Principal RF Test Engineer I

Denver, Colorado | Full-Time | On-Site

Please Note: Due to U.S. export control regulations, applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required U.S. government authorizations.

About the Opportunity

We are partnering with an innovative aerospace company developing advanced RF communication technologies for next-generation space systems. As a Principal RF Test Engineer, you will play a key role in leading the development of sophisticated RF test solutions supporting mission-critical hardware for cutting-edge aerospace applications.

Working within a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will be responsible for architecting RF test systems, driving verification strategies, and supporting products from concept through qualification. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer looking to combine hands-on technical expertise with technical leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of RF test plans, procedures, and automated test systems.

• Develop scalable, reusable RF test architectures and verification frameworks.

• Define RF test methodologies and collaborate with RF, hardware, software, firmware, and systems engineering teams throughout the product lifecycle.

• Perform advanced RF characterisation and validation of complex communication systems.

• Analyse RF measurement data, troubleshoot complex technical issues, and provide recommendations to engineering teams.

• Drive Design for Test (DFT) activities to improve verification efficiency and product quality.

• Support laboratory development, equipment selection, calibration activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Mentor engineers and provide technical guidance across RF test activities.

• Produce and present technical documentation, engineering reports, and design reviews to internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

• 9+ years of industry or research experience designing, developing, and implementing RF test systems.

• Expert knowledge of RF measurements, including:

  • Error Vector Magnitude (EVM)

  • Linearity

  • Noise Spectral Density (NSD)

  • S-Parameters

  • AM/PM Conversion

  • Compression

  • Noise Figure

  • Harmonics & Spurious Emissions

  • Phase Noise

  • Group Delay

  • Bit Error Rate (BER)

  • Adjacent Channel Power (ACP)

• Extensive experience designing RF test architectures, automation frameworks, and reusable test solutions.

• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment, including:

  • Vector Network Analyzers (VNA)

  • Vector Signal Analyzers (VSA)

  • Vector Signal Generators (VSG)

  • Spectrum Analyzers

  • Digital Oscilloscopes

  • Source Measurement Units (SMUs)

  • Electronic Loads

  • Digital Multimeters

• Experience developing RF test automation using Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar programming languages.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with phased array or over-the-air (OTA) RF testing.

• Knowledge of phased array calibration, beamforming, EIRP, G/T, scan loss, antenna pattern measurements, and axial ratio testing.

• Understanding of RF and mixed-signal hardware, including amplifiers, filters, ADCs/DACs, antennas, and high-speed communication systems.

• Previous experience within the space, satellite, aerospace, or defence sectors.

• Experience mentoring engineers and providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to take a leading technical role in the development of advanced RF technologies for next-generation aerospace and space applications. You’ll influence RF verification strategy, architect sophisticated test systems, collaborate with highly skilled engineering teams, and help deliver innovative technologies operating at the forefront of the space industry.

Interested?

For a confidential discussion or to learn more about the opportunity, please get in touch with:

Madison Risdale
📧 madison.risdale@newspacetechnical.com

Angela Olmo
📧 angela.olmo@newspacetechnical.com