RF Test Engineer

RF Test Engineer

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Spire

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Transform satellite designs into production-ready builds and improve RF product quality.
  • Company: Join Spire, a leader in innovative satellite technology.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous time off, education assistance, and fitness reimbursement.
  • Other info: Hybrid work model with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Shape advanced RF systems and drive performance from the ground up.
  • Qualifications: Strong RF knowledge and hands-on experience with test equipment required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.

As an RF Manufacturing Engineer at Spire, you’ll be at the cutting edge of transforming satellite designs into production-ready builds. Your work will directly improve RF product quality, streamline manufacturing flow, and ensure seamless transitions from complex engineering concepts to scalable, high-reliability production. You’ll define the standards, calibration practices, and test processes that underpin consistent RF performance, while maintaining the infrastructure and equipment that enable repeatable results. This is a unique opportunity to shape how advanced RF systems are built and tested, driving performance and quality from the ground up.

What you’ll do as an RF Manufacturing Engineer:

  • Lead the transition of RF designs into production by developing and validating repeatable manufacturing and test processes.
  • Own calibration, readiness, and maintenance of all RF test equipment, including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and anechoic chambers, ensuring measurement integrity and compliance.
  • Develop and review detailed work instructions, translating complex RF engineering requirements into clear technician-level procedures.
  • Feed manufacturability, testability, and process improvement recommendations back to design teams, ensuring updates are reflected in production documentation.
  • Participate in build readiness reviews, ensuring documentation maturity, and tooling/test equipment readiness.
  • Collaborate with quality assurance to ensure processes meet performance and reliability requirements, and incorporate lessons learned into continuous improvement.
  • Provide early training and guidance to production teams, ensuring key RF considerations and care points are well understood ahead of builds.

Key Skills:

  • Strong knowledge of RF fundamentals with hands-on experience using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and other RF test equipment.
  • Experience developing, documenting, and optimizing manufacturing and test processes.
  • Proven ability to manage calibration programs and maintain quality standards for RF equipment and facilities.
  • Clear communication and collaboration skills across engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with antenna measurements, anechoic chamber testing, and over-the-air validation.
  • Familiarity with automated test scripting and data analysis (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB).
  • Exposure to Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles and ability to influence design decisions.
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced, evolving engineering environment.

Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office. Access to US export-controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying.

Global Perks:

  • Name Your Satellite Program (NYSP)
  • Launch Attendance
  • Generous Time Off Policy
  • Education Assistance Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
  • Family Leave
  • Fitness Reimbursement
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Healthy snacks

RF Test Engineer employer: Spire

At Spire, we pride ourselves on being an innovative employer that empowers our RF Manufacturing Engineers to shape the future of satellite technology. Our collaborative work culture fosters continuous learning and growth, with generous benefits such as education assistance and a flexible hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance. Join us in a dynamic environment where your contributions directly enhance product quality and manufacturing efficiency, all while enjoying unique perks like our Name Your Satellite Program and fitness reimbursement.

Spire

Contact Detail:

Spire Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land RF Test Engineer

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the RF industry, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you’ve got hands-on experience with VNAs, spectrum analyzers, or any RF test equipment, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Share specific examples of how you’ve improved processes or solved problems in past roles.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your RF fundamentals and be ready to discuss how you’d approach transitioning designs into production. Think about how you can contribute to quality assurance and process improvements at Spire.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our company right from the start.

We think you need these skills to ace RF Test Engineer

RF Fundamentals
VNA Operation
Spectrum Analyzers
Signal Generators
Manufacturing Process Development
Test Process Optimization
Calibration Program Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the RF Manufacturing Engineer role. Highlight your hands-on experience with RF test equipment and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in developing and optimising manufacturing processes.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about RF engineering and how your background aligns with our mission at Spire. Don’t forget to mention specific experiences that relate to the job description.

Showcase Your Collaboration Skills:Since this role involves working closely with various teams, make sure to highlight your communication and collaboration skills. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams in the past.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!

How to prepare for a job interview at Spire

Know Your RF Gear

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of RF test equipment like VNAs and spectrum analyzers. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools, as well as any calibration programs you've managed. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.

Master the Manufacturing Process

Understand the manufacturing and test processes relevant to RF systems. Prepare to talk about how you've developed or optimised these processes in the past. Highlight any specific examples where your input improved manufacturability or testability, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

Communicate Clearly

Since collaboration is key in this role, practice articulating complex RF concepts in a way that’s easy for others to understand. Think about how you would explain technical details to technicians or team members from different backgrounds. Clear communication can set you apart!

Show Your Adaptability

Spire operates in a fast-paced environment, so be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to changes in previous roles. Share examples of how you’ve handled evolving engineering challenges and how you’ve contributed to continuous improvement initiatives. This will demonstrate your readiness for the dynamic nature of the job.