Hardware and RF Test Engineer

Hardware and RF Test Engineer

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
IC Resources

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop and maintain test environments for cutting-edge 5G wireless equipment.
  • Company: Innovative tech firm in Cambridge with a focus on 5G technology.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, pension, private healthcare, and 25 days' leave.
  • Other info: Collaborate with engineers and vendors in a dynamic, innovative environment.
  • Why this job: Join a hands-on role shaping the future of wireless communication.
  • Qualifications: Degree in electronic or electrical engineering; practical testing skills required.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

Our client is developing fixed wireless access equipment based on the 5G NR air interface, operating at mmWave frequencies. Its products combine gNB access points, customer premises equipment and network management systems for long-range wireless connectivity.

The Hardware & RF Test Engineer will primarily develop, build and maintain board-level and system-level test environments for this equipment. The role combines hands-on RF measurement, test method development, verification and validation, automated test definition and fault investigation across controlled laboratory and over-the-air environments. This is a practical test engineering position with responsibility for establishing test infrastructure, executing tests against product requirements and investigating failures across RF, analogue, digital and power domains.

What you will be working on:

  • Developing hardware and RF test infrastructure for controlled laboratory and over-the-air testing
  • Creating test methods to validate baseband and RF hardware designs at board and complete-product level
  • Performing conducted and radiated RF measurements on mmWave equipment, including measurements down to baseband
  • Defining test cases for automated scripts supporting system and acceptance testing of 5G NR gNB, UE and associated product building blocks
  • Executing verification and validation tests against product requirements, recording results and reporting defects
  • Analysing test data and investigating root causes across power, digital, analogue, IQ, IF and RF signal domains
  • Building demonstration environments that show product features and performance through conducted and radiated testing
  • Selecting and procuring suitable test equipment, software and laboratory materials, while maintaining test systems for reliable and repeatable operation

The test environment includes spectrum and signal analysis, receive sensitivity, output power, adjacent-channel measurements, range-versus-performance testing and beamforming or beam-management evaluation over simulated distances. Board-level measurements include power consumption, phase noise, EVM and digital and analogue signal quality.

What our client is looking for:

  • Hardware and RF testing within modern wireless communications equipment
  • Using spectrum analysers, signal generators, high-speed oscilloscopes, power meters and related laboratory instrumentation
  • Conducted and radiated testing, including anechoic chambers, antennas and beamforming technologies
  • Developing system test strategies and test methods for wireless products
  • Digital modulation, IQ, IF and RF interfaces, and both high- and low-frequency measurements
  • Analysing eye diagrams, constellation diagrams and RF measurement results to identify faults
  • Debugging analogue, digital and power circuitry within wireless radio hardware
  • Knowledge of 3GPP 5G NR acceptance testing would be advantageous

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree in electronic engineering, electrical engineering or a related discipline. The position requires a practical, hands-on approach to laboratory testing and close collaboration with internal engineers and external test vendors.

Why consider this role?

The Hardware & RF Test Engineer will work across the full test environment, from board-level signal measurements through to over-the-air system validation of mmWave 5G equipment. The position offers direct involvement in developing test infrastructure from the ground up, alongside a discretionary bonus, contributory pension, life insurance, income protection, private healthcare, Cycle to Work scheme and 25 days' annual leave.

Hardware and RF Test Engineer employer: IC Resources

IC Resources is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Cirencester. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to continuous learning opportunities and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects that make a real impact in rugged hardware design. Join us to be part of a supportive team that values your expertise and encourages you to thrive in a challenging yet rewarding environment.

IC Resources

Contact Details:

IC Resources Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Hardware and RF Test Engineer

Join Engineering Meetups!

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Apply Through Company Websites

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We think you need these skills to ace Hardware and RF Test Engineer

RF Measurement
Test Method Development
Verification and Validation
Automated Test Definition
Fault Investigation
Spectrum Analysis
Signal Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Hardware and RF Test Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at IC Resources a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to IC Resources specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at IC Resources

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with IC Resources, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like IC Resources want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.