RF R&D Technician

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), Applied Electromagnetics Division (AED) in Lafayette, CO seeks a RF R&D Technician. This position is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on technician to assist engineers with the realization and implementation of innovative RF hardware solutions during the design phase. This position supports research and development activities where the candidate will perform RF, electrical, and mechanical design, fabrication, measurement, and troubleshooting of antenna, RF circuit, waveguide, radomes, and RF/EM material prototypes. It requires the understanding and operation of a network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, near field scanner, and antenna range as well as CAD software for printed circuits. The candidate must also be skilled at soldering, bonding, and machining of aerospace/defense related hardware at a high level of craftsmanship with an eye for detail. Must have 6+ years of experience; however, prefer 15+ years of experience. Must have a security clearance or the ability to obtain and hold a security clearance.

What you’ll do as an RF R&D Technician:

• Perform S-Parameter reflection, transmission, frequency and time domain measurements of antennas, circuits, waveguide, and materials.
• Operate a near field scanner and direct illumination anechoic chamber to characterize antenna gain patterns.
• Fabricate an assortment of different prototypes to validate simulated designs and formulate materials and manufacturing processes.
• Provide important insight to assist engineers in troubleshooting and optimizing RF hardware performance.

Requirements for an RF R&D Technician:

• Extensive knowledge of RF measurements techniques and equipment including analyzers and antenna ranges.
• Mechanically inclined metal worker or assembler and highly skilled at soldering.
• Knowledge of ESD practices and tools for active devices and equipment.
• Must have, or be able to obtain, a DoD secret level security clearance.
• 6+ Years’ experience required in the aerospace/defense or related industry with a portfolio of successfully designed and tested hardware.

Preferences for a RF R&D Technician:

• Associate degree in technology or science related to RF design and/or test a PLUS
• Soldering certifications: J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620 a PLUS
• Direct antennas, radomes, circuits, and/or RF/EM materials experience a PLUS
• 15+ years of experience in the aerospace/defense or related industry with a portfolio of successfully designed and tested hardware a PLUS.

For best consideration, please apply by January 12, 2027.

Compensation & Benefits:

Pay Ranges: $35.00 to $45.00 USD per hour based on years of experience, degree and any special skills and knowledge that they may bring to the position. ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at https://www.ara.com/benefits/

Company & Division Information

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2,200 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns’ greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.

Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the RF R&D Technician position, Requisition #RFRDT010236