurements (gain, noise figure, linearity, phase noise, spurious emissions, etc.) across the operating spectrum up to 50GHz.
• Operate, program, and maintain complex RF/microwave test equipment including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, phase noise analyzers, power meters, oscilloscopes, and signal generators.
• Support engineering root-cause analysis and corrective action for product nonconformance, identifying circuit-level and system-level issues.
• Collaborate with design and systems engineers during prototype builds, verification testing, and design validation, providing real-time feedback on performance issues and manufacturability.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior technicians on assembly, testing, and troubleshooting practices.
• Ensure test data integrity, proper documentation, and traceability in compliance with AS9100/ISO9001 quality management standards.
• Work cross-functionally with engineering, quality, and program management teams to drive continuous improvement in test methodologies, assembly practices, and product performance.

Qualifications

Required:

• Associate’s degree in Electronics Technology, RF/Microwave Engineering, or equivalent military/industry background; Bachelor’s in a related discipline preferred.
• 5 years of hands-on RF test and troubleshooting experience in defense, aerospace, or advanced telecom environments.
• Strong expertise in diagnosing RF/microwave hardware issues at the board, module, and system level.
• Proficiency with advanced RF instrumentation (VNA calibration and de-embedding, time-domain gating, noise figure analyzers, etc.).
• Experience supporting engineering change activities (ECNs/SAIs) and providing feedback for design-for-test and design-for-manufacture improvements.
• Ability to read and interpret RF schematics, system block diagrams, and test specifications.

Preferred:

• Direct experience with software-defined radio architectures and RF/digital signal interaction.
• Hands-on experience with automated test systems and scripting (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or similar).
• Laboratory and defense electronics production floor environment.
• Involves frequent handling of precision RF/microwave components and connectors.
• Occasional lifting up to 25lbs. and use of mechanical/hand tools.