RF Test & Integration Engineer

Company Description

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

Job Description

The University of Notre Dame is seeking an RF Test & Integration Engineer to serve as the primary technical lead and operational manager for the Wideband Test Facility, a state-of-the-art core facility advancing semiconductor and microelectronics research for defense and commercial applications. This role offers an opportunity to work at the forefront of high-frequency RF, microwave, and

mm-wave technology while collaborating with faculty, researchers, industry partners, and academic collaborators.

The Test Engineer will oversee facility operations, maintain instrumentation, develop and execute test plans, and support experimental campaigns involving high-frequency electronic devices, ultra-fast transistors, RF/mm-wave circuits, advanced antenna arrays, and Software Defined Radio (SDR) systems. The engineer will also contribute to prototyping and measurement efforts, including custom circuits and PCBs, and help translate cutting-edge research into practical, manufacturable technologies.

This is a limited-term position ending in October 2029, contingent upon funding, with the goal of transitioning the Wideband Test Facility to a sustainable cost model at the conclusion of the initial term. Some travel is required to support testing and collaborative research activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical lead and operational manager for the Wideband Test Facility.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot high-frequency RF test equipment and instrumentation.
• Develop and execute test plans for RF systems ranging from Ka-band through G-band and antenna characterization from C-band through G-band.
• Conduct characterization of RF, microwave, and mm-wave devices, including large-signal transistor and noise parameter measurements.
• Perform antenna and antenna array characterization and support advanced RF measurement campaigns.
• Integrate high-frequency RF front-ends with Software-Defined Radio (SDR) hardware and digital signal processing systems.
• Support the design and development of custom circuits and PCBs for prototyping, demonstrations, and measurement activities.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, academic and industry partners, and Microelectronics Commons hub members to develop testing strategies and execute experiments.
• Analyze and evaluate experimental data and communicate technical findings through reports, presentations, and research publications.
• Support facility planning, equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of testing capabilities.
• Travel as needed to support testing, demonstrations, and collaborative research activities.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Microwave Engineering, or a related field; or a bachelor's degree with five years of relevant experience; or advanced certification beyond a bachelor's degree.
• 1+ years of relevant professional or research experience.
• Strong technical background in RF, microwave, or mm-wave devices and characterization.
• Experience with large-signal transistor characterization, noise parameter measurement, and/or antenna and antenna array characterization.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively in a highly technical environment.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with high-frequency RF systems, instrumentation, and measurement equipment.
• Experience with Software Defined Radio, digital signal processing, or RF system integration.
• Experience designing or prototyping circuits and printed circuit boards.
• Experience working in an academic research, industry, or collaborative R&D environment.
• Experience developing technical reports, research publications, or presentations.

Additional Information

Salary up to $110,000, commensurate with experience.

For full consideration, a cover letter and resume are required with you application.

Wideband Test Facility:

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.