JOB SUMMARYThe RF Engineer 1 is an entry-level, hands-on technical contributor and the starting point of Marki Microwave's RF Engineering Development Program. In this role, you will build a foundation in high-frequency RF/microwave component engineering by directly supporting two core engineering functions: production engineering and design verification/validation. Day-to-day work includes characterizing RF components on the bench, supporting production test and yield activities, assisting first article validation of new products, and learning Marki's assembly, packaging, and measurement practices from the ground up.
This position is designed as a launch pad, not a final destination. Through structured rotations, mentorship, and progressively challenging assignments, the RF Engineer I develops the base skills common to all Marki engineering roles while gaining direct exposure to the work of the Applications Engineering, Product Development, Design Validation, and Production Engineering teams. Upon successful completion of the development program, the engineer transitions into a destination role aligned with demonstrated strengths, interests, and business needs. This role reports to the Director of Engineering.
This role is ideal for a new graduate or early-career engineer who wants to build deep, practical expertise in RF/microwave components through a hands-on approach in a fast-paced, highly technical environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESRF Measurement & Characterization (Core Foundation)- Perform component-level RF measurements across DC to >125 GHz, including S-parameters, noise figure, conversion loss, power compression (P1dB, IP3), harmonic generation, intermodulation distortion, isolation, and spur analysis
- Set up, calibrate, and operate RF and electronic test equipment including vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, power supplies, oscilloscopes, and multimeters
- Troubleshoot test and measurement issues including equipment setup, calibration, fixturing, and test conditions to confirm that measurements are performed accurately
- Document test setups, procedures, and results clearly and completely; communicate findings to engineering teams in written reports and verbal presentations
Production Support- Support production test operations, including running and maintaining test stations, verifying test templates and limits, and assisting with first-pass yield investigations
- Assist in root cause analysis of production test failures and yield excursions using structured problem-solving methods under the guidance of Production Engineering
- Support Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) investigations by performing electrical verification of returned units and documenting findings
- Assist in creating and maintaining manufacturing documentation, including work instructions and process documentation, and support implementation of Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) on the production floor
- Develop working familiarity with RF/microwave assembly processes including wire bonding, die attach, silver epoxy, soldering, and SMT
Design Verification & New Product Introduction (NPI) Support- Support first article characterization and performance validation of new products, evaluating measured performance against design targets and specifications
- Assist in developing and executing test plans for new product validation, including advanced measurements such as phase noise, power handling, and temperature-dependent performance under the guidance of senior engineers
- Collect, reduce, and analyze characterization data; assist in generating datasheet-quality measurement data and validation reports
- Assist in debugging prototypes and circuits that do not operate as expected, and communicate observations to design and validation engineering
- Support qualification and reliability test activities, including pre- and post-stress electrical measurements
Engineering Development Program Participation- Complete structured rotations and training assignments across production engineering, design validation, applications engineering, and product development functions per the development program curriculum
- Meet regularly with assigned mentors and program leadership to review progress, technical development, and destination role fit
- Demonstrate progressive ownership of tasks, growing from directed work to independently managed assignments over the course of the program
- The employee may be assigned other duties as needed
REQUIREMENTS- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Coursework or projects in electromagnetics, microwave engineering, RF circuits, or communications is strongly preferred
- 0-2 years of experience working with RF products or RF test equipment (internships, co-ops, senior design projects, and research experience count)
- Foundational understanding of RF/microwave concepts (transmission lines, impedance matching, S-parameters) and basic device physics
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and specifications, or aptitude and willingness to learn
- Ability to work hands-on at the lab bench with small components, precision connectors, and sensitive test equipment
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; excellent verbal and written communication
- Commitment to work with a hands-on approach in a team atmosphere
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES- Exposure to RF and electronic test equipment (network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, power meter, oscilloscope, multimeter) through coursework, labs, internships, or prior work
- General understanding of RF components (mixers, amplifiers, passives, switches, couplers, filters) and their key performance parameters
- Familiarity with electronics assembly and packaging concepts (wire bonding, die attach, soldering, SMT) is a plus
- Experience with scripting or software-based tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for test automation or data analysis is a plus
- Exposure to RF simulation tools (e.g., Microwave Office, HFSS, ADS) is a plus
- Ability to leverage AI tools to simplify and reduce tedious tasks and to accelerate research and learning
- Ability to research and learn from technical publications, application notes, and prior work; self-directed learner
CORE COMPETENCIES- Business Acumen: Awareness and knowledge of and insight into the organization's vision, structure, culture, philosophy, operating principles, values, and code of ethics; ability to apply this understanding appropriately to diverse situations. Knowledge, insight, and understanding of business concepts, tools, and processes that are needed for making sound decisions in the context of the company's business; ability to apply this knowledge appropriately to diverse situations.
- Change: Knowledge of and ability to align the organization's people and culture with changes in business strategy, organizational structure, technology and business processes.
- Communication: Successful communication involves five components. Verbal communication refers to your ability to speak clearly and concisely. Nonverbal communication includes the capacity to project positive body language and facial expressions. Written communication refers to your skillfulness in composing text messages, reports, and other types of documents. Visual communication involves your ability to relay information using pictures and other visual aids. Active listening should also be considered a key communication soft skill because it helps you listen to and actually hear what others say.
- Problem-Solving / Critical Thinking: Ability to balance the needs of different people in a solution to a problem. Able to meet the needs of different constituents in the solution of a problem. Able to solve problems with multiple criteria that need to be met. Identifies and assesses all potential responses to a problem.
- Integrity / Work Ethic: Deal with Conflict Properly. Report Unethical Behavior. Be upfront about your short comings. Be willing to do hard work. Take accountability for your actions. Be a team player. Respect others. Don't abuse your power. Keep morale up.
- Teamwork: Collaborate with others to achieve common goals. Build strong, positive working relationships with supervisor and team members/coworkers. Exercise the ability to compromise and be adaptable.
- Interpersonal Skills: Interpersonal competencies help you interact, communicate, and collaborate with others effectively. Typical examples of interpersonal skills include empathy, active listening, and emotional intelligence.
ABOUT MARKI MICROWAVEShattering Performance Barriers Since 1991.
At Marki Microwave our goal is to invent technologies to empower the RF and microwave industry to design faster, simplify production, eliminate complexity, and shatter performance barriers.
Marki Microwave is a privately-owned company based in Morgan Hill, California, 30 minutes from downtown San Jose in Southern Silicon Valley. We offer a full benefits package, including:
- Holiday pay
- Paid Time Off (4 weeks)
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
- Long Term Disability
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- 401(k) ER matching
- College Loan Subsidy Program
Marki Microwave is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military or veteran status, or any other applicable federal, state or local protected classification.
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