RF Test & Validation Engineer

About Us

Harmattan AI is a next-generation defense prime building autonomous and scalable defense systems. Following the close of a $200M Series B, valuing the company at $1.4 billion, we are expanding our teams and capabilities to deliver mission-critical systems to allied forces.

About the Role

As RF Test & Validation Engineer, you own the characterization and validation of Harmattan’s in-house radio, from boards to integrated systems. You take RF measurement work off the designers’ plate and turn it into a repeatable, automated discipline: setups, measurements, and clear results fed back to the design team. You also keep the RF lab in working order as test capacity grows. You work primarily within the Radio team, with occasional exposure to other RF-based teams.

Responsibilities

• Run RF characterization and validation of radio boards and integrated radio systems.
• Build and maintain automated RF test benches, including interconnects, harnesses, and fixtures.
• Develop reusable Python suites for instrument control and data capture across standard RF measurements.
• Perform pre-compliance and compliance-support measurements, including EMC and thermal testing.
• Test antennas, both standalone and integrated on systems.
• Support the integration of the radio on our systems.
• Analyze results, flag anomalies, and deliver clear, structured reports to RF designers.
• Own the RF lab: track calibration, manage fixtures and accessories, and identify equipment gaps.
• Support team members who are less experienced in RF testing.

Candidate Requirements

• Hands-on experience running RF characterization with VNA, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, power meter, AWG, and oscilloscope.
• Solid grasp of standard measurements such as S-parameters, P1dB, IIP3, sensitivity, and spurious.
• Experience building reusable test automation, Python preferred.
• Skilled in fine-pitch SMD and coaxial-cable rework on RF boards.
• Careful around input-power damage thresholds, protecting both instruments and devices under test.
• Rigorous and perceptive: interprets results before reporting and spots anomalies early.
• Writes clear, structured reports.
• Keeps a shared lab tidy and works well alongside designers.