Principal RF Test Engineer

Intellisense Systems, Inc. is a privately held, Southern California-based technology innovator with a proven track record of developing and deploying innovative products that successfully operate in the most extreme environments. We solve tough, mission-critical challenges for our customers in the aerospace, defense, and commercial markets, delivering the full data continuum from sensing and embedded processing to video integration, displays, and data/video recording and storage for airborne and ground vehicle platforms. Our portfolio also includes environmental and maritime sensing and smart power management systems, engineered to the highest levels of safety certification and built with embedded cybersecurity and advanced encryption capabilities. We are seeking an exceptional Principal RF Test Engineer to join our Advanced Systems Team. You will lead the development, execution, and improvement of RF test strategies for advanced aerospace and defense systems. This role requires deep technical expertise in RF and microwave testing, strong system-level troubleshooting skills, and the ability to lead test activities from development through qualification, production, and customer acceptance. The Principal RF Test Engineer will work closely with RF, electrical, systems, software, manufacturing, teams to ensure products meet performance, reliability, and contractual requirements. The successful candidate will be a hands-on technical leader capable of solving complex RF issues, developing robust automated test solutions, mentoring engineers, and driving test discipline across multiple programs. Location: Torrance, CA (Onsite) Responsibilities: Lead RF and microwave test activities for development, integration, qualification, verification, and production programsDevelop comprehensive test plans, procedures, test methods, and acceptance criteria based on system and subsystem requirementsDesign, develop, and validate RF test setups for modules, assemblies, and integrated systemsPerform testing and characterization of RF systems across parameters such as gain, noise figure, frequency response, output power, linearity, harmonics, spurious emissions, sensitivity, phase, and signal integrityOperate and configure RF laboratory equipment including vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, power meters, noise-figure analyzers, and related instrumentationLead troubleshooting and root-cause investigation of complex RF hardware, system, and test failuresAnalyze test data, identify trends and anomalies, and provide clear technical conclusions and corrective-action recommendationsDevelop and improve automated RF test systems and test software to increase repeatability, efficiency, coverage, and production throughputEstablish test requirements, test architecture, instrumentation needs, fixtures, calibration requirements, and measurement uncertainty expectationsSupport environmental and qualification testing, including temperature, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC, and other applicable qualification activitiesSupport design reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and other customer or internal technical reviewsParticipate in requirements verification and traceability to ensure test coverage satisfies contractual and system requirementsWork closely with design engineering to improve design-for-testability and identify potential performance or manufacturing issues early in the development lifecycleSupport manufacturing and production teams with test station development, troubleshooting, yield improvement, failure analysis, and transition from engineering to productionDevelop and maintain test documentation, test reports, verification evidence, and configuration-controlled test artifactsInterface with customers, suppliers, and external test facilities as the RF test technical lead when requiredMentor junior and senior engineers and provide technical guidance on RF measurement techniques, troubleshooting, and test methodologyDrive continuous improvement of RF test processes, tools, automation, and engineering best practicesSupport proposal activities by developing test approaches, labor estimates, schedules, equipment requirements, technical content, and risk assessments Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, or a closely related technical disciplineTypically 10+ years of relevant RF, microwave, or system test engineering experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experienceExtensive hands-on experience testing RF and microwave hardware and systemsStrong understanding of RF fundamentals including S-parameters, impedance matching, gain, noise figure, compression, intermodulation, harmonics, phase noise, sensitivity, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratioStrong experience using RF test equipment such as:Vector Network AnalyzersSpectrum AnalyzersRF/Microwave Signal GeneratorsPower MetersOscilloscopesNoise Figure AnalyzersDemonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex RF systems down to the assembly, board, or component levelExperience developing test plans, procedures, verification methods, and formal test reportsExperience with automated test development using Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar toolsExperience interfacing laboratory instrumentation using protocols such as GPIB, Ethernet/LAN, USB, or serial interfacesStrong understanding of calibration, measurement accuracy, uncertainty, repeatability, and test equipment limitationsExperience supporting engineering development as well as production test environmentsStrong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex technical issues to engineering teams, program leadership, customers, and suppliersDemonstrated technical leadership and ability to independently lead complex engineering test activitiesNice to Haves: Experience with aerospace, defense, radar, electronic warfare, communications, SIGINT, RF sensing, or mission-system applicationsExperience testing receivers, transmitters, transceivers, antennas, amplifiers, filters, frequency converters, or other RF subsystemsExperience with environmental qualification testing and military/aerospace standardsExperience with EMI/EMC testing and standards such as MIL-STD-461Familiarity with MIL-STD-810 environmental testingExperience working on ruggedized, low-SWaP-C embedded RF systemsExperience with requirements management, verification matrices, and configuration-controlled development environmentsExperience supporting qualification, First Article Testing, Acceptance Test Procedures, and production readinessExperience developing automated production test stations and improving manufacturing test yield What You Could Expect: The ability to innovate, develop, and transition prototype technologies into new products, and to be rewarded for successful transitionsThe chance to continually work on new differentiating technologies and implement simple elegant solutions to meet customer needs and that make an impactLeadership that enables its engineers with all the tools they need to be successful Please Note: Job responsibilities within our organization are dynamic. This may not be a complete list of duties. Other responsibilities and duties may be assigned by your supervisor or upper management at any time. Compensation: $137,000 - $175,000 (However, base salary for this position will vary based on your skills, qualifications, and experience) Benefits: 4 Weeks PTO a year (including 40 hours of PTO your first day)10 paid holidays 401(k) with 100% employer matching up to 5 % of salary (no vesting period)Multiple options for Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance plansHealth Savings AccountsFlexible Spending Accounts Tuition Assistance (30% of Tuition with a minimum qualifying grade)100% Paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)100% Paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance100% Paid Workers Compensation InsuranceVoluntary Life Insurance The unique culture at Intellisense offers the entrepreneurial spirit of a smaller company with the support and expertise of a larger organization. We are looking for individuals that have a wide breadth of experience while also being subject matter experts in their respective field. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact us by phone at (310) 320-1827 or by email at hrsupport@intellisenseinc.com Unless otherwise stated in the requirements section of an individual job listing, our positions require U.S. Citizenship, U.S. Permanent Residency, or other status as a U.S. Person as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3). Intellisense Systems, Inc is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, or other legally protected status. # 26047 Powered by JazzHR q5ohlKcMKn