RF Characterization Engineer

Doodle Labs • Austin, TX

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About The Position

The RF Characterization Engineer measures and characterizes RF designs and builds hardware, turning new designs into working, validated boards. The role will help establish Doodle Labs’ new US-based RF hardware team in Austin, Texas, and shape how the team builds, tests, and validates radio hardware as the company scales.

Working closely with the RF Design Manager and Senior RF Hardware Engineer, this hands-on role spans the hardware lifecycle from prototype build through validated product. Responsibilities include characterizing RF and supporting subsystems, building and bringing up prototype boards, developing test plans and test fixtures, documenting repeatable results, and collaborating with design, R&D, product engineering, and manufacturing teams. The role may require up to 5% travel for field testing or team collaboration.

Requirements

• Strong hands-on background with RF measurement instruments and real hardware.
• Proven experience characterizing and testing RF circuits below 7 GHz, including RF front ends and power amplifiers.
• Familiarity with measuring and testing supporting circuitry such as power conversion, DC/DC converters, USB, and Ethernet.
• Ability to solder, perform rework, and build boards by hand.
• Working knowledge of schematics and PCB design.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with technical and non-technical teams.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Experience working in fast-paced or high-growth environments.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in drones, robotics, autonomy, wireless networking, or defense markets.
• Hardware or test experience at a Wi-Fi or long-range wireless hardware company.
• Experience working with OEMs, embedded systems, or hardware products.
• Familiarity with LitePoint or R&S testers, test automation such as Python, and Linux.
• Experience with environmental qualification and over-the-air testing.
• Specialized certifications such as IPC J-STD-001 or IPC-A-610.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive characterization of designs, including frequency range, RF performance, USB, Ethernet, DC/DC converters, and other subsystems.
• Operate RF and laboratory measurement instruments, including spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators, power meters, and oscilloscopes.
• Build prototype hardware, including soldering, rework, and board bring-up.
• Write test plans, conduct bench and over-the-air tests, and document results.
• Support PCB design and test-jig development, and communicate design intent to PCB layout.
• Research, source, and purchase components and parts under designers’ guidance.
• Collaborate with RF designers, the Singapore R&D team, and product engineering on validation and handoff to manufacturing.
• Ensure test data and documentation are accurate and repeatable for design reviews.
• Help improve test plans, jigs, lab processes, and parts-sourcing and lab-inventory processes.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Individual and company performance bonuses.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• One Medical, Teladoc, Talkspace, Health Advocate, and Kindbody services.
• Sponsored gym memberships.
• 401(k) with company contributions for US roles.
• Access to courses, certifications, and conferences.
• Pre-tax commuter savings for transit and parking for US roles.
• Paid time off.
• Federal and bank holidays observed.
• Company-wide holiday shutdown from Christmas through New Year’s.
• Relocation assistance depending on role eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level