RF Test Technician

Location: Crawley, United Kingdom

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

RF Test Technician

Location: Thales UK
Hours: Full Time
Security Clearance: Must be eligible to achieve UK Eyes Only Security Clearance

Help Shape the Future of Defence Technology

At Thales, we design and deliver world-class technology that keeps people safe, secure and connected. From advanced radar systems and electronic warfare solutions to mission-critical sensors and communications technology, our innovations support defence and security operations around the globe.

We are looking for a skilled RF Test Technician to join our high-performing manufacturing and engineering team. This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge defence products where quality, precision and reliability are paramount.

What You'll Be Doing

As an RF Test Technician, you will be responsible for the testing, fault diagnosis, alignment and verification of complex RF and microwave assemblies used in demanding aerospace and defence applications.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting functional testing, performance verification and alignment of complex radar, receiver and sensor assemblies using Near Field and Far Field Anechoic Chambers.
• Performing environmental and stress testing, including vibration, thermal and Environmental Stress Screening (ESS).
• Diagnosing and resolving faults to component level on high-density electronic assemblies, including MMIC amplifiers, SMT components, capacitors, resistors and diodes.
• Carrying out fine modification work, tuning and micro-soldering activities to Class 3 workmanship standards.
• Recording test results, failures, corrective actions and traceability data in accordance with stringent defence and aerospace quality requirements.
• Supporting root cause investigations and continuous improvement activities to enhance product reliability and manufacturing performance.
• Working within ESD-controlled environments while adhering to strict safety, quality and security procedures.

About You

We're looking for someone who combines strong RF test knowledge with a meticulous approach to quality and problem solving.

You will ideally have:

• Experience testing RF, microwave or electronic systems within aerospace, defence, telecommunications or other high-reliability manufacturing environments.
• Strong fault-finding skills at component level.
• Experience using RF test equipment including:
  • Vector Network Analysers (VNA)
  • Spectrum Analysers
  • Signal and Pulse Generators
  • Power Meters
  • Digital Oscilloscopes
• Understanding of RF performance measurements including:
  • VSWR
  • S-Parameters
  • Noise Figure
  • 1dB Compression Point
  • Harmonics and Spurious Emissions
• Ability to interpret complex circuit schematics, RF block diagrams, waveguide drawings and technical documentation.
• Experience working to IPC standards, ideally IPC-A-610 and/or IPC-7711/7721 Class 3.
• A recognised qualification in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering or a related discipline.

What We Offer

At Thales, you'll be part of an organisation that invests in its people and technology. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Career progression and development opportunities
• Access to industry-leading training and qualifications
• Flexible benefits and wellbeing support
• Opportunities to work on some of the UK's most advanced defence and aerospace programmes
• A collaborative environment where innovation and continuous improvement are encouraged

Important Information

Due to the nature of the work undertaken, successful candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK Eyes Only Security Clearance. Applicants should be comfortable working with sensitive technologies and within highly regulated manufacturing environments.

Interested?

If you're passionate about RF technology, precision engineering and solving complex technical challenges, we'd love to hear from you. Join Thales and play a vital role in delivering technology that protects nations and saves lives.

Make it more concise and engaging

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Read more about our benefits here.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.

If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here.

Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!