RF Operations Engineer 2

MARKI MICROWAVE LLC•Morgan Hill, CA

7d•$120,000 - $175,000•Onsite

About The Position

The RF Operations Engineer 2 is an entry-level, hands-on technical contributor and the starting point of Marki Microwave’s RF Engineering Development Program. In this role, you will build a foundation in high-frequency RF/microwave component engineering by directly supporting two core engineering functions: production engineering and design verification/validation. Day-to-day work includes characterizing RF components on the bench, supporting production test and yield activities, assisting first article validation of new products, and learning Marki’s assembly, packaging, and measurement practices from the ground up. This position is designed as a launch pad, not a final destination. Through structured rotations, mentorship, and progressively challenging assignments, the RF Engineer I develops the base skills common to all Marki engineering roles while gaining direct exposure to the work of the Applications Engineering, Product Development, Design Validation, and Production Engineering teams. Upon successful completion of the development program, the engineer transitions into a destination role aligned with demonstrated strengths, interests, and business needs. This role reports to the Director of Engineering. This role is ideal for a new graduate or early-career engineer who wants to build deep, practical expertise in RF/microwave components through a hands-on approach in a fast-paced, highly technical environment.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Coursework or projects in electromagnetics, microwave engineering, RF circuits, or communications is strongly preferred
0–2 years of experience working with RF products or RF test equipment (internships, co-ops, senior design projects, and research experience count)
Foundational understanding of RF/microwave concepts (transmission lines, impedance matching, S-parameters) and basic device physics
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and specifications, or aptitude and willingness to learn
Ability to work hands-on at the lab bench with small components, precision connectors, and sensitive test equipment
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; excellent verbal and written communication
Commitment to work with a hands-on approach in a team atmosphere

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with electronics assembly and packaging concepts (wire bonding, die attach, soldering, SMT) is a plus
Experience with scripting or software-based tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for test automation or data analysis is a plus
Exposure to RF simulation tools (e.g., Microwave Office, HFSS, ADS) is a plus
Ability to leverage AI tools to simplify and reduce tedious tasks and to accelerate research and learning
Ability to research and learn from technical publications, application notes, and prior work; self-directed learner

Responsibilities

Perform component-level RF measurements across DC to >12 5 GHz, including S-parameters, noise figure, conversion loss, power compression (P1dB, IP3), harmonic generation, intermodulation distortion, isolation, and spur analysis
Set up, calibrate, and operate RF and electronic test equipment including vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, power supplies, oscilloscopes, and multimeters
Troubleshoot test and measurement issues including equipment setup, calibration, fixturing, and test conditions to confirm that measurements are performed accurately
Document test setups, procedures, and results clearly and completely; communicate findings to engineering teams in written reports and verbal presentations
Support production test operations, including running and maintaining test stations, verifying test templates and limits, and assisting with first-pass yield investigations
Assist in root cause analysis of production test failures and yield excursions using structured problem-solving methods under the guidance of Production Engineering
Support Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) investigations by performing electrical verification of returned units and documenting findings
Assist in creating and maintaining manufacturing documentation, including work instructions and process documentation, and support implementation of Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) on the production floor
Develop working familiarity with RF/microwave assembly processes including wire bonding, die attach, silver epoxy, soldering, and SMT
Support first article characterization and performance validation of new products, evaluating measured performance against design targets and specifications
Assist in developing and executing test plans for new product validation, including advanced measurements such as phase noise, power handling, and temperature-dependent performance under the guidance of senior engineers
Collect, reduce, and analyze characterization data; assist in generating datasheet-quality measurement data and validation reports
Assist in debugging prototypes and circuits that do not operate as expected, and communicate observations to design and validation engineering
Support qualification and reliability test activities, including pre- and post-stress electrical measurements
Complete structured rotations and training assignments across production engineering, design validation, applications engineering, and product development functions per the development program curriculum
Meet regularly with assigned mentors and program leadership to review progress, technical development, and destination role fit
Demonstrate progressive ownership of tasks, growing from directed work to independently managed assignments over the course of the program
The employee may be assigned other duties as needed