Radio Frequency Test Engineer in Bristol

Our client is a fast-growing UK engineering business developing advanced sensing, communications and wireless systems for demanding operational environments. Their work brings together RF hardware, mixed-signal systems, software-defined radio, AI and edge-deployed technology to support critical real-world applications.

They are now looking for an RF Test Engineer to strengthen their RF test and evaluation capability in Bristol. As an RF Test Engineer, you will develop and run test strategies to validate RF system performance across advanced sensing and communication platforms. This is a hands-on lab-based role, sitting between development and validation, where you will work with real hardware, build repeatable test setups and help engineering teams understand how systems actually perform.

The role will involve:

• Developing RF test approaches covering sensitivity, dynamic range, noise figure, gain and bandwidth
• Setting up and running RF tests using spectrum analysers, VNAs, signal generators and oscilloscopes
• Writing scripts, typically in Python, to automate tests and control lab equipment
• Supporting hardware bring-up and early-stage validation of new RF platforms
• Analysing test results and helping diagnose performance issues across analogue, mixed-signal and digital domains
• Working with RF, hardware, software, systems and QA engineers to build structured, repeatable test procedures
• Maintaining and improving lab setups, equipment configurations and test infrastructure
• Producing clear test plans, procedures and results reports

Our client is looking for someone with hands-on RF test, validation or characterisation experience. You should be comfortable working in the lab, using RF test equipment, automating measurements and taking a methodical approach to understanding why a system is or is not performing as expected.

Key experience they are looking for:

• RF test, validation or characterisation experience
• Practical use of spectrum analysers, VNAs, signal generators and oscilloscopes
• Python or similar scripting for test automation and equipment control
• Understanding of RF performance metrics such as noise figure, gain, sensitivity, bandwidth and dynamic range
• Ability to develop test approaches where requirements are not fully defined
• Experience creating repeatable test procedures and maintaining clear documentation
• Confidence working across RF, hardware, software and product teams
• Experience with SDR platforms, SCPI or instrument APIs, hardware-in-the-loop testing, automated regression testing, RF signal chain analysis, compliance testing or defence/aerospace environments would be useful, but is not essential.

This RF Test Engineer role would suit someone who enjoys practical lab work, debugging complex systems and building test approaches that give engineering teams clear answers. It offers the chance to work on advanced RF systems with real operational impact, in an environment where test engineering is closely tied to product development rather than treated as a box-ticking exercise.

The role is based in Bristol with hybrid working available, although candidates should expect to be on-site at least 3 days per week, with regular time in the lab. Occasional travel may be required to support integration or deployment activities. Candidates must be eligible for UK SC clearance.

For more information, please reach out to Zac Taylor at IC Resources.