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RF Test Engineer – Bristol (Hybrid)
About the Role
Our client is a fast-growing UK engineering business developing advanced sensing, communications and wireless systems for demanding operational environments. Their work integrates RF hardware, mixed-signal systems, software-defined radio (SDR), AI and edge-deployed technology to power critical real-world applications.
They’re now seeking an RF Test Engineer to strengthen their RF test and evaluation capabilities in Bristol.
As the RF Test Engineer, you’ll bridge development and validation, designing and executing test strategies to validate RF system performance across advanced sensing and communication platforms. This hands-on role involves working directly with hardware, building repeatable laboratory setups, and helping engineering teams interpret real-world system performance.
Key Responsibilities
Test Development
- Develop RF test methodologies covering critical parameters:
- Sensitivity, dynamic range, noise figure, gain and bandwidth
- Create structured test approaches even when project specifications are incomplete or evolving
Lab-Based Testing
- Operate essential test equipment with precision:
- Spectrum analysers
- Vector network analysers (VNAs)
- Signal generators
- Oscilloscopes
- Build and maintain scalable RF laboratory setups
- Automate measurements through Python scripting to control equipment and reduce manual effort
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System Validation
- Support hardware bring-up and early validation of new RF platforms
- Conduct noise figure and gain measurements
- Diagnose performance discrepancies across analog/mixed-signal/digital domains
- Work closely with cross-functional teams (RF, hardware, software, systems, QA) to refine test procedures
Documentation & Reporting
- Produce clear test plans, standard operating procedures and comprehensive results reports
- Maintain documentation aligned with industry compliance standards
Key Requirements
- Hands-on experience in RF test, validation or system characterisation
- Fluency with RF test equipment: practical knowledge of spectrum analysers, VNAs, signal generators, and oscilloscopes
- Automation skills: scripting in Python (or similar) for test automation and instrument control
- Understanding of core RF performance metrics:
- Noise figure
- Gain, sensitivity
- Bandwidth, dynamic range
- Ability to independently develop test methodologies in undefined or rapidly changing requirements
- Comfortable creating repeatable measurement procedures and maintaining meticulous documentation
Preferred but not essential qualifications
- Experience with:
- Software-defined radio (SDR) platforms
- SCPI or proprietary instrument APIs
- Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing frameworks
- Automated regression testing processes
- RF signal chain optimisation
- Compliance or security testing (e.g., EMI/EMC, military/aerospace specification)
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Soft Skills & Work Style
- Enjoys problem-solving complex system behaviour through test-based diagnostics
- Takes pride in producing clear, actionable results for decision-makers
- Works comfortably with technical teams to translate findings into product refinements
Environment & Location
- Primary location: Bristol (on-site at least 3 days per week)
- Hybrid working offered with emphasis on regular lab time
- Occasional travel for integration or deployment support
Eligibility: Candidates must be SC (Security Cleared) eligible within the UK.
Who Could Thrive in This Role?
This role suits someone who:
- Combines a passion for hands-on lab work with the precision of engineering.
- Values developing rigorous, instrument-controlled testing as part of iterative product development.
- Sees RF validation as vital to solving real-world challenges—not just a box-ticking exercise.
For further discussions, please reach out to Zac Taylor @ IC Resources.
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