RF Test Engineer

Role Overview

• Developing test approaches to validate RF system performance, covering things like sensitivity, dynamic range, noise figure, and bandwidth.
• Setting up and running RF tests using lab equipment such as spectrum analysers, vector network analysers, signal generators, and oscilloscopes.
• Writing scripts (typically Python) to automate tests, control lab equipment, and make results repeatable.
• Supporting hardware bring-up and early-stage testing of new RF platforms, and feeding findings back to the design team.
• Working out what needs to be tested in cases where requirements aren’t fully defined, and building the test approach from there.
• Analysing test results and working with engineers to diagnose and resolve performance issues across analogue, mixed-signal, and digital domains.
• Working with QA and product validation teams to develop structured, repeatable test procedures that support product releases.
• Maintaining and improving lab test setups, equipment configurations, and test infrastructure over time.
• Producing clear test documentation including test plans, procedures, and results reports.
• Working closely with RF, hardware, software, and systems engineers to make sure test coverage lines up with system-level performance requirements.

Requirements

• Experience working hands-on with RF systems in a test, validation, or characterisation role.
• Practical experience using RF lab equipment such as spectrum analysers, vector network analysers, signal generators, and oscilloscopes.
• Experience writing code for test automation and equipment control, typically in Python or similar.
• Strong understanding of RF performance metrics including noise figure, gain, dynamic range, sensitivity, and bandwidth.
• Ability to understand how a system works and figure out what needs to be tested, even when requirements aren’t fully nailed down.
• Experience developing structured, repeatable test approaches and maintaining test documentation.
• A methodical approach to debugging & comfortable working through problems to understand why something isn’t behaving as expected.
• Experience working across disciplines with hardware, software, RF, and product engineers.
• Highly Desirable Experience
• Experience testing Software Defined Radio systems or SDR-based platforms.
• Familiarity with automating lab equipment using SCPI, instrument APIs, or similar.
• Experience building hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) or automated regression test setups.
• Understanding of RF signal chain analysis, including cascade analysis and system-level budgets.
• Exposure to compliance or regulatory testing for RF systems.
• Experience supporting test and validation in defence, aerospace, or secure communications.

Tech Stack

• Python

Benefits

We are committed to building a flexible, inclusive, and enabling company. Our aim is to create a diverse team of talented people with unique skills, experience, and backgrounds, so please apply and come as you are!

• We also recognise the importance of flexible working and support this wherever we can.
• We typically operate a flexible, hybrid-working model, with an average 3 days in the office each week (dependent on the role).
• We welcome the opportunity to discuss flexibility, part-time working requirements and/or workplace adjustments with all our applicants.
• Rowden is a Disability Confident Committed company, and we actively encourage people with disabilities and health conditions to apply for our roles.
• Please let us know your requirements early on so that we can make sure you have everything you need up front to help make the recruitment process and experience as easy as possible.

Finally, if you feel that you don’t meet all the criteria included above but have transferable skills and relevant experience, we’d still love to hear from you!