Rf Drive Testing Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you've come to the right place!
E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.
We're intentional, we're unapologetically curious and we're 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.
As a Senior Engineering Technician specializing in RF Hardware, you will be a critical hands-on contributor to the build, test, and validation of our satellite RF systems. You bring deep bench experience working with RF hardware across multiple spectrum bands - from transmitters and receivers to antennas and arrays - and you know how to troubleshoot when things don't behave the way the simulation said they would. You work fluidly between the lab bench, the anechoic chamber, and the engineering team, translating test data into actionable insight and keeping development programs moving with discipline and precision.
This role is fully on-site in Arlington, TX, where you'll work alongside a close-knit team building hardware that will fly in space.
What you will do

• Build, tune, and troubleshoot RF hardware including transmitters, receivers, transmission lines, antennas, and phased arrays across multiple communication spectrum bands
• Set up and operate RF test equipment including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and anechoic chamber measurement systems; perform calibration and maintain equipment integrity
• Interpret and work from engineering drawings, schematics, and 3D CAD models; apply GD&T principles and support configuration control practices
• Support prototype development cycles end-to-end - assembly, rework, environmental testing, and design validation - in an aerospace or high-reliability hardware environment
• Apply RF fundamentals including impedance matching, S-parameters, radiation patterns, gain, and polarization to correlate test data against design intent and identify root causes of anomalies
• Generate clear, accurate test reports; track discrepancies; support root cause investigations; and communicate findings effectively to engineering teams
• Follow aerospace standards and disciplined lab and shop procedures including AS9100, ESD control, cleanliness protocols, and environmental, thermal, and vibration testing practices
• Partner closely with RF and systems engineers to support design iterations, provide build feedback, and help drive hardware from prototype to flight-ready configuration

What you bring to the role

• 5+ years of hands-on experience building, tuning, and troubleshooting RF hardware across multiple spectrum bands in an aerospace, defense, or high-reliability environment
• Strong proficiency with RF test equipment - VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, anechoic chamber systems - and solid calibration technique
• Ability to read and work from engineering drawings, schematics, and 3D CAD models; working knowledge of GD&T and configuration control
• Demonstrated experience supporting full prototype development cycles including assembly, rework, environmental testing, and design validation
• Solid working knowledge of RF fundamentals - impedance matching, S-parameters, radiation patterns, gain, polarization - and the ability to connect test data to design intent
• Strong documentation discipline - test reports, discrepancy tracking, root cause analysis - and clear communication with engineering and program teams
• Familiarity with aerospace standards and practices including AS9100, ESD control, cleanliness, and environmental/thermal/vibration testing

Bonus points for the following

• Experience with phased array antenna assembly, alignment, and RF characterization
• Familiarity with satellite communication systems or space-grade RF hardware
• Exposure to automated test systems or scripting for data acquisition and analysis
• IPC or other relevant hardware workmanship certifications
• Experience working in an anechoic chamber environment for antenna pattern measurements

We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured, and used-so we're looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge, and direct experience in LEO satellite component development, design, and in-orbit activities. If that's your experience - then we'll be immediately wow-ed. The Company is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role. Why E-Space is right for you: As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success. Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals. In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry. We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That's why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space: • An opportunity to really make a difference • Sustainability at our core • Fair and honest workplace • Innovative thinking is encouraged • Competitive salaries • Continuous learning and development • Health and wellness care options • Financial solutions for the future • Optional legal services (US only) • Paid holidays • Paid time off We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.