RF Test Engineer
About The Position
AST SpaceMobile is developing SpaceMobile, a space-based cellular broadband network intended to provide 4G/5G-speed connectivity through standard smartphones around the world. The RF Test Engineer supports development, deployment, validation, and optimization of automated RF test systems for next-generation communications hardware. The role combines hands-on technical work with collaboration across engineering, production, and test development teams to validate RF products and help transition them into manufacturing. The engineer contributes technical input to design-for-test (DFT) and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) throughout the product development lifecycle. Responsibilities include commissioning RF automated test equipment (ATE), validating system performance, monitoring key performance indicators, troubleshooting issues, and analyzing trends. The position also connects production operations, test engineering, and hardware development teams. The role is primarily onsite, with a requirement to work onsite at least four days per week and remote flexibility based on business needs. Work is conducted in laboratory and office environments and includes hands-on testing and troubleshooting with RF equipment and hardware.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline; an equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience may be considered.
- At least 5 years of experience testing RF communications, wireless systems, radar systems, or related technologies.
- At least 3 years of hands-on experience with RF laboratory test equipment and automated test equipment (ATE).
- Experience supporting product validation, manufacturing test environments, or production test operations.
- Experience troubleshooting RF systems and interpreting test results to identify performance issues.
- Strong ownership, accountability, and execution.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
- Analytical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail and commitment to technical accuracy.
- Ability to identify risks and proactively drive solutions.
- Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Ability to work in a laboratory and office environment, use a computer for extended periods, perform hands-on work with RF test equipment and hardware, and review technical documentation, engineering reports, and test data.
- Ability to work onsite at least four days per week and support laboratory testing and troubleshooting as required.
Nice To Haves
- Experience supporting aerospace, satellite communications, wireless communications, or other high-reliability electronic systems.
- Experience developing or deploying automated RF testing solutions.
- Familiarity with design-for-test (DFT) and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) methodologies.
- Experience analyzing RF performance trends and manufacturing yield metrics.
- Experience in high-volume production or advanced engineering laboratory environments.
- Understanding of quality systems, process control methodologies, and continuous improvement practices.
- Knowledge of RF subsystem integration and validation processes.
Responsibilities
- Bring up, commission, and validate RF automated test systems used for communications hardware testing.
- Qualify and verify RF test system performance against engineering specifications and operational requirements.
- Provide design-for-test (DFT) and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) feedback during product and test system development.
- Monitor and analyze RF performance metrics, identifying trends, anomalies, and outliers that may affect product quality or manufacturing efficiency.
- Generate routine reports detailing RF test results, performance indicators, risks, and recommendations.
- Perform calibration, validation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of RF automated test systems.
- Support root-cause investigations of RF performance issues across test, manufacturing, and engineering environments.
- Collaborate with production, test engineering, manufacturing, and hardware development teams.
- Assist in developing and deploying RF test methodologies, procedures, and validation processes.
- Drive continuous improvement in RF test workflows, automation processes, and operational efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with established quality standards and testing procedures.
- Support transfer of new products and technologies from development into production.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
