RF Test Engineer

RF Test Engineer I

The RF Test Engineer I is responsible for characterizing, testing, and analyzing RF and microwave devices, components, and printed circuit board assemblies using Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), wafer probing systems, and automated test equipment. The engineer will perform measurements up to 80 GHz, analyze test data, correlate measured performance to simulation results, and support both product development and customer-facing technical activities.

This position works closely with design engineering, manufacturing, customers, and external partners to ensure accurate characterization, data interpretation, and resolution of technical challenges. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in RF engineering principles, excellent analytical skills, and a desire to develop expertise in high-frequency measurements and automated test methods.

Responsibilities Include:

RF Measurements & Characterization

• Perform RF and microwave measurements on devices, modules, and PCB assemblies up to 80 GHz.
• Operate Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs) to measure:
• S-parameters
• Insertion loss
• Return loss
• Isolation
• Impedance characteristics
• Frequency response
• Execute calibration procedures including SOLT, TRL, and other industry-standard techniques.
• Verify measurement integrity and maintain compliance with documented test methodologies.
• Accurately document test setup configurations and measurement results.

Wafer Probe & Automated Testing

• Operate manual and automated RF probing equipment.
• Perform wafer-level characterization and device validation.
• Set up and maintain automated measurement routines.
• Support development and execution of automated RF test programs.
• Troubleshoot test station, instrumentation, and probing issues.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to improve test efficiency and repeatability.

Data Analysis & Correlation

• Analyze RF test results and identify anomalies, trends, and performance limitations.
• Correlate measured results with:
• Simulation models
• Electromagnetic (EM) simulations
• Product specifications
• Design expectations
• Assist design engineers in identifying discrepancies between predicted and measured performance.
• Generate technical reports, presentations, and engineering summaries.

Customer & Stakeholder Support

• Support technical discussions with internal stakeholders, customers, and external partners.
• Present measurement results and technical findings in a clear and professional manner.
• Provide test data and characterization results in support of customer evaluations and product qualifications.
• Assist customers in understanding measurement methodologies and performance results.
• Act as a technical liaison between test, design, manufacturing, and customer engineering teams.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve test methods, automation, throughput, and data quality.
• Support development of new test capabilities and characterization procedures.
• Participate in process improvement and equipment qualification activities.
• Contribute to documentation and standardization of laboratory best practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in:
• Electrical Engineering
• RF Engineering
• Electronics Engineering
• Engineering Physics
• Related technical discipline
• Understanding of RF and microwave fundamentals.
• Familiarity with transmission line theory and S-parameters.
• Basic knowledge of RF measurement instrumentation.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Requirements:

• Internship, co-op, undergraduate research, or laboratory experience involving RF measurements.
• Familiarity with:
• Vector Network Analyzers (VNA)
• Spectrum Analyzers
• Signal Generators
• Probe Stations
• Exposure to RF simulation tools such as:
• Ansys HFSS
• Keysight ADS
• CST Studio Suite
• Cadence AWR
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar data analysis tools.
• Exposure to automated measurement systems.
• Knowledge of semiconductor device characterization.

Technical Skills

RF Measurement

• Vector Network Analyzer (VNA)
• S-Parameter Analysis
• Calibration Techniques
• RF Characterization
• Microwave Measurements
• Wafer-Level Testing
• Probe Station Operation
• Signal Integrity Analysis

Software & Data Analysis

• Python
• MATLAB
• Excel
• Statistical Analysis
• Data Visualization
• Automated Test Systems

RF Concepts

• Transmission Lines
• Impedance Matching
• Scattering Parameters (S-Parameters)
• RF Loss Mechanisms
• Signal Integrity
• Microwave Networks
• RF Component Characterization

Competencies

• Strong analytical thinking
• Scientific curiosity
• Detail-oriented approach
• Effective technical communication
• Customer-focused mindset
• Collaborative problem solving
• Continuous learning attitude
• Ability to balance laboratory and customer-facing responsibilities

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Measurement accuracy and repeatability
• Test throughput and efficiency
• Correlation between measured and simulated results
• Data quality and reporting accuracy
• Customer responsiveness
• Timely completion of characterization projects
• Continuous improvement contributions

Typical Career Progression

• RF Test Engineer I
• RF Test Engineer II
• Senior RF Test Engineer
• RF Applications Engineer
• Characterization Engineer
• RF Product Engineer
• Principal RF Engineer

Ideal Candidate Profile

A highly motivated early-career engineer who enjoys both hands-on laboratory work and technical analysis. This individual is comfortable operating VNAs and RF probing systems, investigating measurement results, correlating laboratory data to simulation models, and communicating technical findings to engineering teams and customers. The successful candidate combines strong RF fundamentals with curiosity, attention to detail, and a passion for solving complex high-frequency measurement challenges.