Title:

Systems Engineer III (RF / Hardware Systems)

Duration:

6 Months (With Possibility of Extension)

Location:

Onsite, San Diego, CA Pay Range:

$53 - $58/

Hr Role Summary:

Client is seeking a hands-on Systems Engineer III to expand the engineering execution capacity of its San Diego lab. This engineer will support the integration, bring-up, characterization, validation, debugging, and testing of phased-array communication systems. The role will work closely with hardware, RF, firmware, software, and manufacturing engineers to evaluate complete system performance, investigate technical issues, and develop scalable test and validation solutions. This position is particularly well suited for an engineer with a strong RF/hardware systems background who is comfortable working directly with complex hardware and RF instrumentation in a lab environment. While Python and automation are used extensively as engineering tools, this is not primarily a software development role.

Primary Responsibilities:

Support system integration, bring-up, characterization, and validation of phased-array communication systems. Develop, execute, and maintain system-level test plans and validation procedures. Perform hands-on testing and characterization of integrated RF/hardware systems. Investigate and debug complex issues spanning RF hardware, electronics, firmware, software, instrumentation, and overall system integration. Perform RF measurements and analyze system performance using lab instrumentation. Support RF, thermal, and environmental characterization, including repeated testing across varying operating conditions. Perform root-cause analysis of unexpected system behavior and independently drive engineering investigations. Determine whether failures or unexpected measurements originate from the hardware, RF path, instrumentation, configuration, firmware/software, or test environment. Collect, analyze, interpret, and present engineering test data. Develop and maintain engineering automation using Python or similar tools to improve test execution, data collection, and analysis. Partner with software/automation engineers to ensure automated test environments accurately represent hardware behavior and produce meaningful results. Support deployment, validation, and continuous improvement of engineering test venues. Document test configurations, procedures, results, root-cause findings, and engineering best practices. Assist with hands-on lab operations as needed, including test setup, equipment installation, hardware changes, rack modifications, and cabling.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. Hands-on experience with RF/wireless systems, complex electronic hardware, or integrated communication systems. Experience with system bring-up, integration, characterization, validation, and troubleshooting. Strong understanding of RF fundamentals, including: RF power, gain, and loss Signal-to-noise ratio and noise Frequency and bandwidth Impedance and matching Reflections / return loss RF signal chains Antenna fundamentals Measurement accuracy and calibration Hands-on experience with RF/lab instrumentation such as: Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs) Spectrum analyzers and/or Vector Signal Analyzers (VSAs) Signal generators Oscilloscopes Power supplies Power measurement equipment Strong debugging and root-cause analysis skills. Ability to independently investigate ambiguous system-level problems with minimal day-to-day direction. Experience working across hardware and software/firmware boundaries. Ability to collect, analyze, and clearly communicate engineering test results. Strong cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with phased-array antennas or phased-array communication systems. RF or wireless communications experience. Satellite communications experience. Antenna or RF system characterization. Conducted and/or over-the-air (OTA) RF testing. Antenna chamber testing. Beamforming or antenna-array experience. Thermal and environmental testing. Automated test systems or instrument control. Manufacturing validation. Signal processing experience. Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar engineering tools for automation, analysis, or test. Linux experience. Experience supporting long-duration automated or environmental testing.

Benefits:

The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, paid parking/public transportation, (paid time , paid sick and safe time , hours of paid vacation time, weeks of paid parental leave, paid holidays annually - AS Applicable)