Sr. RF Test Engineer

Sr. RF Test Engineer

Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD Type: Hybrid

Salary Range: $125,000 – $155,000 annually 

About Fairwinds Technologies

Fairwinds Technologies is a U.S.-based engineering firm specializing in Satellite Communications (SATCOM), RF Transmission Systems, Network Design, Systems Integration, and Digital Signal Processing (DSP). We support Command, Control, Communications, and Computer (C4) systems in austere military environments, delivering advanced communications, networking, and IT solutions to defense and civilian agencies worldwide.

Position Overview

Fairwinds Technologies is seeking a highly skilled RF Test Engineer with deep expertise in 5G Layer 1 (L1) integration and testing, including familiarity with 3GPP and ORAN standards, test methodologies, and automation frameworks. This role will lead the definition, development, and execution of RF test strategies for tactical radios, SATCOM systems, and emerging 5G platforms.

You'll collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to ensure system-level verification, performance characterization, and mission readiness in lab and field environments. This position emphasizes technical leadership, automation, and continuous improvement.

This role reports to the Chief Technology & Strategy Office and involves close collaboration with customers, Systems Engineering, Hardware, and Software teams to ensure requirements verification, performance characterization, and mission readiness across lab and occasional field environments.

Years of Experience

7–10+ years of progressively responsible experience in RF test engineering across lab and/or field environments, including:

· Hands-on testing and automation

· 5G L1 integration and verification

· Familiarity with 3GPP and ORAN standards

· Tactical radio and SATCOM systems

Key Responsibilities

· Develop and execute RF test strategies aligned with system requirements, interface specs, and compliance standards (including 3GPP and ORAN).

· Architect and maintain test environments for 5G L1 and RF systems, including signal chains, fixtures, and instrumentation.

· Author formal test procedures, readiness reviews, and reports; ensure traceability and version control.

· Perform RF measurements across 30 MHz–40 GHz using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and other tools.

· Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions for test anomalies; apply statistical methods and trend analysis.

· Build and maintain automated test frameworks using Python (SCPI, PyVISA, etc.); integrate dashboards and data pipelines.

· Conduct integration and field testing for tactical radios (e.g., SRW, TSM) and SATCOM terminals (e.g., Ka/Ku/X-band).

· Mentor junior engineers and technicians in RF testing and automation practices.

· Support compliance efforts (e.g., MIL-STD, EMI/EMC pre-certification) and coordinate with external labs.

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred).

· Proven experience in 5G L1 integration and testing, including knowledge of 3GPP and ORAN standards.

· Strong proficiency in RF/microwave measurements and instrumentation.

· Advanced Python skills for test automation and data analysis.

· Familiarity with RF schematics, ICDs, link budgets, and antenna patterns.

· Experience with version control systems (Git/SVN) and disciplined documentation practices.

· U.S. work eligibility and ability to obtain/maintain DoD SECRET clearance.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

· Experience with tactical radios (SINCGARS, SRW, TSM, MUOS) and SATCOM terminals (GEO/MEO/LEO).

· Exposure to environmental and EMI/EMC testing.

· Familiarity with MATLAB, LabVIEW, NI PXI, Keysight, Rohde & Schwarz, Tektronix, Spirent.

· CI/CD experience for test automation and regression testing.

· Prior leadership in test campaigns and mentoring roles.

Supervisory Responsibility

This role may provide technical directions to RF technicians and junior engineers but does not include formal direct reports.

Work Environment

This position is primarily performed in a traditional office environment with an onsite, lab-based role and occasional field work.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand for extended periods; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; use fingers and hands to type or write; reach with hands and arms; lift to 40 lbs.; talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, exempt position, working Monday through Friday; 40 hours per work week; occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Some flexibility in actual work hours may be offered.

Travel

Must be willing to travel 5–15% when required.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Must be eligible to work in the US and possess or obtain a Secret level clearance.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

AAP/EEO Statement

Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Why Join Us:

· Opportunity to own test strategy on cutting-edge RF systems.

· Collaborate with a highly skilled engineering team and build automated test capabilities that scale across programs.

· Competitive salary and benefits package

· Professional development and growth opportunities.

Compensation – Salary

At Fairwinds, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location and experience