Job#: 3047064 Job Description: RF System Test, Characterization & Architecture Verification Engineer (PA + LNA + Array)Location: San Diego, CARole Summary
Measure and characterize RF components (PA, LNA) and phased array performance to verify the front-end architecture. Build automated test infrastructure using Python/MATLAB to systematically validate that hardware meets architectural specifications across temperature, frequency, and operating conditions.
Responsibilities
- Verify PA performance meets architectural specifications through load-pull and large-signal characterization
- erify LNA performance meets architectural NF/gain/IP3 specifications through noise parameter and gain measurement
- Verify array-level performance meets architecture predictions through beam measurement
- Develop automated test frameworks that enable repeatable architecture verification across builds/lots
- Correlate measured data with architectural simulation models - identify gaps and feed back to architecture team
- Generate measured-data models to update and refine architectural predictions
Hardware Knowledge Required
PA Characterization (Architecture Verification)- Load-pull measurement: active/passive, harmonic (2f0, 3f0), source-pull, efficiency contouring
- Verify PA meets architecture specs: Psat, P1dB, PAE, OIP3, ACLR targets
- Large-signal: AM-AM/AM-PM extraction, gain compression, memory effects
- DPD validation: bench-level DPD loop, verify architecture's DPD effectiveness assumption
- Multi-temperature: derating curves to validate architectural margin allocation
LNA Characterization (Architecture Verification)- Noise figure: Y-factor, cold-source (PNA-X), noise parameter extraction (?opt, Rn, NFmin)
- Verify LNA meets architecture specs: NF target, gain flatness, IP3, stability
- Gain/linearity across frequency and temperature
- Stability verification: odd-mode, low-frequency stability
Array-Level Verification- Phased array beam measurement: multi-beam patterns, scan-dependent performance
- EIRP/EIS measurement: verify architecture's radiated power and sensitivity targets
- Beam quality: sidelobes, null depth, cross-pol - compare to architectural predictions
- Calibration verification: validate calibration algorithm performance meets architecture assumptions
- Near-field scanning of active phased array panels
Test Fixture & Setup- Fixture design for bare-die, QFN, BGA, and array-level measurement
- Calibration: TRL/SOLT/LRM, reference plane definition
- Thermal integration: chamber + RF bench for multi-temperature architecture verification
Software & Coding Skills Required (Critical)
- Python (PyVISA/SCPI): Full instrument automation - VNA, signal generator, power meter, spectrum analyzer, positioner, tuner control
- MATLAB: Data processing, model extraction from measured data, architecture correlation analysis
- Test Framework Development: Automated architecture verification test suites, parametric sweeps, pass/fail against architectural specs
- Data Pipeline: Measurement processing comparison against architecture predictions reporting
- Git: Version-controlled test code, CI for measurement scripts
Test Equipment Expertise- VNA: Keysight PNA-X (multiport, noise figure, pulsed-RF)
- Load-pull: Maury/Focus automated tuners, active load-pull
- Signal sources: PSG/MXG, AWG for modulated waveforms
- Spectrum analyzers: PXA/UXA
- Noise figure: PNA-X noise personality, noise sources
- NF scanner: NSI or MI Technologies for array beam measurement
- Power meters, thermal chambers, probe stations
NOT Required for This Role
- RF circuit design (ADS schematic, AWR) - this is test/verification, not design
- Antenna element EM simulation (HFSS, CST)
- PCB layout or signal integrity
- FPGA/RTL design
- Package design
- Manufacturing/NPI process ownership
Qualifications
Required- MS in EE (RF/Microwave)
- 5+ years RF component and/or antenna characterization experience
- Strong Python programming - test framework development, not just scripting
- Expert VNA operation including calibration and de-embedding
- Load-pull experience with efficiency contour generation
- Noise figure measurement proficiency (Y-factor and cold-source)
- Array-level beam measurement experience
- Multi-temperature characterization
- Experience correlating measurements against design/architecture predictions
Preferred- Ka-band and/or L/S-band component testing
- On-wafer probing and MMIC characterization
- DPD bench-loop validation
- Automated test framework development (production-level)
- Experience working with architects to refine specifications based on measured data
Deliverables
- PA characterization data verifying architectural PA specifications
- LNA noise parameter data verifying architectural NF specifications
- Array-level measurement results verifying architectural beam/EIRP/G/T predictions
- Automated architecture verification test framework (Python, version-controlled)
- Measurement-vs-architecture correlation reports (identifying model gaps)
- Measured-data models fed back to architectural simulation
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