RF Test Engineer - MMIC

Mini-Circuits designs, manufactures and distributes integrated circuits, modules, and sub‑systems for high‑performance radio frequency (RF) and microwave applications. With design, sales and manufacturing locations in over 30 countries, Mini‑Circuits’ products are used in a range of wired and wireless communications applications. Our products are also used in detection, measurement and imaging applications, including military communication, guidance and electronic countermeasure systems, commercial, scientific, military land, sea and aircraft;

automotive systems; medical systems; and industrial test equipment.

The RF Test Engineer I is responsible for testing RF Power Amplifier products in both die and packaged forms from initial prototype evaluation to manufacturing.

$90,000 – $100,000

• Test products in accordance with semiconductor standards/specifications
• Troubleshoot issues and record verified‑accurate test data
• Provide engineering support to test, characterize and qualify products
• Participate in production‑run readiness reviews and support training of production personnel
• Participate in final design review meetings for all catalog and customer specials
• Collaborate with Project Managers to support the release of catalog product quotas and customer specials
• Provide meaningful bench data ensuring all elements of the applicable product specifications/requirements are tested and verified
• Provide test strategy and implementation plan for all types of relevant products (power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, mixers, and various passive components such as baluns, power splitters, etc.)
• Assist in the efficient and cost‑effective transition of design prototypes from engineering to production
• Analyze and recommend improvements to production processes and methods to facilitate cost‑reduction and quality improvement
• Prepare new test procedures and generate block diagrams for existing and new test procedures
• Ensure compliance with Phase Gated Process, Engineering Change Order (ECO) and release processes with respect to test systems and software

The duties, responsibilities and expectations described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the member, within the scope of the position.

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or similar engineering field of study + 2 years of experience in RF Product Design & Test
  • OR Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or similar engineering field of study + 1 year of experience in RF Product Design & Test
  • Related coursework (preferred):
    • Amplifier circuit design (low noise & power)
    • Filter/network analysis and synthesis techniques
    • Electromagnetic theory
    • System Analysis
    • Digital communication and modulation techniques
    • S-parameter based network analysis
    • Python coding

• Basic understanding of surface mount and microelectronic chip‑and‑wire manufacturing methods and techniques, including soldering, wedge bonding, silver epoxy application, expansion coefficient and thermal conductivity of materials, plating, hard and soft substrate materials, printed circuit board manufacturing methods and techniques
• Measurement of RF, thermal and electrical characteristics for RF Power Amplifiers such as Linearity, Power, Efficiency, NF, Thermal Scans, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to review data and rationalize when the data may be erroneous
• Hands‑on experience with RF test equipment including spectrum and network analyzers, oscilloscope, power meter, signal generator, and power supply
• Using thermal chambers and environmental test equipment
• Hands‑on ability to assemble, tune, test and troubleshoot hardware in a laboratory environment
• Experience or coursework in microwave and millimeter‑wave hardware design, including electrical, mechanical, thermal and test environment
• Theoretical and basic practical knowledge in the use of MMIC, LTCC and ferrite core and wire products including couplers, dividers, baluns, transformers, mixers and amplifiers
• Familiarity with semiconductor probe testing

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an…