Radar Systems Engineer - RF Integration and Test
Core
Lead RF-centric integration, debug, characterization, and validation for radar hardware, subsystems, and test environments to ensure trustworthy measurements and rapid root-cause isolation.
Role type
Senior IC Radar Systems Engineer (RF Integration and Test)
Builds
Radar systems, phased array systems, and test environments for warfighters, commercial air operators, and border protection teams.
Domain
Defense, Aerospace, Radar Systems, RF/Microwave
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work
Required skills
RF fundamentals (S-parameters, impedance matching, noise figure, linearity, compression, phase stability), RF test equipment operation (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators), RF test plan design, component-level to system-level performance correlation, documentation of test procedures and acceptance criteria.
Preferred skills
Phased array and anechoic chamber testing, radar calibration failure diagnosis, phase noise measurement, high-power/low-noise amplifier characterization, custom RF fixture design, Python/MATLAB/LabVIEW for automation.
Technologies
VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, phase noise analyzers, power meters, oscilloscopes, noise figure analyzers, SDRs, HPAs, LNAs, frequency converters, Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW.
Responsibilities
Lead RF debug, characterization, and acceptance for radar hardware including transmit/receive chains, antennas, and frequency conversion stages; Diagnose RF failures by selecting and executing appropriate measurements (S-parameters, VSWR, noise figure, phase noise, IP3/P1dB, gain/compression, group delay, harmonics/spurs, isolation, time-domain); Choose the right instrument for the failure mode and reconcile component-level results against system-level performance; Isolate subtle RF issues such as insertion loss drift, intermittent behavior, phase instability, spurious content, compression effects, LO leakage, and timing/frequency drift; Define, configure, and calibrate RF test setups so measurements are repeatable and representative of system operating conditions; Plan and execute phased array testing in anechoic chambers, including EIRP, transmit and receive beam patterns, sidelobe levels, beam steering accuracy, and array calibration verification; Stand up and improve RF portions of test racks, bench setups, and STE environments including automated or semi-automated RF data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Seniority
Senior, hands-on IC