Test Technician

About the role

ARA is a leading C5ISR company that designs, manufactures, tests and installs innovative technologies providing the national security community with unparalleled situational awareness, threat detection, and communications capabilities. The Test Technician will perform complex test duties in support of Test Engineers on antennas, including calibration, measurement, and test reporting. U.S. Citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Calibrate test set-ups to make measurements based on test plans and create test reports on antennas.
• Work with a team of design and test Engineers to build and test prototype antennas and systems according to engineering drawings and specifications.
• Operate and maintain measurement instruments such as VNAs (Vector Network Analyzers), oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, generators, and power meters.
• Perform S11 (Magnitude and Phase) measurements and record data.
• Use RF connectors, cables, and torque wrenches effectively.
• Tune and test new and existing antennas to a competent level.
• Work from limited documentation, including schematics, rough sketches, diagrams, layouts, and plans, applying comprehensive knowledge of electronic theory and principles.
• Perform operational tests and fault isolation on systems and equipment to ensure conformance with final product specifications.
• Conduct in-process and final electronic verification testing of electronic test equipment.
• Set up test apparatus or devices to evaluate the performance and reliability of antennas.
• Identify potential production issues.
• Set up specialized test equipment for checkout of non-routine assemblies and systems.
• Understand drawings and assemble parts accordingly.
• Take S-parameters using network analyzers.
• Read test plans to understand required testing of antennas.
• Create test reports from test data on antennas.
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of VNAs (Vector Network Analyzers) is required.
• Experience with RF connectors, cables, and torque wrenches is required.
• Experience making and recording S11 (Magnitude and Phase) measurements is preferred.
• Experience working in Anechoic Chambers is a plus.
• Knowledge of antenna pattern measurements is a plus.
• High proficiency in using network analyzers for testing and calibration.
• Ability to read and interpret test plans and engineering drawings.
• Analytical skills to use thinking and reasoning to solve problems.
• 2+ years of experience working with and tuning passive microwave components including hybrids, magic tees, filters, OMTs, and different antennas.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in engineering, technology, or advanced electromechanical experience in an RF environment, or US Military electronics training.
• Adaptability to change, open to new ideas and responsibilities.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Comprehensive job knowledge, awareness of duties and responsibilities, and commitment to keeping job knowledge current.
• Technical skills to perform the job or role effectively.
• Dependability in meeting deadlines, working independently or in a team, accountability, focus, and good attendance record.
• Commitment to quality, striving to eliminate errors and improve products.
• High ethical standards, honesty, accountability, and maintaining confidentiality.
• Initiative and ownership in taking action, seeking new opportunities, and completing projects.
• Customer focus, understanding and meeting needs in a customer-centric environment, building strong relationships, and promoting a positive company image.