Automated RF Test Engineering Manager

Leonardo DRS, Inc.•Frederick, MD

About The Position

We are seeking a Manager, RF Test Engineering & Engineering Labs to lead and scale our test engineering capabilities supporting advanced RF systems within the Signal Solutions line of business. This role is responsible for defining and executing a modern, automated, and data-driven RF test strategy across development, integration, qualification, and production environments. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in RF test methodologies, automated test systems (ATE), and system-level validation, combined with strong leadership and strategic vision. This leader will lead both test engineering and lab operations, driving improvements in RF performance validation, test efficiency, and cost optimization, while advancing capabilities through automation, AI/ML integration, and standardized test architectures. This leader will manage teams ranging from technicians to senior engineers and architects, delivering high-quality, scalable test solutions aligned with business and program objectives. This role will be instrumental in modernizing RF test across the organization, including automation, AI-enabled diagnostics, and standardized ATE architectures.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience)
10+ years of experience in RF test engineering, system validation, or ATE development
3+ years of experience in engineering leadership / people management
Strong hands-on experience with RF test equipment (e.g., signal generators, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, power meters, noise figure analyzers)
Proven experience architecting and implementing automated RF test systems (ATE)
Deep understanding of RF measurement techniques and performance metrics (gain, NF, IP3, harmonics, spurs, phase noise, etc.)
Experience with system-level RF integration and troubleshooting
Proficiency in Python or similar scripting languages for test automation
Experience with LabVIEW or comparable test development environments
Familiarity with test data management, databases (SQL), and analysis workflows
Experience working in Linux and Windows environments

Nice To Haves

Experience with RF production test and manufacturing environments
Background in high-frequency systems, SDRs, tuners, or communication systems
Experience correlating RF simulation, lab measurements, and production test results
Experience with AI/ML applied to RF test data or diagnostics (MLOps, predictive analytics, etc.)
Familiarity with high-speed data acquisition and networked test systems (10GbE+)
Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)
Experience leading multi-site RF test standardization efforts

Responsibilities

Lead the Test Engineering and Engineering Labs organization, including team development, hiring, performance management, and technical leadership
Define and execute a comprehensive test strategy across development, integration & test (I&T), and production
Architect and standardize Automated Test Equipment (ATE) and test frameworks across multiple programs and product lines
Develop and deploy automated test solutions to validate key RF performance metrics (e.g., gain, noise figure, linearity/IP2/IP3, spurious, phase noise)
Drive improvements in test efficiency, throughput, yield, and cycle time through automation and data-driven approaches
Integrate AI/ML and advanced analytics into test workflows for predictive diagnostics and faster root cause analysis
Partner with RF Design, Systems Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management to ensure strong Design-for-Testability (DFT) practices are implemented early in product development and strong correlation between simulation, lab validation, and production test
Lead and support complex RF system debug across lab and production environments (hardware, firmware, and integration issues)
Own engineering lab operations, including capacity planning, equipment lifecycle management, calibration strategy, and ESD/safety compliance
Lead transition of test solutions from engineering to manufacturing, including readiness, documentation, training, and sustaining support
Support proposals (RFP/RFQ/RFI) with test strategies, cost estimates, and execution plans
Own test-related CAPEX planning and execution, ensuring alignment with long-term architecture and ROI objectives
Establish and track key metrics (e.g., yield, test time, MTTR, defect escape rate) to drive continuous improvement
Develop and maintain a long-term RF test technology roadmap aligned with product complexity and business growth
Drive development of scalable test data infrastructure and analytics to enable enterprise-wide visibility and insights
Ensure lab and test environments meet quality, performance, and audit readiness standards
Mentor engineers in test development, RF measurement techniques, automation, and data-driven engineering practices
Foster a culture of technical rigor, accountability, and continuous improvement