RF OTA Test Engineer - Onsite

Job Description

• Mandate skillset: Device Testing Test execution, System Validation, Test Plan Conformance and Certification, MIMO OTA throughput testing, Executing A-GNSS (GPS/Glonass/Galileo)OTA test plan, Knowledge of CTIA Test Plan for Wireless Device Over-the-Air Performance, 3GPP Technical Specifications (TS 38.521 / 38.151)

Core Responsibilities

1. Test Execution & System Validation

• Configure, calibrate, and operate multi-axis OTA anechoic test chambers (e.g., ETS-Lindgren AMS systems) across FR1 (Sub-6 GHz) and FR2 (mmWave) frequency ranges.
• Perform comprehensive radiated measurements including TRP, TIS, EIRP, EIS, and MIMO OTA throughput testing.
• Validate satellite positioning performance by executing A-GNSS (GPS/Glonass/Galileo) OTA sensitivity evaluations.
• Conduct systematic RF Desensitization (Desense) investigations to isolate internal platform noise (e.g., from display panels, high-speed digital buses, or power supplies) degrading receiver performance.
• Maintain chamber verification logs, performing routine range calibrations (path loss measurements using standard gain horn antennas) to ensure measurement repeatability and system accuracy.

2. Test Plan Compliance & Certification

• Execute testing matrices in strict accordance with CTIA Test Plan for Wireless Device Over-the-Air Performance, 3GPP Technical Specifications (TS 38.521 / 38.151), and specific North American wireless operator requirements.
• Analyze test data against strict regulatory and carrier acceptance limits, identifying and logging edge-case failures.
• Interface directly with the Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB) team and project managers to package validation data for formal regulatory submissions (FCC, CE, ISED).

Technical Requirements & Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a highly related technical discipline (Master s Degree with an RF/Electromagnetics focus preferred).
• 2 to 5+ years of direct, hands-on experience in an RF laboratory environment specifically executing OTA testing.

Technical Skills & Instrumentation Knowledge

• Chamber Architectures: Deep familiarity with conical-cut and great-circle-cut anechoic chamber testing geometries.
• Wireless Protocols: Solid baseline knowledge of 5G NR (SA/NSA), LTE Advanced, Wi-Fi 7 / 6E (802.11be/ax), Bluetooth, and UWB physical layer parameters.
• RF Test Equipment: Hands-on operational mastery of network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and radio communication testers (e.g., Keysight UXM 5G, Rohde & Schwarz CMX500 / CMW500, Anritsu MT8000A).
• Software & Automation: Experience utilizing automated lab software suites (e.g., ETS-Lindgren EMQuest, R&S AMS32). Proficiency in Python for parsing .csv data files and interfacing with instrument APIs is highly preferred.
• Foundational Knowledge: Solid grasp of Smith charts, impedance matching, polarization alignment, Friis transmission equations, and measurement uncertainty calculations.

Soft Skills & Workplace Competencies

• Analytical Problem Solving: A methodical approach to isolating variables when troubleshooting system anomalies or uncharacteristic device failures inside the chamber.
• Meticulous Documentation: Strong attention to detail when logging hardware configurations, test settings, and EUT (Equipment Under Test) software build versions.
• Communication: Ability to clearly explain complex radiated failures and spatial pattern nulls to non-RF internal partners.