Mercury Systems

RF Test Engineer III

Mercury Systems • $90K — $120K *
Phoenix, AZ 85032In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience
  • Minimum of 4 years in electronics test engineering
  • Hands-on experience with RF systems, transmitters, receivers, or antennas
  • Strong programming ability in Python, .NET, or similar for automation
  • Proficient with RF test equipment like spectrum and network analyzers
  • Experience with MIL-STD testing standards (810H, 461G)
  • Must be able to obtain a government security clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Lead Design Verification Test (DVT) strategy for RF systems
  • Design specialized RF test fixtures and interfaces
  • Conduct comprehensive antenna testing and characterization
  • Perform RF system performance testing
  • Develop automated test scripts for RF instruments and data acquisition
  • Lead environmental and qualification testing per military standards
  • Conduct root cause analysis on RF test failures and coordinate resolution

Benefits

  • Every other Friday off with 9/80 work schedule
  • On-site position in Phoenix, AZ
  • Opportunity for security clearance acquisition
  • Engagement in mission-critical defense applications
  • Working in a technical leadership role on major programs
Full Job Description
Job Summary:

Join our team as a Test Engineer III in our Integrated Processing Solutions business unit, where you'll serve as a technical test lead on a major program focused on sophisticated RF transmitter/receiver systems. This role centers on RF and antenna testing, environmental qualification, and test strategy development for mission-critical defense applications.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Lead Design Verification Test (DVT) strategy and execution for complex RF transmitter/receiver systems and subsystems
  • Design and develop specialized RF test fixtures, antenna test ranges, and test interface boards for RF subsystems
  • Perform comprehensive antenna testing including radiation patterns, gain measurements, VSWR, impedance matching, and far-field/near-field characterization
  • Conduct RF system performance testing including transmit power, receiver sensitivity, spurious emissions, harmonics, and intermodulation distortion
  • Develop and maintain sophisticated automated test scripts for RF instrument control, data acquisition, and automated reporting
  • Lead environmental and qualification testing per MIL-STD-810H (thermal, vibration, shock) and MIL-STD-461G (EMI/EMC) standards
  • Perform root cause analysis on complex RF test failures and drive resolution with cross-functional teams
  • Develop comprehensive test procedures and own formal test reports with full requirements traceability
  • Maintain test equipment calibration records and lead configuration management of test assets
  • Lead production test handoff activities including documentation, automation development, and knowledge transfer
  • Interface with design engineering, program management, and manufacturing as the RF test subject matter expert for the program
  • Support test planning, resource allocation, and schedule management activities

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field, or equivalent relevant experience
  • Typically requires a minimum of 4 years of related experience in electronics test engineering
  • Extensive hands-on experience testing RF systems, transmitters, receivers, or antenna systems
  • Strong programming experience in languages such as Python, .NET, or similar for test automation and data analysis
  • Advanced proficiency with RF test equipment: spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, power meters, anechoic chambers, and antenna test ranges (including CATR)
  • Demonstrated experience with antenna testing and characterization techniques
  • Strong understanding of RF communication principles, modulation schemes, and link budgets
  • Experience with MIL-STD environmental and EMI/EMC testing standards (810H, 461G)
  • This position requires you to have or obtain a government security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens.
  • Travel approximately 10-15% to external test facilities

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering
  • Experience with AI-assisted development tools (Claude Code, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, or similar) for test automation development
  • Experience with advanced antenna testing: phased arrays, AESA systems, and OTA methodologies
  • Experience with additional MIL-STD test standards (704, 1275, or similar)
  • Experience with RF test fixture design or PCB layout tools for RF applications
  • Familiarity with additional languages such as C/C++, MATLAB, LabVIEW, Rust, or SQL
  • Knowledge of antenna design principles and electromagnetic theory
  • Experience with requirements management tools (JAMA, DOORS)
  • Understanding of Design for Test (DFT) principles for RF systems
  • Previous experience in aerospace, defense, or ruggedized electronics industries
  • Existing Secret clearance or higher
  • Experience with OpenVPX/SOSA architecture, VITA standards (46.11, 48.2, 62, 65, 67.3), and RFSoC/FPGA-based RF systems
  • Experience with high-speed data interfaces including 100GigE, 40GigE, 10GigE, and fiber optic connections

Location:

  • This position is on-site at Mercury Systems, Phoenix, AZ
  • Enjoy every other Friday off with our 9/80 work schedule!


About Mercury Systems

Mercury Systems is a technology company that specializes in the design and manufacture of open architecture, secure processing systems and subsystems for commercial, defense, and intelligence applications. The company's products and solutions are used in a variety of applications, including radar, electronic warfare, signals intelligence, and cyber security. Mercury Systems was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts.
Learn more about Mercury Systems
Size
2,294 employees
Market Cap
$2.5 billion
Industry
Aerospace & Defense
Net Income
$79.2 million
Founded
1981
5 Year Trend
+19.3%
Revenue
$841.6 million
NASDAQ
MRCY
* Ladders Estimates

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