Lead Range Operator

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Summary
A FIRST RF Lead Range Operator is accountable for the maintenance and operation of FIRST RF’s 50-foot anechoic test chamber. This includes preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and calibration of the test chamber as well as setting up and conducting a wide variety of tests on a wide variety of antennas from research and development prototypes all the way to full‑fledged FIRST RF products.

The Lead Range Operator collaborates with technicians and engineers to keep the testing schedule organized and running smoothly. Additionally, the Lead Range Operator is expected to develop their understanding of pertinent technical subjects, including electromagnetics, RF theory, and test coordinate systems.

• Accountable for Range Operations & Performance
  • Plans, schedules, and oversees all range operations to meet internal and customer requirements
  • Tracks and reports range performance metrics and CPKs; delivers the TM Annual and Range Facility reports
  • Ensures consistent, safe, and efficient operation of all range assets
• Accountable for Range Calibration & Uncertainty
  • Owns and executes calibration plans, including traceability of instruments and data
  • Maintains and continuously improves range uncertainty measurements to meet or exceed specification
• Accountable for Range Maintenance & Process Control
  • Directs all preventive and corrective maintenance activities to maintain full operational readiness
  • Develops, documents, maintains, and updates range processes and standard operating procedures
  • Identifies and implements range updates that improve reliability, accuracy, and throughput
• Financial Stewardship
  • Accountable for managing the range operating budget and monitoring ongoing expenditures
  • Responsible for Range CAPEX, helping scope and propose capital investments with final budget accountability retained by the Test Manager
• Accountable for Range Scheduling & Coordination
  • Establishes and maintains the master schedule for all range activities
  • Coordinates with engineering, program management, and customers to deconflict priorities and maximize utilization
• Accountable for Range Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement
  • Leads root‑cause investigations and corrective actions when anomalies occur
  • Drives improvements that enhance accuracy, reduce downtime, and extend system life
• Supports Engineering & Change Management
  • Supports engineering change orders for product‑specific test procedures
  • Provides subject‑matter expertise for new test requirements and equipment integration

Other Duties
Qualifications, duties, responsibilities may change at any time without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Full‑time, 40 hours per week. Training schedule:
Monday‑Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm. Post‑training schedule:
Monday‑Friday, 9:30 am–6:00 pm. Hours may vary based on workload; additional hours may be required.

Travel
No travel is expected for this position.

Work Environment
Professional office environment. Standard office equipment used.

Physical Demands
Regularly required to talk or hear, adjust focus, lift up to 40 lb, and lift 30 lb over the head. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

FIRST RF is a fast‑growing, multi‑discipline, privately owned small business focused on engineering and manufacturing of advanced technologies – specifically in antennas and radio frequency (RF) systems. We are an energetic team empowered with world‑class facilities and resources, promoting a culture of innovation and responsiveness.

We offer all employees four weeks of PTO each year, flexible scheduling, hybrid work, tuition reimbursement, up to 6% 401(k) match, and healthcare, dental, and vision plans.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including selection, hiring, assignment, re‑assignment, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, and termination. The Company prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in employment based on protected categories. We support protected veterans and individuals with disabilities through our affirmative action program.

Required Education and Experience

• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance
• Reside in Colorado
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Capacity to thrive in a self‑motivated environment with few boundaries
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills and a detail‑oriented, problem‑solving approach
• An eye for detail and the ability to be focused and meticulous
• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education and Experience

• Technical college degree
• A basic understanding of electromagnetic theory (specifically, the propagation of electromagnetic waves)