RF Test Engineer @ Actalent

Job Title: RF Test EngineerJob DescriptionWe are seeking experienced RF Test Engineers to develop and execute RF testing at the integrated spacecraft level. In this role, you design and implement RF test plans, procedures, scripts, and overall test architecture for spacecraft communications and electronic payload systems. You support initial spacecraft power-on, flight-hardware readiness, RF hardline testing, EMI/EMC and TVAC campaigns, anomaly resolution, calibration planning, and vehicle-level test execution. This position focuses on RF test architecture and hands-on execution rather than RF hardware design, offering the opportunity to work directly on high-visibility spacecraft programs and to influence RF test strategy for current and future missions.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive RF test plans, procedures, scripts, and test architectures for integrated spacecraft communications and electronic payload systems.
• Execute system-level RF testing on spacecraft vehicles, including transmit/receive systems and payload interfaces across S-band, X-band, K-band, and related frequency bands.
• Support initial spacecraft turn-on activities and ensure product and flight-hardware readiness through rigorous RF test campaigns.
• Plan and perform RF hardline testing, including verification of cabling, interfaces, and RF paths at the vehicle level.
• Support and execute EMI/EMC and thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing for spacecraft communications and payload systems, including temporary 24/7 coverage during critical events as needed.
• Perform RF troubleshooting and system-level anomaly resolution, working through incomplete information and program roadblocks to identify root causes and corrective actions.
• Lead calibration planning and execution for RF test racks, instruments, and measurement chains, including power validation and phase measurements.
• Integrate, configure, and validate RF test racks and associated hardware for spacecraft-level testing.
• Develop and maintain automated test scripts using Python or other object-oriented programming languages to support efficient and repeatable RF test execution.
• Contribute to link budget analysis and RF measurements such as TDR, VSWR, and phase to validate system performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure test coverage, resolve anomalies, and support vehicle-level integration and test milestones.
• Provide senior-level technical leadership with minimal ramp-up, taking ownership of test architecture, environmental testing, and anomaly resolution.
• Support first, second, and occasional third shift operations to meet program schedules and test campaign requirements.
• Document test results, anomalies, and resolutions clearly and accurately, supporting certification and readiness reviews for spacecraft products.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on system-level satellite or spacecraft vehicle testing experience, including direct satellite vehicle test work.
• Demonstrated expertise in RF test planning, architecture, procedures, scripting, and execution at the spacecraft or satellite level.
• Experience testing spacecraft communications or electronic payload systems, including transmit/receive chains and payload interfaces.
• Practical experience with S-band, X-band, K-band, and related RF systems used in spacecraft communications.
• Strong RF troubleshooting skills and proven ability to resolve system-level anomalies on complex spacecraft platforms.
• Proficiency in Python or another object-oriented programming language for test scripting and automation.
• Ability to support first, second, and occasional third shift work to align with test campaign needs.
• Direct satellite vehicle test experience, beyond ground-system-only, aviation-only, component-only, or RF design-only backgrounds.
• senior-level engineering capability, able to contribute effectively with minimal ramp-up and high degree of ownership.
• Strong initiative and ability to work through incomplete information, technical uncertainty, and program roadblocks.
• Eligibility for and ability to work in a classified environment; active TS clearance with SCI eligibility is strongly preferred.
• Capability to operate at levels ranging from Level 3 through Level 6, with potential consideration for an exceptional Level 2 engineer.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with COSMOS or OpenC3 for command and control, test automation, or telemetry analysis.
• Background in network architecture related to spacecraft ground systems and RF test environments.
• Familiarity with MATLAB, LabVIEW, or TestStand for data analysis, test automation, and instrumentation control.
• Experience with EMI/EMC and thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing for spacecraft or high-reliability electronic systems.
• Hands-on RF hardline testing experience, including verification of RF cabling and connectors at the vehicle level.
• Knowledge of link budgets, time-domain reflectometry (TDR), VSWR, and phase measurements for RF system validation.
• Experience with RF test-rack integration, calibration, and power validation for complex spacecraft test setups.
• Experience working across multiple satellite programs, demonstrating adaptability and breadth of RF test exposure.
• Contract-to-hire potential with consideration for direct placement for exceptional candidates, offering long-term career growth opportunities.

Work EnvironmentThis role is primarily onsite due to the nature of the classified work and close interaction with flight hardware and test facilities. Engineers typically work on first shift (6:00 a.m.2:00 p.m.), second shift (2:00 p.m.10:00 p.m.), or third shift (10:00 p.m.6:00 a.m.), with flexibility required to support days, nights, weekends, and temporary 24/7 coverage during thermal vacuum campaigns or critical test events. The environment centers on integrated spacecraft and payload test labs, RF test racks, environmental test chambers, and advanced instrumentation. You collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams focused on designing, developing, testing, and certifying space products using advanced payloads and electronics, with meaningful ownership of test architecture, flight-hardware readiness, environmental testing, and anomaly resolution.

Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Louisville, CO.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $85.00 - $100.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision

Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital

401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available

Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Louisville,CO.About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.