Senior RF Technician

We are seeking an experienced Senior RF Technician to support the assembly, integration, test, and troubleshooting of advanced software-defined radio (SDR) systems and RF subsystems spanning low frequency through 50 GHz.

Job Location:

Germantown, MD

Position Type:

Full-time

Description:

This role requires deep hands-on technical expertise in RF/microwave hardware, proficiency with advanced test methodologies, and the ability to collaborate closely with engineering to resolve complex performance issues and support new product introduction (NPI).

• System-level and board-level integration, test, and troubleshooting of SDR platforms and RF subsystems.
• Perform advanced RF measurements (gain, noise figure, linearity, phase noise, spurious emissions, etc.) across the operating spectrum up to 50GHz.
• Operate, program, and maintain complex RF/microwave test equipment including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, phase noise analyzers, power meters, oscilloscopes, and signal generators.
• Support engineering root-cause analysis and corrective action for product nonconformance, identifying circuit-level and system-level issues.
• Collaborate with design and systems engineers during prototype builds, verification testing, and design validation, providing real-time feedback on performance issues and manufacturability.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior technicians on assembly, testing, and troubleshooting practices.
• Ensure test data integrity, proper documentation, and traceability in compliance with AS9100/ISO
  9001 quality management standards.
• Work cross-functionally with engineering, quality, and program management teams to drive continuous improvement in test methodologies, assembly practices, and product performance.

Required:

• Associate’s degree in Electronics Technology, RF/Microwave Engineering, or equivalent military/industry background;
  Bachelor’s in a related discipline preferred.
• 5 years of hands-on RF test and troubleshooting experience in defense, aerospace, or advanced telecom environments.
• Strong expertise in diagnosing RF/microwave hardware issues at the board, module, and system level.
• Proficiency with advanced RF instrumentation (VNA calibration and de-embedding, time-domain gating, noise figure analyzers, etc.).
• Experience supporting engineering change activities (ECNs/SAIs) and providing feedback for design-for-test and design-for-manufacture improvements.
• Ability to read and interpret RF schematics, system block diagrams, and test specifications.

Preferred:

• Direct experience with software-defined radio architectures and RF/digital signal interaction.
• Hands-on experience with automated test systems and scripting (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or similar).
• Laboratory and defense electronics production floor environment.
• Involves frequent handling of precision RF/microwave components and connectors.
• Occasional lifting up to 25lbs. and use of mechanical/hand tools.