EMC Test Engineer

About the role

The EMC Test Engineer evaluates designs and tests Ethernet switches to verify compliance with global electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and regulatory requirements. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an entry-level or junior engineer to develop technical skills and work with cutting-edge technology in a lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate Ethernet switch designs to confirm compliance with applicable EMC and regulatory requirements.
• Plan, set up, and execute EMC tests such as radiated emissions, conducted emissions, surge, and other relevant EMC test procedures.
• Run tests related to ESD, RF, and other EMC phenomena as required by project and regulatory needs.
• Use oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and signal analysis tools to perform measurements and validate test results.
• Apply current global EMC standards and test specifications to test plans and procedures, and continuously learn updates to these standards.
• Perform production-level and bench-level testing to support product development and verification activities.
• Troubleshoot EMC-related issues using test equipment and diagnostic techniques to identify root causes and support design improvements.
• Conduct or support OTA (over-the-air) and SAR testing activities as needed.
• Document test setups, procedures, observations, and results clearly and accurately for internal reviews and regulatory submissions.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to interpret test findings, recommend corrective actions, and contribute to product design optimization.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient lab environment, ensuring proper use and care of test equipment.
• Participate in training and skill-building activities to expand EMC, RF, and test engineering knowledge.

Requirements

• Approximately 1 year of EMC testing experience, including exposure to tests such as radiated emissions, conducted emissions, and surge, or comparable experience in RF testing.
• Hands-on experience running EMC tests such as radiated emissions, conducted emissions, and surge, or experience with production-level and bench-level testing.
• Practical experience using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and signal analysis tools for measurement and troubleshooting.
• Understanding of EMC concepts, compliance requirements, and test methodologies for radiated emissions, conducted emissions, ESD, surge, and RF.
• Ability to learn and apply current global EMC standards and test specifications in a structured and detail-oriented manner.
• Troubleshooting background with the ability to diagnose issues using test equipment and analytical thinking.
• Basic knowledge of RF principles and testing practices.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in executing tests and documenting results.
• Effective communication skills to report findings and collaborate with engineering teams.

Qualifications

• Degree concentrated in telecommunications or RF, or related technical discipline.
• Experience or familiarity with OTA (over-the-air) and SAR testing.
• Interest in developing deeper expertise in EMC, RF, and compliance engineering.
• Ability to adapt to changing test requirements and learn new equipment and methodologies.
• Willingness to work different shifts, including day shift and potential second shift assignments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• None specified beyond the general qualifications listed above.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $30.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital, 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available, Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents), Short and long-term disability, Health Spending Account (HSA), Transportation benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).

Work Environment

This role is based in a lab environment focused on EMC and RF testing of Ethernet switches and related technologies. You will work with advanced test equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and other RF and EMC measurement tools. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday on a day shift, with the expectation that candidates remain open to working a second shift (approximately 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.) if needed. If assigned to the second shift, you will begin with training on the first shift and transition to the second shift once you are comfortable with the processes and equipment. The environment emphasizes safety, precision, and collaboration, providing opportunities to build skills and work with cutting-edge technology.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Jose, CA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.