RF Test Engineer

Job Title:

RF Test Engineer Job Description

We are seeking experienced RF Test Engineers to develop and execute RF testing at the integrated spacecraft level. In this role, you design and implement RF test plans, procedures, scripts, and overall test architecture for spacecraft communications and electronic payload systems. You support initial spacecraft power-on, flight-hardware readiness, RF hardline testing, EMI/EMC and TVAC campaigns, anomaly resolution, calibration planning, and vehicle-level test execution.

This position focuses on RF test architecture and hands-on execution rather than RF hardware design, offering the opportunity to work directly on high-visibility spacecraft programs and to influence RF test strategy for current and future missions.

• Develop comprehensive RF test plans, procedures, scripts, and test architectures for integrated spacecraft communications and electronic payload systems.

• Execute system-level RF testing on spacecraft vehicles, including transmit/receive systems and payload interfaces across S-band, X-band, K-band, and related frequency bands.

• Support initial spacecraft turn-on activities and ensure product and flight-hardware readiness through rigorous RF test campaigns.

• Plan and perform RF hardline testing, including verification of cabling, interfaces, and RF paths at the vehicle level.

• Support and execute EMI/EMC and thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing for spacecraft communications and payload systems, including temporary 24/7 coverage during critical events as needed.

• Perform RF troubleshooting and system-level anomaly resolution, working through incomplete information and program roadblocks to identify root causes and corrective actions.

• Lead calibration planning and execution for RF test racks, instruments, and measurement chains, including power validation and phase measurements.

• Integrate, configure, and validate RF test racks and associated hardware for spacecraft-level testing.

• Develop and maintain automated test scripts using Python or other object-oriented programming languages to support efficient and repeatable RF test execution.

• Contribute to link budget analysis and RF measurements such as TDR, VSWR, and phase to validate system performance.

• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure test coverage, resolve anomalies, and support vehicle-level integration and test milestones.

• Provide senior-level technical leadership with minimal ramp-up, taking ownership of test architecture, environmental testing, and anomaly resolution.

• Support first, second, and occasional third shift operations to meet program schedules and test campaign requirements.

• Document test results, anomalies, and resolutions clearly and accurately, supporting certification and readiness reviews for spacecraft products.

• Hands-on system-level satellite or spacecraft vehicle testing experience, including direct satellite vehicle test work.

• Demonstrated expertise in RF test planning, architecture, procedures, scripting, and execution at the spacecraft or satellite level.

• Experience testing spacecraft communications or electronic payload systems, including transmit/receive chains and payload interfaces.

• Practical experience with S-band, X-band, K-band, and related RF systems used in spacecraft communications.

• Strong RF troubleshooting skills and proven ability to resolve system-level anomalies on complex spacecraft platforms.

• Proficiency in Python or another object-oriented programming language for test scripting and automation.

• Ability to support first, second, and occasional third shift work to align with test campaign needs.

• Direct satellite vehicle test experience, beyond ground-system-only, aviation-only, component-only, or RF design-only backgrounds.

• senior-level engineering capability, able to contribute effectively with minimal ramp-up and high degree of ownership.

• Strong initiative and ability to work through incomplete information, technical uncertainty, and program roadblocks.

• Eligibility for and ability to work in a classified environment; active TS clearance with SCI eligibility is strongly preferred.

• Capability to operate at levels ranging from Level 3 through Level 6, with potential consideration for an exceptional Level 2 engineer.

• Experience with COSMOS or OpenC3 for command and control, test automation, or telemetry analysis.

• Background in network architecture related to spacecraft ground systems and RF test environments.

• Familiarity with…