Hybrid RF Technician (On-site, Aberdeen, Maryland) at Fairwinds Technologies

RF Technician

Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD
Type: Onsite (40 hours/week)

Salary Range: $95,000 – $115,000 annually
 Target Recruiting Area: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C.

About Fairwinds Technologies

Fairwinds Technologies is a U.S.-based engineering firm specializing in Satellite Communications (SATCOM), RF Transmission Systems, Network Design, Systems Integration, and Digital Signal Processing (DSP). We support Command, Control, Communications, and Computer (C4) systems in austere military environments, delivering advanced communications, networking, and IT solutions to defense and civilian agencies worldwide.

Position Overview

Fairwinds Technologies is seeking a Senior RF Technician to provide support for RF system tests, integration, and lab operations. You will assist in test activities, ensure equipment readiness, and partner closely with Systems Engineering & Test Engineers to meet critical delivery milestones. This hands-on role includes test setup/teardown, hardware troubleshooting, calibration upkeep, and disciplined documentation across lab and occasional field environments.

This role reports to the Chief Technology & Strategy Office and involves working closely with customers and engineering teams to delivering cutting-edge RF designs for tactical, naval, and strategic defense applications. This hands-on role is critical to ensuring performance and readiness across SATCOM, microwave, and tactical radio systems in support of mission-critical C4 environments.

Years of Experience

5–7 years of hands-on experience in RF testing, electronics, and communications systems support.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, execute, and tear down RF test environments spanning tactical radios, SATCOM, microwave, and related subsystems; ensure signal integrity, proper terminations, and safe RF practices.
• Assist with the diagnosis and resolution RF/hardware issues, including signal path faults, impedance mismatches, interference, and test anomalies; escalate effectively with clear findings.
• Operate and configure RF test equipment including spectrum/network analyzers, power meters, oscilloscopes, vector signal analyzers, and signal generators; perform S-parameter, power, modulation, and noise measurements as needed.
• Maintain calibration schedules, traceability records, and operational readiness for all RF test assets; coordinate external calibrations and verify post-calibration performance.
• Document test configurations, procedures, results, and equipment states; maintain accurate test logs and data packages aligned to engineering requirements.
• Collaborate with Systems, Hardware, and Test Engineers to execute test plans, improve test coverage, and streamline workflows.
• Contribute to test automation and data capture using Python (e.g., PyVISA or PySNMP); assist in developing or running automated scripts and templates.
• Manage lab inventory, spares, and consumables; maintain ESD-safe work areas and enforce lab safety practices.
• Support occasional field testing, integration events, or customer demos; assist with readiness checks, loadouts, and onsite instrumentation.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in electronics, telecommunications, or related technical field; equivalent military or vocational training considered.
• Extensive experience with RF test equipment and troubleshooting techniques across the 30MHz–40GHz range (range flexible based on program).
• Familiarity with RF safety (power density, MPE), signal flow, impedance control, and standardized test documentation.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple test setups in parallel with high attention to detail.
• Proficient in reading schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical data sheets; comfortable with basic crimping/termination and cable health checks (VNA TDR/DTF a plus).
• Strong organizational and communication skills; consistent, high-quality documentation habits.
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. and able to obtain and maintain a DoD SECRET clearance.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting RF testing in both lab and field environments, including environmental or EMI/EMC test exposure.
• Fundamental knowledge of IP networking for lab instrumentation control, device configuration, and test asset connectivity.
• Fundamental understanding of RF propagation concepts (path loss, link budgets, fading, antenna patterns).
• Experience with test automation using Python; familiarity with SCPI, PyVISA, PySNMP, VISA I/O, or NI instrumentation.
• Experience with configuration management/version control for test scripts and documents (e.g., Git or SVN) and basic CMMS or asset management tools.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments with minimal supervision.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not supervise others.

Work Environment

This position is primarily performed in a traditional office environment. Onsite lab-based role with occasional field work. 

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand for extended periods; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; use fingers and hands to type or write; reach with hands and arms; lift to 40 lbs.; talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, exempt position, working Monday through Friday; 40 hours per work week; occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Some flexibility in actual work hours may be offered.

Travel

Must be willing to travel 5-10% when required.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Must be eligible to work in the US and possess or obtain a Secret level clearance 

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

AAP/EEO Statement

Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Why Join Us:

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and innovative projects.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.

Compensation- Salary

At Fairwinds, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location and experience.