Senior RF Test Engineer I - Antenna
CesiumAstro · Austin, TX ·
- Work mode
- Onsite
- Seniority
- Senior
- Employment
- Contract
- Category
- QA
- Experience
- 4+ years
- Visa sponsorship
- No
Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.
We’re seeking a Senior Antenna Test Engineer I with experience in RF anechoic chamber measurements and Antenna characterization to join our Test Engineering team. You’ll work closely with RF, antennas, and systems engineers to define, execute, and analyze antenna measurement campaigns — including radiation patterns, gain, efficiency, polarization, and over-the-air performance — using state-of-the-art chamber setups.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plan, setup, and execute antenna and RF measurement campaigns in anechoic chambers, including Near-Field and far-field radiation patterns, gain, efficiency, and polarization characterization.
- Perform VNA calibration and measurement, spectrum analysis, and signal generation.
- Align, position, and configure devices under test (DUTs), reference antennas, and positioners to maximize measurement fidelity.
- Develop, refine, and document test procedures, setups, and data and test analysis scripts.
- Collaborate with design and systems teams to troubleshoot anomalies and product development.
- Manage and maintain chamber instrumentation, cables, and ancillary RF equipment.
- Develop custom test code, to enhance test performance and reduce test time.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor of Science (BS) or higher in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
- 4+ years of experience in RF testing, with significant hands-on experience in anechoic chamber antenna measurements.
- Proficient with Vector Network Analyzers (VNA), spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and associated RF instrumentation.
- Demonstrated ability to perform pattern measurements, gain and efficiency extraction, and polarization characterization.
- Strong understanding of RF fundamentals: matching, S-parameters, near field and far-field measurements, and chamber effects.
- Experience with automated test procedures and data processing (Python and C#).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail in documentation and reporting.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Experience with phased array testing, antenna and phased array troubleshooting, and OTA testing.
- Antenna design experience.
- Familiarity with NSI control software and positioner automation.
- Prior aerospace or satellite RF test experience.
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.