RF Systems Verification Engineer

RF System Test, Characterization & Architecture Verification Engineer (PA + LNA + Array)

Measure and characterize RF components (PA, LNA) and phased array performance to verify the front-end architecture. Build automated test infrastructure using Python/MATLAB to systematically validate that hardware meets architectural specifications across temperature, frequency, and operating conditions.

• Verify PA performance meets architectural specifications through load-pull and large-signal characterization
• Verify LNA performance meets architectural NF/gain/IP3 specifications through noise parameter and gain measurement
• Verify array-level performance meets architecture predictions through beam measurement
• Develop automated test frameworks that enable repeatable architecture verification across builds/lots
• Correlate measured data with architectural simulation models — identify gaps and feed back to architecture team
• Generate measured-data models to update and refine architectural predictions

PA Characterization (Architecture Verification)

• Load-pull measurement: active/passive, harmonic (2f0, 3f0), source-pull, efficiency contouring
• Verify PA meets architecture specs:
  Psat, P1dB, PAE, OIP3, ACLR targets
• Large-signal: AM-AM/AM-PM extraction, gain compression, memory effects
• DPD validation: bench-level DPD loop, verify architecture's DPD effectiveness assumption
• Multi-temperature: derating curves to validate architectural margin allocation

LNA Characterization (Architecture Verification)

• Noise figure: Y-factor, cold-source (PNA-X), noise parameter extraction (Γopt, Rn, NFmin)
• Verify LNA meets architecture specs: NF target, gain flatness, IP3, stability
• Gain/linearity across frequency and temperature
• Stability verification: odd-mode, low-frequency stability

Array-Level Verification

• Phased array beam measurement: multi-beam patterns, scan-dependent performance
• EIRP/EIS measurement: verify architecture's radiated power and sensitivity targets
• Beam quality: sidelobes, null depth, cross-pol — compare to architectural predictions
• Calibration verification: validate calibration algorithm performance meets architecture assumptions
• Near-field scanning of active phased array panels

Test Fixture & Setup

• Fixture design for bare-die, QFN, BGA, and array-level measurement
• Calibration: TRL/SOLT/LRM, reference plane definition
• Thermal integration: chamber + RF bench for multi-temperature architecture verification

• Python (PyVISA/SCPI) :
  Full instrument automation — VNA, signal generator, power meter, spectrum analyzer, positioner, tuner control
• MATLAB :
  Data processing, model extraction from measured data, architecture correlation analysis
• Test Framework Development :
  Automated architecture verification test suites, parametric sweeps, pass/fail against architectural specs
• Data Pipeline :
  Measurement → processing → comparison against architecture predictions → reporting
• Git :
  Version-controlled test code, CI for measurement scripts

• VNA:
  Keysight PNA-X (multiport, noise figure, pulsed-RF)
• Load-pull:
  Maury/Focus automated tuners, active load-pull
• Signal sources: PSG/MXG, AWG for modulated waveforms
• Spectrum analyzers: PXA/UXA
• Noise figure: PNA-X noise personality, noise sources
• NF scanner: NSI or MI Technologies for array beam measurement
• Power meters, thermal chambers, probe stations

• RF circuit design (ADS schematic, AWR) — this is test/verification, not design
• Antenna element EM simulation (HFSS, CST)
• PCB layout or signal integrity
• FPGA/RTL design
• Package design
• Manufacturing/NPI process ownership

Required

• MS in EE (RF/Microwave)
• 5+ years RF component and/or antenna characterization experience
• Strong Python programming — test framework development, not just scripting
• Expert VNA operation including calibration and de-embedding
• Load-pull experience with efficiency contour generation
• Noise figure measurement proficiency (Y-factor and cold-source)
• Array-level beam measurement experience
• Multi-temperature characterization
• Experience correlating measurements against design/architecture predictions

Preferred

• Ka-band and/or L/S-band component testing
• On-wafer probing and MMIC characterization
• DPD bench-loop validation
• Automated test framework development (production-level)
• Experience working with architects to refine specifications based on measured data

• PA characterization data verifying architectural PA specifications
• LNA noise parameter data verifying architectural NF specifications
• Array-level measurement results verifying architectural beam/EIRP/G/T predictions
• Automated architecture verification test framework (Python, version-controlled)
• Measurement-vs-architecture correlation reports (identifying model gaps)
• Measured-data models fed back to architectural simulation