R&d Lab Technician

The R&D Lab Technician / Radio Frequency Calibration Technician performs precise calibrations of RF test and measurement systems, including signal generators, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and related equipment, with in-lab calibration as the primary focus. This role also supports on-site customer service and maintenance calls for equipment that cannot leave customer premises within a local service radius, with occasional overnight travel as needed. The technician applies knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, and electronics to calibrate inspection, measurement, and test equipment across multiple disciplines, ensuring measurement accuracy and compliance with published specifications. The position involves working both independently and collaboratively with senior technicians, maintaining calibration standards and documentation, and contributing to a stable, hands-on RF calibration environment with clear opportunities for growth.

Responsibilities

• Calibrate inspection, measurement, and test equipment in one or more disciplines, including Acoustical, Chemical, Dimensional, DC/Low Frequency, RF/Microwave, Fluid, Mechanical, Optical, Thermodynamics, and Time & Frequency to ensure compliance with published specifications.
• Perform in-lab calibrations on RF test and measurement systems such as signal generators, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, function generators, frequency counters, and power meters.
• Run and document tests on RF devices and equipment to calibrate parameters such as power, frequency, modulation, phase noise, and related characteristics.
• Work with a range of RF-enabled devices, including cell phone antennas, amplifiers, two-way radios, satellite systems, and wireless internet access points.
• Troubleshoot circuits used in RF transmission independently and in collaboration with site engineers to resolve performance issues.
• Identify and repair faults in finished assemblies, making precise adjustments and component-level repairs as required.
• Determine root causes of recurring faults and work with on-site teams to implement preventive measures that reduce future failures.
• Create, assemble, tune, and develop models and plans for RF and antenna-related work, including modifying antenna prototypes, parts, and assemblies.
• Perform routine antenna capability tests and maintain thorough documentation of test cases and results.
• Maintain primary and intrinsic calibration standards to ensure traceability and long-term measurement reliability.
• Maintain secondary and working calibration standards used in day-to-day calibration activities.
• Perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of precision test and measurement equipment in both lab and customer site environments.
• Develop calibration procedures and methods based on detailed specifications, blueprints, drawings, and other technical requirements.
• Collect, compile, measure, summarize, and record data gathered during calibration activities in an organized and traceable manner.
• Identify inspection, measurement, and test equipment out-of-tolerance conditions and perform corrective actions, including adjustments, component replacement, and application of correction factors.
• Identify and correct measurement errors where applicable, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of test results.
• Prepare clear and accurate calibration reports and certificates for internal use and customer documentation.
• Adapt existing calibration equipment, standards, and techniques to accomplish unique or non-standard measurement tasks.
• Perform uncertainty evaluation and analysis for measurement standards and associated measurement processes.
• Train less-experienced technicians in calibration concepts, procedures, and best practices as needed.
• Interact professionally with other technicians, customer service representatives, account managers, and customers to support technical needs and resolve issues.
• Perform general laboratory housekeeping to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Carry out some administrative duties related to calibration records, documentation, and workflow management.
• Conduct on-site customer service and maintenance calls for larger equipment that cannot be moved to the lab, typically within a two-hour radius, with occasional overnight stays.
• Apply troubleshooting, schematic reading, and circuit repair skills during on-site maintenance and fault diagnosis on complex systems.
• Support recurring local service calls, including preventive maintenance activities on RF and communications systems.
• Work independently on customer sites while maintaining a professional, client-facing demeanor and representing the lab’s technical capabilities.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the overall calibration and service operation.

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent education.
• Ability to perform general mathematics and algebra functions relevant to measurement and calibration work.
• Understanding of basic statistics and its application to measurement data and uncertainty analysis.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for documenting work and interacting with customers and colleagues.
• Technical writing ability to produce clear calibration reports, procedures, and documentation.
• Intermediate ability to troubleshoot, repair, align, and optimize precision electronic and RF equipment.
• Intermediate computer skills, including data entry, file management, and use of calibration software tools as needed.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel for documentation, reporting, and data analysis.
• Minimum of three years of calibration experience, with some portion potentially offset by formal metrology training.
• At least 5+ years of RF calibration or RF experience, gained through military or commercial environments.
• Hands-on experience performing RF calibration on equipment such as signal generators, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, function generators, frequency counters, and power meters.
• Experience running tests on RF devices and systems to calibrate power, frequency, modulation, phase noise, and related parameters.
• Knowledge of quality management systems, including ISO 9001 and ANSI Z540, and their application in calibration environments.
• Ability to meet ITAR-related work requirements.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills for effective client-facing interactions and teamwork.
• High attention to detail to ensure accuracy and traceability in all calibration activities.
• Self-motivated approach with the ability to work as a team player and follow written procedures consistently.
• Ability to work independently on moderately complex assignments, applying judgment to resolve problems and make routine recommendations.
• Demonstrated experience with troubleshooting, schematic reading, and circuit repair, particularly in RF and electronic systems.
• Capability to work with spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, signal generators, and other RF test equipment in a lab environment.

• Formal RF or electronics training, including completion of military calibration programs (such as PMEL or equivalent), is highly valued.
• Formal metrology training that can partially offset required years of calibration experience.
• Experience with preventive maintenance on RF and communications systems, especially for recurring local service calls.
• Familiarity with wireless networks, land communications systems, radios, and antenna systems.
• Experience with RF engineering concepts and radio frequency theory in practical, hands-on settings.
• Ability to interpret and follow detailed test procedures, technical drawings, and schematics.
• Experience working with lab equipment and test setups in a structured calibration or electronics lab.
• Background in military RF or calibration roles or commercial calibration lab environments is particularly beneficial.
• Comfort working independently at customer sites while maintaining a professional, client-focused demeanor.
• Experience in environments that emphasize structured onboarding, training, and skill development.
• No college degree required; a high school education is sufficient when combined with the required RF experience.
• No specific certifications required, though completion of a recognized military calibration program is considered a strong qualification.
• Candidates with commercial calibration lab experience outside of RF may be considered if they have supplemental RF coursework or military electronics training.
• Key attributes for success include a hands-on calibration or military RF Background, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to learn and apply new procedures quickly.

The role is primarily based in a professional calibration laboratory, with most work focused on in-lab RF and multi-discipline calibration tasks using modern test and measurement equipment. The position includes local field work from the Draper, UT area, typically within a two-hour radius, to service larger equipment at customer sites, with only infrequent overnight travel required. Another site option is a Greenville, TX location embedded within a secure facility, offering a consistent, non-travel environment with more restricted access. Work is performed on a stable, full-time first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, roughly 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with no weekend work. The dress code is relaxed and practical, typically a polo or nice shirt with jeans and closed-toe shoes, with no routine personal protective equipment requirements. The team structure is small and specialized, where technical ability, reliability, and hands-on problem-solving are highly valued. The organization invests in its people through structured onboarding and training and supports career growth, including expanded responsibilities and access to a company vehicle for field work after conversion to full-time. The culture emphasizes hands-on RF calibration and field service rather than desk work, providing a focused technical environment for experienced RF professionals.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Draper, UT.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Draper,UT.

This position is anticipated to close on May 15, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.