TECHNICIAN - SR. TECHNICIAN - RF Measurement Technician at Southwest Research Institute

Who We Are:

SwRI's Defense and Intelligence Solutions Division excels in combining hardware, signal processing, and advanced communication systems, specifically for the Department of Defense, military, and Intelligence Community needs. We are dedicated to innovation in defense and intelligence, continually evolving to meet complex challenges with impactful technological solutions.

Objectives of this Role:

• Ensure the smooth operation of anechoic chamber, field site testing, 5G Campus system and lab facilities. This includes scheduling, maintaining equipment, and ensuring all systems are calibrated for accurate measurements.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.
• Manage and adjust test setups in the anechoic chamber, field sites, and 5G Campus system to ensure precision and compliance with industry standards.
• Work with Engineers to implement quality control processes to ensure testing accuracy and reliability, while also safeguarding the integrity of test results.
• Continually assess and improve testing processes and techniques.
• Assist team in identifying and resolving technical issues within the testing processes.
• Implement solutions to prevent recurring problems, ensuring minimal downtime and disruption to testing schedules.
• Explore new technologies and methodologies that could enhance the efficiency and accuracy of electromagnetic testing, driving advancements in the field, and support to 5G Campus system.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Adjust test setups in the anechoic chamber, field sites, and 5G Campus system to ensure precision and compliance with industry standards.
• Conduct and document electromagnetic testing.
• Support antenna and other RF measurement and calibration activities. Support antenna and other RF fixturing design, fabrication, and installation.
• Maintain and troubleshoot testing equipment, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime.
• Use a wide variety of specialized hand tools such as solder irons, wire strippers, crimpers, etc.
• Perform routine visual, electrical, mechanical, inspections and measurements on instruments, systems, and facilities as appropriate.
• Assists engineers and other team members.
• Support a clean and orderly laboratory environment.
• Assemble RF antennas, systems, and circuits, which may include RF cabling, wiring, component installations, and hand soldering.
• Disassembles, modifies, reworks, reassembles, test units and corrects malfunctions as required.
• Ability to supervise and mentor subordinate technical staff, ensuring successful completion of project tasks and adherence to timelines.

Requirements:

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent or an Associates in Technology.
• 2 years: Working knowledge of RF measurement instrumentation (vector network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, signal generator). Working knowledge of RF coax to component connection methods (N, TNC, SMA, etc.) including proper torque wrench usage.
• 2 years: Working knowledge of the use of electronics assembly tools, wiring and electrical assembly tools. Ability to operate an overhead hoist. Attention to detail. Work closely with others effectively in a group or alone when necessary.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.