RF Test & Laboratory Engineer

Location: Portsmouth, England, gb

Company Description

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

Job Description

As a RF Test and Laboratory Engineer you will join our team in Portsmouth to support our activities within the Space sector. 

You will work within a controlled laboratory and cleanroom environment supporting the testing, validation, and fault investigation of RF and microwave assemblies. This role sits between design and production, ensuring high-frequency systems meet strict quality and performance requirements..

• Location: Portsmouth
• On Site: Full time 
• Clearance: SC clearable
• Experience Level: Mid level

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform RF testing using VNA, spectrum analysers, and RF laboratory equipment
• Conduct high-frequency measurements (insertion loss, return loss, phase matching)
• Operate within a controlled lab or cleanroom environment, adhering to strict procedures
• Execute structured test plans and record accurate technical data
• Support fault diagnosis using time-domain analysis and RF measurement techniques
• Produce detailed test reports and maintain traceable documentation
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to ensure compliance with aerospace standards

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Experience working in a laboratory, cleanroom, or controlled technical environment
• Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (VNA essential)
• Understanding of RF measurements and high-frequency components
• Experience following strict processes and quality procedures
• Strong documentation and report-writing skills

Required Qualifications:

• Proven experience in RF test environments, ideally within aerospace or space or equivalent military experience
• Familiarity with test procedures, instrumentation, and RF measurement techniques

Desirable Skills:

• Experience testing RF hardware for space, satellite, or high-reliability aerospace applications
• Hands-on experience with RF instrument verification, calibration, and validation
• Experience supporting qualification or environmental testing (thermal, vibration, TVAC)
• Experience testing flight hardware, space-grade components, or mission-critical assemblies

Additional Information

Why join us? 

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme 
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.