RF Test Engineer

Mercury Systems•Phoenix, AZ

8h•Onsite

About The Position

Mercury Systems is seeking the best and brightest talent to help us bring cutting-edge technology to mission-critical aerospace and defense applications, advancing innovation where it matters most. Join our team as a Test Engineer III in our Integrated Processing Solutions business unit, where you'll serve as a technical test lead on a major program focused on sophisticated RF transmitter/receiver systems. This role centers on RF and antenna testing, environmental qualification, and test strategy development for mission-critical defense applications.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field, or equivalent relevant experience
Typically requires a minimum of 4 years of related experience in electronics test engineering
Extensive hands-on experience testing RF systems, transmitters, receivers, or antenna systems
Strong programming experience in languages such as Python, .NET, or similar for test automation and data analysis
Advanced proficiency with RF test equipment: spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, power meters, anechoic chambers, and antenna test ranges (including CATR)
Demonstrated experience with antenna testing and characterization techniques
Strong understanding of RF communication principles, modulation schemes, and link budgets
Experience with MIL-STD environmental and EMI/EMC testing standards (810H, 461G)
This position requires you to have or obtain a government security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens.
Travel approximately 10-15% to external test facilities

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering
Experience with AI-assisted development tools (Claude Code, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, or similar) for test automation development
Experience with advanced antenna testing: phased arrays, AESA systems, and OTA methodologies
Experience with additional MIL-STD test standards (704, 1275, or similar)
Experience with RF test fixture design or PCB layout tools for RF applications
Familiarity with additional languages such as C/C++, MATLAB, LabVIEW, Rust, or SQL
Knowledge of antenna design principles and electromagnetic theory
Experience with requirements management tools (JAMA, DOORS)
Understanding of Design for Test (DFT) principles for RF systems
Previous experience in aerospace, defense, or ruggedized electronics industries
Existing Secret clearance or higher
Experience with OpenVPX/SOSA architecture, VITA standards (46.11, 48.2, 62, 65, 67.3), and RFSoC/FPGA-based RF systems
Experience with high-speed data interfaces including 100GigE, 40GigE, 10GigE, and fiber optic connections

Responsibilities

Lead Design Verification Test (DVT) strategy and execution for complex RF transmitter/receiver systems and subsystems
Design and develop specialized RF test fixtures, antenna test ranges, and test interface boards for RF subsystems
Perform comprehensive antenna testing including radiation patterns, gain measurements, VSWR, impedance matching, and far-field/near-field characterization
Conduct RF system performance testing including transmit power, receiver sensitivity, spurious emissions, harmonics, and intermodulation distortion
Develop and maintain sophisticated automated test scripts for RF instrument control, data acquisition, and automated reporting
Lead environmental and qualification testing per MIL-STD-810H (thermal, vibration, shock) and MIL-STD-461G (EMI/EMC) standards
Perform root cause analysis on complex RF test failures and drive resolution with cross-functional teams
Develop comprehensive test procedures and own formal test reports with full requirements traceability
Maintain test equipment calibration records and lead configuration management of test assets
Lead production test handoff activities including documentation, automation development, and knowledge transfer
Interface with design engineering, program management, and manufacturing as the RF test subject matter expert for the program
Support test planning, resource allocation, and schedule management activities