Senior RF Engineer, Test & Validation

Job Title

Senior RF Engineer, Test & Validation

Role Summary

Join the Terahertz Lab in Hamburg to develop and validate high-frequency RF technologies (mmWave and sub-THz >=100 GHz) for automotive radar, robotics, and next-generation communications. The role focuses on system-level test development, automation, prototyping, measurement, simulation, and collaboration with internal and external partners.

The position supports product development, feasibility studies, performance validation and lab automation within a multidisciplinary team working on advanced RF demonstrators and test solutions.

Experience Level

Senior — requires a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in RF engineering.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include developing automated RF test solutions, performing system-level validation, and improving lab processes.

• Design, implement, and automate RF and communications test solutions in software-controlled environments.
• Create test specifications, plans and work instructions; plan and coordinate test/validation jobs.
• Perform system-level RF and full-wave electromagnetic simulations; analyze and post-process measurement and simulation data.
• Characterize RF components and build behavioral models; design and prototype RF demonstrators for mmWave and sub-THz applications.
• Troubleshoot software, hardware, and measurement equipment issues; continuous improvement of lab methods and automation.
• Document results, produce reports and presentations, and ensure compliance with quality standards (ISO9001/IATF16949).
• Collaborate with suppliers, universities, and international internal teams; mentor students and support knowledge transfer.
• May perform security-related tasks and work in contexts requiring security certifications or controlled processes.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience for successful performance in this role.

• Minimum ~3 years of RF engineering experience, including test and measurement techniques for RF, communications, and radar.
• Practical experience in software and hardware debugging and troubleshooting in RF test environments.
• Experience with system-level RF simulation tools (e.g., Keysight SystemVue) and full-wave EM tools (e.g., HFSS).
• Hands-on programming experience with Python and MATLAB for automation, data analysis and test control.
• Familiarity with statistical methods and data analysis for measurement validation.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration, project management skills, and structured, quality-oriented work style.
• Fluent in German and English, spoken and written.
• Willingness to travel internationally (approximately 2–8 weeks per year).

Nice-to-have

• Experience building RF demonstrators and hands-on lab prototyping for mmWave/sub-THz systems.
• Prior experience in automotive radar or communications system testing environments.

Education Requirements

Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, Physics, or a comparable technical field. The posting also notes possible involvement in security-certified assignments, which may require adherence to security certification processes.

About the Company

Company: NXP Semiconductors

Headquarters: Nijmegen, Netherlands

NXP Semiconductors N.V. is a global semiconductor company that provides High Performance Mixed Signal and Standard Product solutions. With over 45,000 employees and operations in more than 35 countries, NXP is a leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, catering to automotive, industrial IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets. The company is committed to innovation and sustainability, advancing a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world through technology.