Contract Systems Test Engineer
Contract Systems Test Engineer

Contract Systems Test Engineer

Freelance 40000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct hands-on RF testing and provide crucial data for design decisions.
  • Company: Innovative tech company in Cambridge focused on advanced RF hardware.
  • Benefits: Competitive day rate, immediate start, and flexible hybrid working options.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and work on cutting-edge RF technology from day one.
  • Qualifications: Strong RF fundamentals and hands-on experience with lab equipment required.
  • Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth in a practical, lab-based environment.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.

I’m supporting a Cambridge-based technology company working on advanced RF hardware. They’re looking to bring in an RF Test Engineer on a contract basis to support ongoing development and characterisation work. This is an immediate-start contract and suits someone who enjoys hands-on RF measurement, tight feedback loops with design teams, and working on early-stage hardware.

The role

You’ll focus on RF testing and characterisation, providing high-quality measurement data to support design decisions. The emphasis is on building robust, repeatable test setups and clearly communicating results back to engineering teams. This is a practical, lab-based role rather than a reporting-heavy one.

What you’ll be doing

  • Carrying out RF measurements to assess hardware performance
  • Supporting cellular RF testing (LTE and/or NR) across TX and RX
  • Developing and maintaining repeatable RF test setups
  • Feeding measurement results back to design and systems engineers
  • Documenting test processes and results clearly and accurately
  • Supporting test automation and scripting where appropriate
  • Troubleshooting issues uncovered during testing and integration

What they’re looking for

  • Strong grounding in RF fundamentals (S-parameters, matching, gain, noise, linearity)
  • Hands-on experience with RF lab equipment (VNAs, spectrum analysers, signal generators)
  • Experience with cellular RF testing is a strong plus
  • Comfortable building and debugging test setups
  • Ability to interpret schematics and RF system diagrams
  • Some experience with scripting or automation (Python / MATLAB or similar)
  • Confident working hands-on with PCBs

Contract details

  • Contract role – immediate start
  • Cambridge area (on-site presence expected)
  • Competitive day rate depending on experience
  • Outside IR35

Contract Systems Test Engineer employer: SoCode Recruitment

This Cambridge-based technology company is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives. With a strong focus on employee growth and hands-on experience in advanced RF hardware, team members benefit from competitive rates and the opportunity to collaborate closely with design teams. The culture promotes practical problem-solving and encourages continuous learning, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the tech sector.
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Contact Detail:

SoCode Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Contract Systems Test Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Get your hands dirty! Since this role is all about practical RF testing, make sure you’re comfortable with the lab equipment. Brush up on your skills with VNAs and spectrum analysers before you step into the interview.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your troubleshooting skills! Be ready to discuss past experiences where you’ve tackled issues during testing. We want to hear how you approached problems and what solutions you came up with.

✨Tip Number 3

Communication is key! Make sure you can clearly explain your test results and processes. Practice summarising complex data in simple terms, as you’ll need to relay this info back to design teams.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to get noticed and ensures your application lands directly in front of the hiring team. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!

We think you need these skills to ace Contract Systems Test Engineer

RF Testing
Characterisation
Measurement Data Analysis
Test Setup Development
Cellular RF Testing (LTE and/or NR)
Documentation Skills
Test Automation
Troubleshooting
RF Fundamentals (S-parameters, matching, gain, noise, linearity)
Hands-on Experience with RF Lab Equipment (VNAs, spectrum analysers, signal generators)
Interpreting Schematics and RF System Diagrams
Scripting or Automation (Python / MATLAB or similar)
Working with PCBs

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your RF Skills: Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with RF lab equipment and testing in your application. We want to see how you can bring your knowledge of S-parameters, gain, and noise into the role!

Be Clear and Concise: When documenting your test processes and results, clarity is key! We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your application reflects that by being direct and to the point.

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to what we’re looking for.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role!

How to prepare for a job interview at SoCode Recruitment

✨Know Your RF Fundamentals

Brush up on your RF fundamentals like S-parameters, gain, and noise. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to the role and share examples from your past experiences where you successfully used this knowledge in practical scenarios.

✨Hands-On Experience is Key

Since this role is very hands-on, make sure to highlight your experience with RF lab equipment such as VNAs and spectrum analysers. Bring along any relevant projects or setups you've worked on to demonstrate your skills and familiarity with the tools they'll expect you to use.

✨Communicate Clearly

The ability to communicate results effectively is crucial. Prepare to explain how you document test processes and results. You might even want to practice summarising complex data in simple terms, as this will show your potential employer that you can bridge the gap between testing and engineering teams.

✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills

Be ready to discuss troubleshooting methods you've employed in the past. Think of specific examples where you identified issues during testing and how you resolved them. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to work under pressure, which is essential for this role.

Contract Systems Test Engineer
SoCode Recruitment

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