Sr RF Test Engineer

EnduroSat; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

EnduroSat, based in Gardena, California, is seeking an RF Test Engineer to join the Integration team for developing automated test systems and executing RF campaigns for satellite platforms. This full-time, on-site role reports to the Manager, Integration.

You will design and build RF test setups, develop test automation software, and define system requirements while supporting OTA testing, EMI/EMC, antenna pattern measurements, and environmental tests in a cleanroom environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in ECE, EE, Physics or related STEM discipline.
• 2+ years in an RF design and/or test role.
• Experience with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, signal generators, communications test systems, and power meters.
• Experience with software development (Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar).

Responsibilities

• Work closely with RF and antenna engineers to design and build automated test systems for component-level and spacecraft-level applications.
• Develop test automation software for test instruments, data processing, test sequencing, and reporting.
• Define RF test system requirements and specifications.
• Support spacecraft RF test activities such as OTA testing, EMI/EMC, antenna pattern measurement, and system checkouts.
• Perform hands-on environmental testing for RF hardware (thermal cycling, TVAC, random vibration, shock, EMI/EMC, humidity).
• Support spacecraft integration testing in cleanroom facilities.

Skills

RF design

RF test equipment

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Test automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in ECE/EE/Physics

Master's degree in ECE/EE/Physics

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Vector network analyzers

Signal generators

Power meters

Communications test systems

Job description

EnduroSat is looking for an RF Test Engineer, reporting to the Manager, Integration, to support the development of automated test systems and the execution of RF test campaigns for our satellite platforms. This is a full-time, exempt, on-site position based in our Gardena, CA facility.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with RF and antenna engineers to design and build automated test systems for component-level and spacecraft-level applications

• Develop test automation software for test instruments, data processing, test sequencing, and reporting

• Define RF test system requirements and specifications

• Support spacecraft RF test activities such as OTA testing, EMI/EMC, antenna pattern measurement, and system checkouts

• Perform hands-on environmental testing for RF hardware (thermal cycling, TVAC, random vibration, shock, EMI/EMC, humidity)

• Support spacecraft integration testing in cleanroom facilities

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in ECE, EE, Physics, or related STEM discipline

• 2+ years in an RF design and/or test role

• Experience with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, signal generators, communications test systems, and power meters

• Experience with software development (Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar)

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Master's degree in ECE, EE, Physics, or related STEM discipline

• Mission-oriented mindset with a strong desire for team success

• Comfortable communicating technical topics to a wide variety of audiences

• Familiarity with IP networking and Ethernet-connected test instruments

• Experience with serial communication protocols such as CAN, SPI, I2C, RS-422/485

• Understanding of RF link budgets, thermal noise, noise figure, EVM, P1dB, spurs, and Rx sensitivity

• Familiarity with antenna testing concepts (gain, directivity, EIRP, antenna patterns)

• Understanding of RF schematics and RF electronics manufacturing

• Experience with GNU Radio, software-defined radios (SDRs), and GPS receivers

• Understanding of RF modulation schemes (BPSK, QPSK, GMSK, APSK, TDMA, FDMA)

• Experience processing large frequency- and time-domain datasets

• Familiarity with space-rated avionics test standards (SMC-S-016, GSFC-STD-7000, MIL-STD-461)

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work overtime or weekends to support critical mission milestones

U.S. Export Control Compliance Status

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore must be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62, or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees/refugees with granted (not pending) status.

EnduroSat is an Equal Opportunity Employer.