RF Technician I

About the Company

Mini-Circuits designs, manufactures, and distributes integrated circuits, modules, and sub-systems for high-performance radio frequency (RF) and microwave applications. With design, sales, and manufacturing locations in over 30 countries, Mini-Circuits’ products are used in wired and wireless communications, detection, measurement, and imaging applications, including military communication, guidance, and electronic countermeasure systems, commercial, scientific, military land, sea, and aircraft, automotive systems, medical systems, and industrial test equipment. Mini-Circuits sells its products to over 20,000 customers globally through a direct sales force, applications engineering staff, sales representatives, and an extensive website.

About the Role

The RF Technician I/II is responsible for the alignment, tuning, and testing of RF through millimeter-wave (mmW) products operating up to 110 GHz. This role applies industry-standard RF, microwave (MW), and mmW techniques to characterize and optimize a broad range of assemblies and components, including core-and-wire, LTCC, MMIC, integrated microwave assemblies, and microstrip-based passive and active devices. The technician ensures product performance meets design specifications across the full signal chain, from component-level evaluation to subsystem integration.

Responsibilities

• Align and test RF through mmW amplifiers, mixers, multipliers, switches, filters, couplers, attenuators, phase shifters, limiters, and other related components using PNA-X vector network analyzers.
• Test, tune, and troubleshoot integrated assemblies as required.
• Assist in generating tuning patterns, component value changes, and other design improvements to enhance manufacturability.
• Maintain high quality and production yields.
• Prepare test reports and data summaries.
• Operate and maintain the calibration of test equipment, including PNA-X vector network analyzers and associated tools.
• Maintain a clean laboratory bench space and support calibration schedules for bench equipment.
• Utilize ATE software, including MCL’s PNA software.
• Interface with inspection and assembly teams to troubleshoot and resolve test issues.
• Support the engineering team in ISO audits and participate in internal and external audits.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or international equivalent + 5 years of experience in mmW Product Design/Test or a related field.
• Associate degree in Electrical Engineering + 3 years of experience in mmW Product Design/Test or a related field.
• Experience with amplifier circuit design (low noise and power).
• Knowledge of filter/network analysis and synthesis techniques.
• Understanding of electromagnetic theory and system analysis.
• Familiarity with digital communication and modulation techniques.
• Previous experience in microwave and millimeter-wave hardware test and measurement to at least 40 GHz, with the ability to validate measured results against theory or expectations.
• Demonstrated advanced experience with PNA-X vector network analyzers.
• Hands-on ability to assemble, tune, test, and troubleshoot hardware in a laboratory environment.
• Basic understanding of surface mount and microelectronic chip-and-wire manufacturing methods, including soldering, wedge bonding, silver epoxy application, material properties (expansion coefficient, thermal conductivity), plating, substrate materials, and printed circuit board manufacturing techniques.
• Practical knowledge in testing and measuring MMIC, LTCC, and ferrite core-and-wire products, including couplers, dividers, baluns, transformers, mixers, and amplifiers.
• Ability to read and understand schematic diagrams and assembly drawings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to perform basic soldering tasks.

Skills & Attributes

• Professional and positive approach, self-motivated, and strong in building relationships.
• Team player with a dynamic and creative mindset, capable of working independently.
• Desire to excel in a high-volume, multi-project environment with tight deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Proactive problem-solving ability with minimal supervision.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• Regularly required to talk and hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and use hands to operate a computer keyboard.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Cultural Focus

• Displays enthusiasm and passion for work.
• Works to the standard of uncompromising quality by meeting or exceeding objectives and embracing continuous improvement.
• Exercises sound business judgment, ensuring efforts align with company goals.
• Operates with a mindset of customer obsession, meeting or exceeding expectations for both internal and external customers.
• Takes accountability by owning responsibilities and accepting responsibility for conduct and contributions.
• Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency, accomplishing tasks with speed and attention to detail.
• Cooperates, collaborates, and contributes to shared goals with a strong sense of teamwork.
• Conducts themselves with honesty, integrity, and treats all members with trust and respect.

Additional Requirements

• Comply with and support corporate safety initiatives to ensure a safe work environment.
• Ability and willingness to abide by the company’s Code of Conduct.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive for extended periods.
• Occasional travel, including overnight stays, as required.