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.
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 Test Engineer (Contract) employer: SoCode Recruitment
Contact Detail:
SoCode Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Test Engineer (Contract)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the RF and tech industry. Attend local meetups or online webinars to get your name out there. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect contract role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your hands-on RF testing projects. Include any repeatable test setups you've developed and highlight your experience with lab equipment. This will make you stand out when chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you're interested in, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly through our website and express your interest in contract roles. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for hands-on interviews! Since this role is practical, be ready to demonstrate your RF testing skills. Brush up on your knowledge of S-parameters and be prepared to discuss how you troubleshoot issues during testing.
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Test Engineer (Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your hands-on RF testing experience and familiarity with lab equipment. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about this role and how your background in RF fundamentals makes you a great fit. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a bit of personality!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: When detailing your experience, focus on specific RF measurements and setups you've worked with. Mention any scripting or automation skills you have, as these are super relevant for the role. We want to see your technical prowess!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
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.
✨Hands-On Experience is Key
Since this role is practical and lab-based, be prepared to talk about your hands-on experience with RF lab equipment. Bring specific examples of how you've used VNAs, spectrum analysers, or signal generators in previous projects.
✨Communicate Clearly
The ability to communicate results effectively is crucial. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to feed measurement results back to design teams. Think of a few scenarios where you had to do this before.
✨Show Your Troubleshooting Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've tackled issues during testing and integration. Share specific examples of problems you've encountered, how you approached troubleshooting, and what the outcomes were. This will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.