RF Test Engineer

About this role

Apex Space is hiring an RF Test Engineer to lead system-level verification and testing of spacecraft communications hardware, focusing on S-band and X-band systems. You'll develop RF test infrastructure, execute integration and environmental test campaigns, and collaborate with RF, avionics, and systems teams to ensure reliable performance in flight-like conditions.

What you'll do

• Develop and execute RF test strategies for spacecraft communications hardware and payload systems
• Design RF test architectures for transmitter/receiver characterization including loopback and over-the-air setups
• Lead RF performance verification across development, qualification, and production phases
• Support environmental testing campaigns including thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC, and vehicle integration
• Debug anomalies and root cause hardware failures in collaboration with RF and systems teams
• Develop automated test scripts and infrastructure tools to improve efficiency and repeatability

What they're looking for

• RF test engineering with 5+ years aerospace or satellite hardware experience
• RF fundamentals, transmitter/receiver architectures, and modulation schemes
• RF measurement equipment operation (signal analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators)
• Automated test software development and scripting (Python preferred)
• Hardware bring-up, integration, debug, and environmental testing
• RF troubleshooting at board, subsystem, and interface levels
• Test procedure and verification plan documentation
• Cross-functional collaboration and communication