Principal RF Test Engineer I
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_onTravis County Constable Precinct Five, 700, Lavaca Street, Austin, Travis County, Texas, 78701, United States
About CesiumAstro
At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you.
We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team. We are looking to add a Principal RF Test Engineer I to our team. If you enjoy working in a startup environment and are passionate about developing critical test systems for leading-edge satellite, spacecraft, and aerospace communication systems, we would like to hear from you.
About the Role
In this position, you are responsible for the design, analysis, and implementation of engineering test plans and procedures. You will work closely with multi-disciplinary teams to address company-wide hardware test needs. As a core member of the Cesium technical team, you will present engineering design review materials to our customers and executive team, as well as participate in proposal-writing efforts.
Principal-level test engineers are distinguished by an ability to architect RF test systems, to draw insightful conclusions from test results, and to participate in "design for test" planning and review from the early stages of RF product development. Your day-to-day will involve collaborating with design and test engineering teams to develop test requirements, mapping requirements to reusable test architectures and procedures, implementing test plans, and logging and presenting results to key stakeholders. Additionally, you will guide lab and equipment management, including key equipment purchase decisions.
Hiring Process
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. 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.
Equal Opportunity & Compliance
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.
Work location
Work model: On-site
Travis County Constable Precinct Five, 700, Lavaca Street, Austin, Travis County, Texas, 78701, United States
Austin, Texas
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleArchitect RF test systems and develop reusable test architectures with automation
- check_circleConduct conducted RF measurements including S-parameters, phase noise, and bit error rate
- check_circleCollaborate with design teams to define test requirements and participate in design for test planning
- check_circlePresent engineering design reviews and test results to customers and executive teams
- check_circleDesign, analyze, and implement engineering test plans and procedures for RF systems
- check_circleManage lab equipment and guide key equipment purchase decisions
- check_circleParticipate in proposal-writing efforts and provide technical expertise to the team
Requirements
- verifiedU.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, conditional resident, asylee, refugee, or eligible for U.S. Department of State authorizations
- verifiedBachelor of Science (BS) or higher in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
- verifiedMinimum 9 years of industry or university research experience in RF test systems
- verifiedHigh proficiency with RF measurements (Linearity, NSD, EVM, etc.)
- verifiedTest architecture design and development including scripting, test executives, hardware, and measurement abstraction layers
- verifiedProficient in conducted RF measurements (S-parameters, AM/PM, compression, noise figure, harmonics/spurious emission, phase noise, switching speed, bit error rate, adjacent channel power, group delay)
- verifiedHands-on experience with lab instruments (digital oscilloscopes, multimeters, electronic loads, source measurement units, RF signal generators, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, vector signal analyzers)
Nice to Have
Familiarity or hands-on experience with phased array over the air range testing, including phase/amplitude calibration, EIRP, G/T, axial ratio, scan loss and pattern cuts. Programming or scripting experience (Python, MATLAB, C/C++, etc.). Understanding of RF and mixed-signal hardware (e.g. amplifiers, filters, ADCs/DACs, antennas) and its effects on test design.
Benefits & Perks
check_circleCompany stock optionscheck_circleHealth, dental, and vision insurancecheck_circleLife insurancecheck_circleDisability insuranceRetirement plans
Similar Job Opportunities
Skills, education and keywords
Skills: RF Measurements, Test Equipment, Vsa, VSG, Vna, Test Architectures, Automation, Phased Array Testing, Scripting, Test Executives.
Education: Bachelor of Science (BS) or higher degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering required.
Frequently asked questions about Principal RF Test Engineer I at CesiumAstro
What does a Principal RF Test Engineer I at CesiumAstro do?expand_more
Day-to-day, the Principal RF Test Engineer I at CesiumAstro will architect rf test systems and develop reusable test architectures with automation; conduct conducted rf measurements including s-parameters, phase noise, and bit error rate; collaborate with design teams to define test requirements and participate in design for test planning; and present engineering design reviews and test results to customers and executive teams.
What are the requirements for this Principal RF Test Engineer I role?expand_more
To qualify for the Principal RF Test Engineer I at CesiumAstro position, applicants should have: U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, conditional resident, asylee, refugee, or eligible for U.S. Department of State authorizations; Bachelor of Science (BS) or higher in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering; Minimum 9 years of industry or university research experience in RF test systems; High proficiency with RF measurements (Linearity, NSD, EVM, etc.); Test architecture design and development including scripting, test executives, hardware, and measurement abstraction layers; and Proficient in conducted RF measurements (S-parameters, AM/PM, compression, noise figure, harmonics/spurious emission, phase noise, switching speed, bit error rate, adjacent channel power, group delay).
Where is the Principal RF Test Engineer I role at CesiumAstro located?expand_more
Principal RF Test Engineer I at CesiumAstro is based in Travis County Constable Precinct Five, 700, Lavaca Street, Austin, Travis County, Texas, 78701, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Principal RF Test Engineer I job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
CesiumAstro has listed this Principal RF Test Engineer I role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Principal RF Test Engineer I role?expand_more
Principal RF Test Engineer I at CesiumAstro typically requires 9+ years of relevant experience at the lead level.
What skills do you need for the Principal RF Test Engineer I role at CesiumAstro?expand_more
Key skills for Principal RF Test Engineer I at CesiumAstro include RF Measurements; Test Equipment; Vsa; VSG; Vna; Test Architectures; Automation; and Phased Array Testing.
What education is required for Principal RF Test Engineer I at CesiumAstro?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor of Science (BS) or higher degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering required.
What category does the Principal RF Test Engineer I role belong to?expand_more
Principal RF Test Engineer I at CesiumAstro is part of the engineering job category on Recrutus.
About CesiumAstro
CesiumAstro operates within the defense and space manufacturing industry, specializing in the design, engineering, and production of large-scale space communications systems. The company delivers software-defined radios, phased array payloads, and fully integrated satellites capable of providing real-time, multi-beam, and multi-user connectivity across space-based and airborne networks. These solutions are engineered for mission-critical applications with the ability to adapt while on orbit.
As a vertically integrated manufacturer, CesiumAstro consolidates radio frequency technology, digital processing, and satellite integration under a single operational umbrella. This approach facilitates rapid production cycles, ensures consistent performance standards, and guarantees repeatable delivery for complex projects. The organization focuses on building the essential communications infrastructure required for modern space missions.
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the company maintains a global footprint with additional operations located in Colorado, California, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan. CesiumAstro continues to expand its capabilities to support the evolving needs of the defense and aerospace sectors. Professionals interested in joining the team can review available opportunities on the company's official career portal.
Browse more roles: All CesiumAstro jobs, engineering jobs on Recrutus.