Test Technician

Antenna Research Associates, Inc.; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Antenna Research Associates, Inc. seeks a Test Technician to support engineers in testing antennas. You will calibrate test setups, run measurements, and create test reports on antennas. You will work with a team to build and test prototype antennas and systems according to drawings and specs.

U.S. Citizenship is required for access to program materials. The role involves working with RF equipment, VNAs, connectors, and measurement instruments in an engineering environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with RF test equipment setup and calibration.
• Experience in using VNAs to measure S11 and related parameters.
• Familiarity with RF connectors, cables, and torque wrenches.
• Knowledge of antenna testing in anechoic chamber or similar facilities.

Responsibilities

• Calibrate test setups and perform measurements per test plan.
• Create test reports on antennas based on data.
• Work with engineers to build/test prototype antennas and systems.
• Identify potential production issues and contribute to continuous improvement.

Skills

VNAs

RF connectors

S11 measurements

Anechoic chamber

Test equipment

S parameters

Network analyzers

Test reports

Education

Associate degree in RF engineering

US Military electronics training

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Job description

Company Overview

ARA is a leading C5ISR company that designs, manufactures, tests and installs innovative technologies that provide the national security community with unparalleled situational awareness, threat detection, and communications capabilities.

Brief Description

Company Overview

ARA is a leading C5ISR company that designs, manufactures, tests and installs innovative technologies that provide the national security community with unparalleled situational awareness, threat detection, and communications capabilities.

Our disruptive, integrated solutions, assemblies and subsystems rise to the challenging demands of discerning, mission-critical customers.

We leverage our capabilities to meet and exceed the requirements of our customers and empower them to remain ahead of evolving threats and complexities in a dynamic security landscape.

Job Summary

The Test Technician will perform a variety of complex test technician duties in support of Test Engineers on antennas. They will calibrate the test set-up to make measurements based, test plan and create test reports on antennas. They will work with a team of design and test Engineers to build and test prototype antennas and systems according to engineering drawing and specifications.

U.S. Citizenship is required, as only U.S. Citizens are authorized to access information under this program/ contract.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Working knowledge of VNAs (Vector Network Analyzers) a Must. Experience making and recording S11 (Magnitude and Phase) measurements Preferred.
• Experience with RF connectors, cables and torque wrenches
• Understanding and ability to use measurement instruments, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, generators, power meters, etc.
• Tuning & testing new and existing antenna to the competent level.
• Works from limited documentation, written or verbal instruction, schematics, rough sketches, diagrams, layouts, and plans often requiring interpretation and application of comprehensive knowledge and practical understanding of electronic theory and principles on antennas.
• Performs operational tests and fault isolation on systems and equipment to ensure conformance with final product specification.
• Conducting In-process and final electronic verification testing of electronic test equipment.
• Selects and sets up test apparatus or devices/test equipment to test and evaluate the performance and reliability of antenna.
• Identifying potential production issues.
• Other duties as assigned by manager.

Position Qualifications

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Competency Statements

• Adaptability - Adapts to change, open to new ideas and responsibilities
• Communication - Ability to communicate thoughts clearly, both oral and written in an honest, open and timely manner
• Job Knowledge - Understands facets of job, aware of duties and responsibilities, keeps job knowledge current
• Technical Skill - Possesses the knowledge and skills needed to perform a job or role effectively
• Dependability - Meets deadlines, works independently or in a team environment, is accountable, maintains focus, good attendance record
• Quality - Strives to eliminate errors, accurate work is a priority, seeks opportunities to improve products
• Ethics - Honest, accountable, maintains confidentiality
• Initiative / Take Ownership - Takes action, seeks new opportunities, strives to see projects to completion, meaning own your job and see it through
• Customer Focus - Understands and can meet the needs in a customer‑centric (Internal and External) environment and build strong relationships. Promotes a positive image of the company and strives to solve issues raised by customers

Experience And Skills

• Experience with RF connectors, cables and torque wrenches Required.
• Experience working in Anechoic Chambers a Plus. Knowledge of antenna pattern measurements also a Plus.
• High proficiency of network analyzers for testing calibration
• Sets up specialized test equipment for checkout of non‑routine assemblies and systems.
• Understand drawings and assemble the parts accordingly.
• Taking S parameters using network analyzers
• Ability to read test plans to understand the required testing of antennas.
• Ability to create test reports from the test data on antennas.
• Analytical Skills - Ability to use thinking and reasoning to solve a problem.
• 2+ years of experience working with and tuning passive microwave components including hybrids, magic tees, filters, OMTs, and different antennas.

Education

• Associate’s degree in engineering, technology or advanced electromechanical experience in RF environment or US Military electronics training

Antenna Research Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to a policy of non‑discrimination and affirmative action. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.