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Senior RF Technician - Defense Electronics (Software Defined Radio Test & Assemb

Jobs via Dice, Germantown, MD, United States


Senior RF Technician We are seeking an experienced Senior RF Technician to support the assembly, integration, test, and troubleshooting of advanced software-defined radio (SDR) systems and RF subsystems spanning low frequency through 50 GHz.

Key Responsibilities

System-level and board-level integration, test, and troubleshooting of SDR platforms and RF subsystems.

Perform advanced RF measurements (gain, noise figure, linearity, phase noise, spurious emissions, etc.) across the operating spectrum up to 50 GHz.

Operate, program, and maintain complex RF/microwave test equipment including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, phase noise analyzers, power meters, oscilloscopes, and signal generators.

Support engineering root-cause analysis and corrective action for product nonconformance, identifying circuit-level and system-level issues.

Collaborate with design and systems engineers during prototype builds, verification testing, and design validation, providing real-time feedback on performance issues and manufacturability.

Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior technicians on assembly, testing, and troubleshooting practices.

Ensure test data integrity, proper documentation, and traceability in compliance with AS9100/ISO9001 quality management standards.

Work cross-functionally with engineering, quality, and program management teams to drive continuous improvement in test methodologies, assembly practices, and product performance.

Qualifications Required

Associate s degree in Electronics Technology, RF/Microwave Engineering, or equivalent military/industry background; Bachelor s in related discipline preferred.

5+ years of hands‑on RF test and troubleshooting experience in defense, aerospace, or advanced telecom environments.

Strong expertise in diagnosing RF/microwave hardware issues at the board, module, and system level.

Proficiency with advanced RF instrumentation (VNA calibration and de‑embedding, time‑domain gating, noise figure analyzers, etc.).

Experience supporting engineering change activities (ECNs/SAIs) and providing feedback for design‑for‑test and design‑for‑manufacture improvements.

Ability to read and interpret RF schematics, system block diagrams, and test specifications.

Preferred

Direct experience with software‑defined radio architectures and RF/digital signal interaction.

Hands‑on experience with automated test systems and scripting (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or similar).

Work Environment

Laboratory and defense electronics production floor environment.

Involves frequent handling of precision RF/microwave components and connectors.

Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs. and use of mechanical/hand tools.

Benefits

Startup Environment

Competitive Salaries

Health Insurance

401K Matching

Bonuses for superior performance

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