Spacecraft RF Test Architect

Actalent; Centennial (CO); On-site; USD 117,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an experienced RF Test Engineer to design and execute RF testing at the integrated spacecraft level in Centennial, CO. You will develop test plans, scripts, and architectures for spacecraft communications and payloads, and lead calibration and anomaly resolution efforts.

You will perform system-level RF testing across S-band, X-band, and K-band, support initial turn-on activities, and ensure flight-hardware readiness.

Qualifications

• Hands-on system-level satellite or spacecraft vehicle testing experience.
• Expertise in RF test planning, architecture, procedures, scripting, and execution at spacecraft level.
• Experience with spacecraft communications or payload systems, including transmit/receive chains.
• Proficiency with S-band, X-band, K-band RF systems.
• Strong RF troubleshooting and root-cause analysis on complex spacecraft platforms.
• Python or other OO language for test scripting/automation.
• Ability to work first/second/third shifts.
• Direct satellite vehicle test experience beyond ground systems or RF design work.
• Senior-level engineering capability with ownership mindset.
• Ability to navigate incomplete information and program roadblocks.
• Eligibility for classified environments; TS clearance with SCI preferred.
• Capability to operate at Levels 3–6, with potential for Level 2 exceptional.

Responsibilities

• Develop RF test plans, procedures, scripts, and architectures for spacecraft communications and payloads.
• Execute system-level RF testing on spacecraft vehicles across S-band, X-band, and K-band.
• Support initial spacecraft turn-on and ensure flight-hardware readiness through RF campaigns.
• Plan and perform RF hardline testing and verify RF cabling and interfaces at vehicle level.
• Support EMI/EMC and TVAC testing, including 24/7 coverage during critical events.
• Perform RF troubleshooting and anomaly resolution, driving corrective actions.
• Lead calibration planning and execution for RF test racks and measurement chains.
• Integrate and validate RF test racks and hardware for spacecraft-level tests.
• Develop automated test scripts in Python or OO languages for repeatable execution.
• Contribute to link budgets and RF measurements (TDR, VSWR, phase).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure test coverage and milestones.
• Provide senior technical leadership with ownership of test architecture and environmental testing.
• Support first, second, and occasional third shift operations to meet schedules.
• Document results, anomalies, and resolutions for certification and readiness reviews.

Skills

RF test planning

System-level testing

Python scripting

EMI/EMC testing

TVAC testing

Troubleshooting

Calibration planning

Flight hardware readiness

Shift work

TS clearance

Test rack integration

Spacecraft test experience

Tools

COSMOS/OpenC3

MATLAB

LabVIEW

TestStand

Job description

Actalent is seeking an experienced RF Test Engineer to design and execute RF testing at the integrated spacecraft level in Centennial, CO. You will develop test plans, scripts, and architectures for spacecraft communications and payloads, and lead calibration and anomaly resolution efforts.

You will perform system-level RF testing across S-band, X-band, and K-band, support initial turn-on activities, and ensure flight-hardware readiness.