RF Test & Integration Engineer

The University of Notre Dame is seeking an RF Test & Integration Engineer to serve as the primary technical lead and operational manager for the Wideband Test Facility, a state-of-the-art core facility advancing semiconductor and microelectronics research for defense and commercial applications. This role offers an opportunity to work at the forefront of high-frequency RF, microwave, and
mm-wave technology while collaborating with faculty, researchers, industry partners, and academic collaborators.
The Test Engineer will oversee facility operations, maintain instrumentation, develop and execute test plans, and support experimental campaigns involving high-frequency electronic devices, ultra-fast transistors, RF/mm-wave circuits, advanced antenna arrays, and Software Defined Radio (SDR) systems. The engineer will also contribute to prototyping and measurement efforts, including custom circuits and PCBs, and help translate cutting-edge research into practical, manufacturable technologies.
This is a limited-term position ending in October 2029, contingent upon funding, with the goal of transitioning the Wideband Test Facility to a sustainable cost model at the conclusion of the initial term. Some travel is required to support testing and collaborative research activities.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as the primary technical lead and operational manager for the Wideband Test Facility.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot high-frequency RF test equipment and instrumentation.
Develop and execute test plans for RF systems ranging from Ka-band through G-band and antenna characterization from C-band through G-band.
Conduct characterization of RF, microwave, and mm-wave devices, including large-signal transistor and noise parameter measurements.
Perform antenna and antenna array characterization and support advanced RF measurement campaigns.
Integrate high-frequency RF front-ends with Software-Defined Radio (SDR) hardware and digital signal processing systems.
Support the design and development of custom circuits and PCBs for prototyping, demonstrations, and measurement activities.
Collaborate with faculty, researchers, academic and industry partners, and Microelectronics Commons hub members to develop testing strategies and execute experiments.
Analyze and evaluate experimental data and communicate technical findings through reports, presentations, and research publications.
Support facility planning, equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of testing capabilities.
Travel as needed to support testing, demonstrations, and collaborative research activities.
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Microwave Engineering, or a related field; or a bachelor's degree with five years of relevant experience; or advanced certification beyond a bachelor's degree.
1+ years of relevant professional or research experience.
Strong technical background in RF, microwave, or mm-wave devices and characterization.
Experience with large-signal transistor characterization, noise parameter measurement, and/or antenna and antenna array characterization.
Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively in a highly technical environment.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with high-frequency RF systems, instrumentation, and measurement equipment.
Experience with Software Defined Radio, digital signal processing, or RF system integration.
Experience designing or prototyping circuits and printed circuit boards.
Experience working in an academic research, industry, or collaborative R&D environment.
Experience developing technical reports, research publications, or presentations.

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
No