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Rf Test Characterization Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Inversion

RF Test Engineer II

Vista, CA · On-site

As an RF Test Engineer, you will be responsible for the verification, validation, integration, and performance characterization of flight and ground RF/Telemetry systems for Inversion's next ...

Kindredventures

RF Test Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

As an RF Test Engineer, you will be responsible for the verification, validation, integration, and performance characterization of flight and ground RF/Telemetry systems for Inversion ...

Qualcomm

RF Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$94K - $141K/yr

The RF Product Development and Test Engineering group develops test solutions for design verification and characterization of highly integrated RF receiver/transmitter/transceiver ASICs and Front-End ...

Inversion

RF Test Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA

As an RF Test Engineer, you will be responsible for the verification, validation, integration, and performance characterization of flight and ground RF/Telemetry systems for Inversion's next ...

Qualcomm

RF Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

The RF Product Development and Test Engineering group develops test solutions for design verification and characterization of highly integrated RF receiver/transmitter/transceiver ASICs and Front-End ...

Qorvo, Inc.

Staff Test Engineer

Chandler, AZ · On-site

SUMMARY RF/Microwave Test Engineer - This work entails characterization and data reporting of front-end modules (FEMs) used in wireless RF applications. FEM designs involve the integration of a broad ...

Qorvo, Inc.

Staff Test Engineer

Chandler, AZ · On-site

SUMMARY RF/Microwave Test Engineer - This work entails characterization and data reporting of front-end modules (FEMs) used in wireless RF applications. FEM designs involve the integration of a broad ...

Qorvo, Inc.

Staff Test Engineer

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

SUMMARY RF/Microwave Test Engineer - This work entails characterization and data reporting of front-end modules (FEMs) used in wireless RF applications. FEM designs involve the integration of a broad ...

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Rf Test Characterization Engineer information

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$37K

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$183K

How much do rf test characterization engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf test characterization engineer in the United States is $117,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,500.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an RF Test Characterization Engineer?

RF Test Characterization Engineers are professionals who specialize in evaluating and measuring the performance of radio frequency (RF) devices and systems. They design and conduct tests to analyze parameters such as signal strength, frequency response, and noise levels to ensure components meet industry and product specifications. These engineers work with specialized equipment in laboratory environments and often collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to troubleshoot issues and optimize device performance. Their role is critical in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, and consumer electronics where reliable RF performance is essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RF Test Characterization Engineer?

To thrive as an RF Test Characterization Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, RF circuit theory, and hands-on experience with RF measurement and characterization techniques. Familiarity with test equipment such as network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and programming languages like Python or MATLAB, as well as relevant certifications (e.g., FCC, IEEE), is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are essential for troubleshooting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure accurate testing, reliable product performance, and efficient development cycles in RF and wireless technology environments.

What are some common challenges faced by RF Test Characterization Engineers during product development cycles?

RF Test Characterization Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing test variability due to environmental factors, ensuring measurement accuracy at high frequencies, and troubleshooting unexpected performance issues in prototype devices. Coordinating with design, validation, and manufacturing teams is crucial to quickly resolve test discrepancies and implement design improvements. Staying up to date with rapidly evolving test equipment and methodologies is also essential to maintain testing efficiency and reliability throughout the product lifecycle.

What is the difference between Rf Test Characterization Engineer vs Rf Test Engineer?

AspectRf Test Characterization EngineerRf Test Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping and performing detailed RF component and device characterization to understand performance parametersTesting and validating RF systems and modules to ensure they meet specifications
Skills & CertificationsRF testing, measurement techniques, signal analysis, relevant certifications (e.g., RF certifications)RF testing, troubleshooting, system integration skills, certifications vary by employer
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D centers, focused on characterization and analysisProduction lines, testing labs, often involved in system-level testing

While both roles involve RF testing, the Rf Test Characterization Engineer specializes in detailed device and component analysis, whereas the Rf Test Engineer focuses on system-level testing and validation. The characterization engineer emphasizes understanding performance parameters, while the test engineer ensures overall system functionality and compliance.

What are popular job titles related to Rf Test Characterization Engineer jobs?

For Rf Test Characterization Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Rf Test Characterization Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,680 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

RF Test Engineer II

Vista, CA • On-site

Inversion
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Inversionexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth
Who We Are:
Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space.
Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform - one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach.
Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds.
Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in space-based defense and logistics.
What You'll Do:
As an RF Test Engineer, you will be responsible for the verification, validation, integration, and performance characterization of flight and ground RF/Telemetry systems for Inversion's next-generation re-entry vehicles. You will sit within the Avionics team and own the development and execution of RF test plans - taking systems from benchtop validation through integrated hardware testing and mission-readiness verification.
You will be a key member of the Avionics team, reporting directly to the Director of Engineering, Avionics. Our engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the hardware they support, including development, test, integration, and troubleshooting. You will help develop critical hardware and systems for cutting-edge maneuverable reentry vehicles - advancing one of the most capable reentry vehicle platforms ever developed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Develop and execute RF test plans, procedures, and verification methods for components, subsystems, and integrated vehicle systems.
  • Set up, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory test configurations for receiver, transmitter, and antenna validation.
  • Measure and characterize RF performance including gain, insertion loss, return loss, noise figure, linearity, bandwidth, spurious response, dynamic range, and interference susceptibility.
  • Perform component-, subsystem-, and system-level RF test and measurement activities using standard laboratory equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and power meters.
  • Support integration, debug, and troubleshooting of RF hardware in development, qualification, and test environments.
  • Collect, analyze, and document test data in formal reports, summaries, and engineering briefings.
  • Assist in verification of requirements and support qualification, acceptance, and environmental test campaigns.
  • Coordinate closely with RF, antenna, DSP, FPGA, software, and electrical engineering teams during integration and test activities.
  • Improve test efficiency, repeatability, and data quality through automation using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools.
  • Support over-the-air and antenna test activities, including range setup and validation, as needed.

Required Qualifications:
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field with RF emphasis.
  • 3-5 years of professional experience (or intensive academic/project experience) in RF test, measurement, validation, or integration.
  • Hands-on RF test and measurement experience for component, subsystem, and system-level validation.
  • Proficiency with common laboratory equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, power meters, multimeters, and power supplies.
  • Experience with RF test setup development, calibration, troubleshooting, and data collection.
  • Familiarity with receiver/transmitter performance metrics including gain, noise figure, linearity, spurious response, bandwidth, and dynamic range.
  • Ability to develop test plans, test procedures, and formal test reports.
  • Experience with test automation using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools.
  • Understanding of integration issues across RF, digital, and embedded hardware systems.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical results clearly to multidisciplinary teams.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with antenna and over-the-air test methods.
  • Familiarity with S-band and L-band communication or telemetry systems.
  • Familiarity with aerospace and defense test and qualification standards, such as MIL-STD-810/461, DO-160, and SMC-S-016 requirements, as applied to RF and avionics hardware.
  • Familiarity with S-parameters and their use in evaluating RF component and system performance.
  • Experience supporting environmental qualification testing, including EMI/EMC, vibration, thermal, shock, and thermal vacuum (TVAC).
  • Knowledge of telemetry and range safety standards such as IRIG-106 and common digital modulation schemes.
  • Experience with automated data acquisition, test scripting, and post-processing pipelines.
  • Familiarity with fault isolation and root-cause analysis for RF hardware failures in integrated systems.
  • Experience working with RF systems in aerospace, spacecraft, launch vehicle, or other mission-critical applications.
  • Ability to support fast-paced prototype development and integration efforts in small, highly collaborative teams.
  • Prior experience in startups or small independent engineering teams.

Additionally: Level I Consideration - We are also open to considering qualified candidates for the RF Test Engineer I level. Candidates should possess all of the qualifications listed above, with 1-3 years of professional experience in RF test engineering, preferably in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability environments. The compensation range for the RF Test Engineer I position is $77,000-$116,000.
Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.
The California annual base salary for this role is currently $106,000 - $150,000. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.
ITAR Compliance:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.
Inversion collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a US Job Applicant see the CCPA Privacy Policy Noticefor further details.

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