Senior Engineering Laboratory Technician
We are seeking a Senior Engineering Laboratory Technician to play a critical hands-on role in R&D hardware development, supporting advanced radar and sensing platforms from early prototypes through pilot builds and field validation. This role is ideal for a technically curious, lab-focused problem solver who thrives working with RF, SDR architectures, and complex FPGA/SoC-based systems.
You’ll join a collaborative product development team building differentiated RF systems with real-world impact.
Key Responsibilities
• Work closely with Hardware, RF, Radar, Test, and Systems Engineers to bring new designs from concept through validated hardware.
• Perform early hardware bring-up, debugging, and characterization of complex mixed-signal systems, including FPGA/SoC platforms (DDR, PCIe, high-speed serial), RF transceivers and SDR signal chains, power subsystems, and high-speed interfaces such as 10GbE and USB3.
• Support development, prototype, and pilot builds across board, module, and system levels as part of the R&D development cycle.
• Provide hands-on electrical support, including fault isolation, soldering, rework, modification, and repair of complex PCB assemblies.
• Provide hands-on mechanical assembly and integration support for prototype systems, working with Mechanical Engineering on enclosures, mounting, cabling, and system integration.
• Develop and execute development lab tests, characterization plans, and validation procedures.
• Support field testing and data collection, including system setup, troubleshooting, and post-test analysis.
• Partner with Software and AI teams during bring-up, lab testing, and field validation to support integrated system performance.
• Design and support prototype test fixtures, jigs, and lab setups.
• Support environmental, reliability, quality, and regulatory testing at the development and pre-production level.
• Document assembly, test, and validation procedures to support repeatable R&D builds and early pilot efforts.
• Provide continuous feedback to engineering on design improvements, testability, robustness, and reliability.
• Assist with limited production ramp activities (calibration, verification, performance checks) to support transition and coordination between Engineering and Operations teams.
Skills and Qualifications
• Strong hands-on experience with RF and SDR-based systems, including radar platforms; mmWave experience a plus.
• Proven bench-level debugging skills using spectrum/network analyzers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, RF sources, and related lab equipment.
• Experience with FPGA/SoC-based embedded hardware, including DDR, PCIe, Ethernet, USB, I²C, and SPI.
• Excellent soldering, rework, and PCB repair skills.
• Comfort working across analog, RF, digital, and power domains.
• Some software or scripting experience (C, Python, LabVIEW, or similar) to support testing and automation.
• Ability to read schematics, layouts, and hardware documentation (Altium a plus).
• Strong problem-solving ability, independence, and a collaborative communication style.
Requirements
• Electrical Engineering Technology degree/certification or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of relevant hands-on engineering technician experience.
• This position involves working directly or indirectly with the U.S. Government in restricted environments. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders).
Position Details
• Reports to the Development Engineering Manager.
• On-site role at our Hoffman Estates, IL facility with advanced labs and test equipment.
• Opportunity to work on unique RF sensing systems that move quickly from lab to real-world deployment.
Why MatrixSpace?
• Join a team that thrives on innovation and collaboration.
• Work on cutting-edge technology bridging embedded systems, cloud computing, and AI applications.
• Collaborate with world-class engineers solving complex distributed systems challenges.
• High ownership, fast iteration, and opportunities to lead architecture and innovation initiatives.
• Competitive compensation and benefits, equity options, and a culture that values innovation and technical excellence.