Antenna Test Engineer

Job Title: Antenna Test Software Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on developing and supporting automated test software and equipment for advanced phased array antenna systems within a mission-focused test engineering organization. You will split your time between hands-on work in lab and antenna range environments and software development in C/C++ and MATLAB, helping to design, integrate, and optimize test solutions for radar, electronic warfare, and other RF systems. The position offers strong exposure to both hardware and software, making it ideal for early to mid-career engineers who want to deepen their experience in RF testing, automation, and data analysis while contributing to complex, real-world defense and aerospace programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop software in C, C++, and MATLAB to automate antenna and RF test processes, including test fixtures and procedures in near-field and compact antenna ranges.
• Optimize test processing workflows and implement data analysis routines to improve efficiency, accuracy, and repeatability of antenna test operations.
• Design and support antenna test equipment for factory phased array testing, ensuring reliable performance in production and development environments.
• Integrate new test equipment and software programs into a state-of-the-art test facility, ensuring seamless operation and compatibility with existing systems.
• Design, implement, and validate test software and test equipment for phased array antenna testing, ensuring alignment with system requirements and performance goals.
• Assist technicians with troubleshooting and training on automated test systems, RF test equipment, and software tools used in the lab and antenna ranges.
• Troubleshoot RF issues that arise during testing of advanced antenna systems, using lab instrumentation and software tools to identify and resolve problems.
• Perform detailed analysis of antenna test data to identify early performance trends, anomalies, and potential issues before they impact program milestones.
• Support program meetings by contributing to root cause analysis and the development of corrective actions for test and performance issues.
• Collaborate closely with design engineering teams to recommend and implement hardware and test improvements based on test results and data insights.
• Maintain strong awareness of cost, schedule, and quality requirements while adhering to organizational policies, procedures, and best practices in test engineering.
• Utilize RF test equipment such as oscilloscopes, network analyzers, power meters, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and related instruments to test and troubleshoot advanced antenna systems.
• Create clear, maintainable documentation for test software, procedures, and equipment configurations to support repeatable and scalable testing.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of test methodologies, automation frameworks, and lab workflows to enhance overall test capability and throughput.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in programming with C and C++, including experience developing software to automate test fixtures and test processes.
• Proficiency in MATLAB for developing automated test routines, data analysis scripts, and visualization tools.
• Experience developing test software for near-field and compact antenna ranges, including automation of measurement sequences and data capture.
• Ability to create software programs that automate antenna and RF tests, including integration with lab instruments and test controllers.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting RF issues during testing of advanced antenna systems, using both software and hardware tools.
• Experience supporting technicians with troubleshooting and training on automated test setups and RF test equipment.
• Ability to analyze test data, identify early performance trends, and communicate findings clearly to engineering and program teams.
• Experience supporting program meetings focused on root cause analysis and corrective actions for test-related issues.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with design engineering teams to drive hardware and test improvements based on test results.
• Hands-on experience using electrical and RF test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, power meters, and signal generators in a lab environment.
• Bachelors degree (BS) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of professional or project-based experience (including academic projects) in software development using C, C++, or MATLAB.
• Experience working in a lab environment with lab equipment and electrical test setups for RF or antenna systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with RF design or RF testing of antennas through coursework, academic projects, or prior roles.
• Familiarity with near-field and compact antenna range testing concepts and measurement techniques.
• Exposure to phased array antenna systems and their unique test and calibration requirements.
• Experience working on radar, electronic warfare, or other RF-based defense or aerospace systems.
• Ability to work effectively in a mixed hardware and software role, balancing coding tasks with hands-on lab and range activities.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail when diagnosing RF, hardware, or software issues in complex test environments.
• Comfort working in a structured engineering organization that emphasizes process, documentation, and continuous improvement.
• Motivation to grow within a large organization by exploring different programs, groups, or technical focus areas over time.

Work Environment

You will work in a combination of indoor laboratories and indoor/outdoor antenna test ranges at a campus dedicated to RF and antenna testing. The environment includes near-field and compact antenna ranges, as well as lab spaces equipped with oscilloscopes, multimeters, network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, power meters, signal generators, and other advanced RF and electrical test equipment. Engineers collaborate closely with RF design teams to create test equipment and automated test software used on a variety of RF products, including radar and electronic warfare systems. The lab operates 24/7 with multiple shifts to ensure continuous test coverage and smooth transitions between shifts. Most work takes place on cleared programs, and you can expect a mix of desk-based software development and hands-on work at benches, lab stations, and antenna ranges. The dress code typically aligns with a professional engineering and lab environment, where practical attire suitable for working around test equipment and in indoor/outdoor range areas is expected.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MD.

The pay range for this position is $43.27 - $76.92/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in LINTHICUM HEIGHTS,MD.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.