Contract Rf Optimization Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Job Title: RF Integration Engineer

Job Description

This contract RF Integration Engineer role supports an RF/Antenna Industrial IoT group, focusing on the bring-up, simulation, integration, and validation of advanced antenna and radio designs. You will test wireless and RF subsystems against demanding performance metrics, automate test equipment using Python to improve test cycle efficiency, and clearly present results and recommendations to cross-functional teams in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the bring-up, simulation, integration, and validation of innovative antenna and radio designs for Industrial IoT applications.
• Test wireless and RF subsystems to verify performance against defined design metrics and quality standards.
• Develop and maintain Python scripts to automate RF and wireless test equipment, improving test throughput and efficiency.
• Execute detailed RF test plans, document procedures, and record results in a clear and organized manner.
• Use VNAs, spectrum analyzers, wireless sniffers, and related RF test equipment to characterize RF performance and troubleshoot issues.
• Evaluate RF front-end architecture performance and contribute to design improvements based on test data.
• Perform component-level rework, including 0402 SMT components, using soldering stations and standard lab tools.
• Support global certification processes by providing test data, executing required test cases, and assisting with compliance-related activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to communicate test findings, discuss design trade-offs, and recommend corrective actions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of test methodologies, automation frameworks, and RF lab practices.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on testing experience with wireless and RF subsystems.
• Proficiency in using Python to automate RF and wireless test equipment.
• Experience using Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), spectrum analyzers, wireless sniffers, and other RF test instruments.
• Familiarity with RF front-end architecture fundamentals.
• Practical experience with WLAN, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) / Bluetooth (BT), 5G, and LTE technologies.
• Ability to perform component rework, including 0402 SMT components, using soldering stations.
• Understanding of global certification processes for wireless and RF products.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in Industrial IoT environments or with IoT-focused RF designs.
• Exposure to ECAD tools or workflows for RF and antenna-related designs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to RF performance and integration challenges.
• Ability to clearly present technical findings to cross-functional engineering teams.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite in a lab-centric environment in San Jose, working on Industrial IoT RF and antenna projects. You will spend significant time in an RF lab using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, wireless sniffers, soldering stations, and other specialized test equipment to validate and troubleshoot wireless subsystems. The position follows a regular weekday, on-premise schedule, providing frequent collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams and direct involvement in hands-on hardware and RF testing.

This is a Contract position based out of San Jose, CA.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $42.00/hr.

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. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in San Jose,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.