Principal Engineering Technician

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

The Skylark product line is focused on the rapid design, build, and test of cutting-edge active phased array antennas (AESA) for terrestrial and airborne applications. Current programs span high-power, large-scale ground terminals for missile defense to commercial airline and helicopter connectivity solutions.

We are looking to add an Principal Engineering Technician to our team. If you are excited about working in a startup environment, have a strong work ethic, and are passionate about cutting-edge electronics, we would like to hear from you.

In this position, you will work closely with CesiumAstro engineers to create Antenna & RF test setups, execute test plans, troubleshoot complex RF systems, and produce timely, reliable test results. You will have the opportunity to use and maintain state-of-the-art electronics lab instrumentation, such as anechoic chambers, spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators, oscilloscopes, automated power supplies/loads, and more. You will also be expected to identify opportunities for process improvements and help develop efficient, repeatable test methodologies.

Many of our products include active phased arrays (a.k.a. active electronically scanned arrays, or AESAs). These are antenna products with active RF circuitry integrated with the antenna. This adds complexity to the test architecture, including power, digital control, and thermal effects. As such, direct experience with phased array (or AESA) testing is strongly preferred.

Core day-to-day activities will include collaborating with engineers to test, troubleshoot, and characterize complex electronics and RF circuitry from component level to system level. Candidates should be comfortable interpreting drawings, diagrams, schematics, and test procedures, while also contributing feedback to improve test execution and documentation quality.

As a small company, the CesiumAstro team “wears many hats.” Candidates should be comfortable with a dynamic workflow that may involve multitasking between test setup creation, test execution, equipment maintenance, documentation, lab organization, and cross-functional support activities.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute RF and antenna test plans and provide concise, accurate, and timely reporting of findings

• Organize, maintain, and improve antenna testing facilities, equipment, and lab resources

• Create and Own the setup, troubleshooting, and characterization of sensitive electronics, including QFNs, chip-scale ICs, RF cables, and 0201 passive components

• Build, maintain, and troubleshoot complex RF test setups consisting of instrumentation, cabling, switching, and devices under test

• Create and provide feedback on detailed documentation with a high standard of quality and attention to detail

• Assist in developing standardized test procedures and improving lab efficiency and repeatability

• Collaborate with engineering teams to diagnose and resolve RF, power, thermal, and digital integration issues

• Support calibration, maintenance, and verification of lab instrumentation and equipment

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 7 years of directly related experience as an Engineering Technician or RF Technician

• Experience working with active electronics and RF systems

• Hands-on experience with lab instruments such as spectrum analyzers, VNAs, RF signal generators, oscilloscopes, DMMs, and power meters

• Experience troubleshooting RF systems and interpreting measurement data with minimal supervision

• Familiarity with phased array or AESA testing preferred

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex RF systems independently

• Strong organization skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Comfortable with collaboration tools such as MS Teams, SharePoint, Confluence, and Jira

• Ability to work well under deadlines and adapt to changing priorities

• Strong digital, written, and verbal communication skills

• Ability to read and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering documentation

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.