Test Technician II - Antenna

CesiumAstro; Westminster (MD); On-site; USD 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision care

HSA

FSA

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Retirement plans

Job summary

CesiumAstro in Westminster, MD is seeking a Test Technician II - Antenna to join our growing space-tech team. You will work with engineers to support antenna range operations, build test setups, and deliver timely results in a fast-paced environment.

This hands-on role requires experience with RF systems, VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and careful documentation. You will coordinate range operations, maintain test facilities, and contribute to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in Antenna/Engineering Technician role.
• Experience with RF systems or active electronics.
• Hands-on with VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and power meters.
• Ability to read schematics, diagrams, and test procedures.
• Strong problem-solving and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Execute antenna and antenna range test plans and report findings.
• Configure and maintain antenna range facilities and equipment.
• Support setup and alignment of antennas for near-field and far-field measurements.
• Assist with antenna pattern, gain, and RF performance measurements.
• Maintain repeatable test setups and documentation.
• Troubleshoot test setups with guidance from engineering staff.
• Support calibration and verification of range systems.
• Organize testing facilities, equipment, and lab resources.
• Provide feedback on test documentation with attention to quality.
• Support continuous improvement of range efficiency and processes.

Skills

RF systems

Antenna systems

Troubleshooting

Reading schematics

Tools

VNAs

Spectrum analyzers

Signal generators

DMMs

Power meters

Job description

_ Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro , we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross‑functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands‑on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward‑thinking individuals to join our team.

The Skylark product line is focused on the rapid design, build, and test ofcutting‑edgeactive phased array antennas (AESA) for terrestrial and airborne applications. Current programs span high‑power, large‑scale ground terminals for missile defense to commercial airline and helicopter connectivity solutions.

We are looking to add a Test Technician II - Antenna to our team. If you are excited about working in a startup environment, have a strong work ethic, and are passionate about cutting‑edge antenna and aerospace technologies, we would like to hear from you.

In this position, you will work closely with CesiumAstro engineers to support antenna range operations, build and maintain antenna test setups, execute antenna measurement campaigns, and produce timely, reliable test results. You will have the opportunity to work with state‑of‑the‑art antenna test facilities and instrumentation, including anechoic chambers, near‑field and boresight antenna ranges, positioners, spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators, automated power supplies/loads, and data acquisition systems.

This role is heavily focused on antenna range execution, test setup integration, facility readiness, and measurement quality. Candidates should be comfortable working hands‑on with RF cabling, mechanical fixtures, positioning systems, test assets, and sensitive hardware while supporting both engineering development and production‑related testing activities.

Many of our products include active phased arrays (a.k.a. active electronically scanned arrays, or AESAs). These systems integrate RF electronics directly into the antenna architecture, creating additional complexity involving power, digital control, thermal performance, and calibration. Experience with phased array antenna testing, antenna measurements, or automated range systems is preferred.

Core day‑to‑day activities will include supporting engineers with antenna test execution, troubleshooting test setups, configuring instrumentation, coordinating range operations, and maintaining high‑quality test environments. Candidates should be comfortable working from drawings, diagrams, schematics, mechanical layouts, and test procedures while maintaining strong attention to detail and organization.

As a small company, the Cesium team “wears many hats.” Candidates should be comfortable with a varied workflow that may involve multitasking between range setup, test execution, equipment maintenance, lab organization, inventory management, and other related activities.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute antenna and antenna range test plans and provide concise, timely reporting of findings
• Configure, operate, and maintain antenna range facilities, including anechoic chambers, positioners, RF cabling, and support equipment
• Support setup and alignment of antennas, fixtures, instrumentation, and devices under test for near‑field and far‑field measurements
• Assist with antenna pattern, gain, polarization, and RF performance measurements
• Maintain clean, organized, and repeatable test setups consisting of instrumentation, switching, cabling, and mechanical integration hardware
• Troubleshoot test setup, cabling, instrumentation, and range configuration issues with guidance from engineering staff
• Support calibration and verification activities for antenna range systems and RF instrumentation
• Organize and maintain antenna testing facilities, equipment, inventory, and lab resources
• Execute and provide feedback on detailed test documentation with strong attention to quality and accuracy
• Support continuous improvement efforts for range efficiency, setup repeatability, and test execution processes

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 2 years of directly related experience as an Antenna Technician, Test Technician, Engineering Technician, or similar technical role
• Experience working with RF systems, antenna systems, or active electronics
• Hands‑on experience with lab and test equipment such as VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, DMMs, and power meters preferred
• Familiarity with antenna measurement fundamentals, RF test methods, and antenna range operations preferred
• Experience working with mechanical fixtures, RF cabling, and instrumentation integration
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to troubleshoot with direction
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail
• Comfortable with collaboration tools such as MS Teams and SharePoint
• Ability to work well under deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong digital, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, engineering drawings, diagrams, and test procedures

$29.91 - $35.34 an hour

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full‑time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard torace, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.