RF Alignment Technician

Filtronic; Sedgefield; On-site; ZAR 678 000 - 905 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Sedgefield is seeking an RF Alignment Technician to ensure precise tuning and calibration of RF circuits. The role involves troubleshooting, maintaining RF test benches, and supporting the transition from design to production. Ideal candidates will have experience working with RF/microwave systems and a focus on quality assurance and regulatory compliance. Join a rapidly growing company dedicated to engineering excellence and innovative solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience with tuning, alignment, calibration, and testing of RF/microwave circuits.
• Ability to troubleshoot component-level or board-level failures in RF systems.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for RF systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct RF system testing to verify performance against design specifications.
• Collaborate with design and production engineers to ensure manufacturability.
• Document and refine alignment, calibration, and test procedures.

Skills

Configuration of RF test benches

Troubleshooting issues in RF systems

Detailed understanding of RF parameters

Calibration procedures development

Tools

Spectrum analysers

Network analysers

Power meters

Job description

Filtronic is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance radio frequency (RF), microwave, and millimetre-wave (mmWave) subsystems, specialising in mission-critical communication networks. Since 1977, we have built a strong reputation as trusted partners to global technology leaders across the telecommunications infrastructure, aerospace and defence, space, and critical communications sectors. Our legacy of innovation and engineering excellence has positioned us at the forefront of advanced connectivity solutions worldwide, and we continue to grow as we deliver cutting-edge technology for some of the most exciting programmes in the industry.

We are an AIM listed plc, on a rapid growth trajectory, recently named Business of the Year at the North East Business Awards and winner of Best Technology Award at the AIM Awards 2025. With record revenues (£56.3M FY 2025), landmark space and defence contracts, and a clear roadmap for innovation, this is the moment for exceptionally talented people to join us on our exciting journey.

As an RF Alignment Technician, you will be responsible for the precise tuning, alignment, calibration, and testing of RF, microwave and/or mmWave circuits, modules and subsystems, ensuring each unit meets performance specifications before release to production or delivery. You will bridge between design/engineering and production/test output, ensuring consistency, traceability and quality.

• You will work closely with design, test engineers and production teams to set up and maintain RF test benches, align devices, verify performance, troubleshoot issues, and define improvements to test and alignment procedures.
• Configure and operate RF and microwave test benches, including signal sources, spectrum analysers, network analysers, power meters, and related instrumentation, to carry out system alignment, calibration, and testing.
• Perform alignment, tuning and optimisation of RF/mmWave circuits, subsystems and modules (e.g., amplifiers, filters, transmit/receive units, transceivers, etc.).
• Conduct RF system testing: verify output power, frequency response, gain, noise, stability, spurious emissions, return loss, and other relevant RF parameters. Ensure actual performance meets expected design specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Troubleshoot and debug issues arising during alignment or testing, including component-level or board-level failures, spurious behaviour, drift, stability or degradation.
• Develop, document and refine alignment, calibration and test procedures / strategies. Recommend improvements to existing test and alignment processes, fixtures, and tooling to improve throughput, quality and consistency.
• Assist in new product introduction (NPI) and help transition from design/prototype phase to production, taking part in handover, test bench setup, qualification, and validation.
• Work collaboratively with mechanical, electronic, design and production engineers, project managers to resolve technical challenges and ensure manufacturability and testability.
• Provide technical support to production and maintenance teams, including training, diagnostics and repair of test equipment and test benches when required.
• Maintain accurate records of test results, alignment procedures, calibration logs, deviations, rework and corrective actions.
• Have a positive attitude to health and safety.

Please call our Talent Partner, Bruce Mair on 07483 917543 (anytime) if you would like to chat about this role or clarify the salary and benefits prior to investing your time applying.

Filtronic plc is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status. If you require any adjustments or accommodations to support you during the interview process, please let us know and we will be happy to assist.