RF Hardware Test Engineer I (New Grad)

About the role

Shield AI is a defense-tech company developing intelligent autonomous systems, including aircraft and simulation technologies. Its X-BAT Engineering team is building a next-generation autonomous aircraft and is looking for a new-graduate RF Hardware Test Engineer to verify RF modules, assemblies and interfaces used in airborne and ground systems. The role focuses on disciplined test execution and objective evidence, working alongside experienced engineers to build practical expertise in RF measurements, instrument automation, data analysis, troubleshooting and qualification support.

Key responsibilities

• Execute documented RF test plans and procedures, record test configurations and produce clear, traceable results.
• Characterize RF modules and assemblies for S-parameters, gain and loss, output power, compression, harmonics, spurious emissions, isolation, rejection, noise figure and receiver sensitivity.
• Set up and operate vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, oscilloscopes, noise-figure equipment and programmable power supplies.
• Calibrate measurement setups and characterize cables, adapters, attenuators and fixtures.
• Develop simple test fixtures, harnesses, interface adapters and monitoring circuits, and perform basic soldering and hardware rework.
• Automate instrument control, data collection, analysis and plotting with Python, MATLAB or similar tools.
• Compare measured performance with requirements, identify unexpected behavior and summarize conclusions in engineering reports.
• Troubleshoot test anomalies with senior engineers and support EMI/EMC pre-compliance, MIL-STD-461 qualification, environmental testing, hardware integration and ground or flight tests.
• Maintain safe laboratory practices and collaborate with RF, electrical, mechanical, systems, software, manufacturing and supplier teams.

Required profile

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics or a related field, completed or expected within 12 months of start.
• Relevant coursework, research, internship, student team or personal project experience.
• Ability to work on-site in a laboratory and hardware-development environment.

Required skills

• Fundamental understanding of S-parameters, impedance, transmission lines, gain, loss, noise, power, spectral content and frequency response.
• Hands-on laboratory experience.
• Basic programming and data-analysis skills in Python, MATLAB or a similar environment.
• Ability to follow test procedures, document setups and results accurately, and communicate clearly in a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred: experience with RF test equipment, instrument automation, RF simulation tools (ADS, AWR, HFSS, CST), PCB bring-up, EMI/EMC or MIL-STD-461 exposure, and an S//SAR security clearance.