RF Test Technician

Actalent is seeking an RF Test Technician to provide hands-on technical support in an RF satellite hardware development lab, ensuring test activities, equipment, and inventory run smoothly and reliably.

About the role

The RF Test Technician executes test procedures, builds and modifies test racks and fixtures, supports hardware assembly and disassembly, and maintains lab organization so engineering and development teams have the tools, data, and equipment they need. This role works under the direction of engineers and lab leadership, contributes to RF and environmental testing, and plays a key role in keeping the lab operational and efficient.

Responsibilities

• Execute RF and hardware test procedures accurately and consistently, including test execution for satellite-related components and systems.
• Build, modify, and assemble test racks, fixtures, and hardware setups to support engineering development and validation activities.
• Perform hardware assembly and disassembly tasks, ensuring proper handling of RF and electronic components and adherence to lab standards.
• Provide coverage during day hours and, when required, support occasional extended hours or weekend work during major test pushes.
• Maintain and repair test equipment and custom fixtures, including first-line troubleshooting and basic corrective actions to keep systems operational.
• Conduct preventative maintenance on lab equipment and fixtures to minimize downtime and ensure reliable test performance.
• Support PCBA rework activities, including soldering, basic PCB rework, and cable fabrication as needed for test configurations.
• Operate wire bonder equipment and support BGA rework station operations when required by engineering teams.
• Manage calibration logistics by pulling equipment for calibration, coordinating installation and removal, and ensuring timely return of calibrated assets.
• Operate thermal chambers for environmental testing, including setting up tests, monitoring conditions, and supporting thermal, shock, vibration, and TVAC-related activities.
• Fulfill ad-hoc equipment and test setup requests from engineering teams, ensuring quick response and accurate configuration.
• Handle receiving and shipping of test equipment, units under test (DUTs), and related materials, including coordinating RMAs and interfacility equipment transport.
• Manage DUT and equipment inventory, including tracking locations, status, and usage to support asset visibility and availability.
• Maintain lab organization, including grounding and ESD controls, cable, tool, and parts storage, and overall cleanliness and orderliness.
• Track assets and consumables, ensuring adequate stocking of tools, parts, and materials and updating asset management or inventory systems.
• Document test activities, equipment status, and inventory changes with strong attention to detail to support traceability and compliance.
• Read and interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, and mechanical drawings to build, modify, and troubleshoot test setups and hardware.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and lab management to prioritize work, support ongoing development programs, and meet test schedule needs.

Requirements

• AS or AAS in Electronics Technology, equivalent military or vocational training, or a minimum of 2+ years of hands-on lab experience.
• Hands-on experience using electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and spectrum analyzers.
• Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams, electrical schematics, and mechanical drawings for test and assembly work.
• Proficiency in soldering, cable fabrication, and basic PCB rework for test and development hardware.
• Comfort working in a lab environment and the ability to lift 50+ pounds safely when handling equipment and hardware.
• Strong attention to detail for accurate inventory tracking, documentation, and asset management.
• Experience working in RF or microwave lab environments and familiarity with RF test equipment and practices.
• Knowledge of thermal chamber operations and environmental testing, including thermal, vibration, shock, and TVAC-related activities.
• Experience operating wire bonder equipment or BGA rework stations.
• Familiarity with asset management or inventory systems for tracking equipment and consumables.
• Troubleshooting skills for test equipment, fixtures, and hardware setups in a lab environment.

Skills

• IPC J-STD-001 certification, indicating proficiency in soldered electrical and electronic assemblies.
• IPC-A-610 certification, demonstrating knowledge of acceptability standards for electronic assemblies.
• Experience with test automation software and scripting tools, such as Python, for automated test execution and data collection.
• Familiarity with calibration processes and procedures, including coordination with external calibration services.
• Exposure to shock testing, vibration testing, and TVAC (thermal vacuum) testing environments.
• Ability to work effectively under the direction of engineers and lab leadership while managing multiple tasks and priorities.
• Strong organizational skills and a proactive approach to maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient lab environment.
• Interest in building a long-term career in RF testing, satellite hardware development, or related technical fields.
• Capability to support occasional extended hours or weekend work during high-demand test periods when needed.

Benefits

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.

• Medical, dental, and vision
• 401(k)/Roth
• Basic/Supplemental Life & AD&D
• Short and long-term disability
• HSA & DCFSA
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company Paid Time off or State Sick Leave
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage

Pay

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $50.00/hr.

Schedule

• This is a contract position based in Redmond, WA.
• Fully onsite role.
• Day hours with occasional extended hours or weekend work during major test pushes.