Junior RF Engineer

Department: Engineering
Location: Shannon, Ireland
Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent

The Opportunity

We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Junior RF Engineer to join our Engineering team and support the development, testing, validation, and optimization of RF and wireless communication systems used across our product portfolio.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for an engineer early in their career to gain practical experience in RF design, antenna tuning, wireless product development, laboratory testing, troubleshooting, and regulatory compliance. Working alongside experienced RF, Hardware, Firmware, and Validation Engineers, you will contribute to the delivery of robust wireless solutions for life safety and connected home products while building specialist expertise in RF engineering.

What you will be responsible for

• Support RF engineering activities across product development, testing, validation, and high-volume manufacturing.
• Perform RF measurements using spectrum analysers, vector network analysers (VNAs), signal generators, power meters, oscilloscopes, and other laboratory equipment.
• Set up, maintain, and troubleshoot RF test configurations, fixtures, cables, and laboratory equipment.
• Assist with RF design validation, performance characterisation, and wireless product verification.
• Support antenna testing, matching, tuning, and RF performance optimisation.
• Conduct RF measurements in both conducted and radiated test environments, and accurately document the results.
• Investigate unexpected results and contribute to root-cause analysis.
• Perform RF PCB modifications, component replacements, and matching-network updates as required.
• Carry out PCB soldering and rework, including work on small surface mount components.
• Support EMC pre-compliance testing, regulatory assessments, and external certification activities.
• Prepare technical reports, maintain laboratory records, and clearly document engineering findings.
• Collaborate with RF, Hardware, Firmware, Validation, Compliance, and Manufacturing teams throughout the product development lifecycle.

What we are looking for

Qualifications and Experience

• A degree in Electronic, Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of RF and wireless communication fundamentals.
• Minimum two years’ of practical experience with electronic hardware and laboratory equipment gained through employment, an internship, a placement, or an academic project.
• Proficient in hands-on soldering and PCB rework.
• Ability to work with small surface-mount components, including 0603 and 0402 packages.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Good technical documentation and communication skills.
• A proactive approach and a strong commitment to developing specialist RF expertise.

RF Test Equipment

Working knowledge of some or all of the following equipment:

• Spectrum Analysers
• Vector Network Analysers (VNAs)
• RF Signal Generators
• RF Power Meters and Sensors
• Oscilloscopes
• General Electronics Laboratory Equipment

RF Engineering Fundamentals

A basic understanding of the following:

• RF transmission lines
• Coaxial cables and RF connectors
• RF losses and attenuation
• Filters and attenuators
• Baluns and matching networks
• Impedance matching
• Antenna matching techniques
• Conducted and radiated RF measurements
• Basic RF PCB layout principles

PCB Soldering & Rework

Candidates should be able to:

• Reliably remove and replace small surface-mount components.
• Modify PCBs without damaging pads, tracks, or surrounding components.
• Work under a microscope or suitable magnification.
• Produce clean, repeatable solder joints.
• Modify antenna matching networks accurately.
• Inspect completed rework for quality and workmanship.

Antenna Testing and RF Matching

Desirable knowledge or experience includes:

• Basic antenna theory and operation.
• Antenna tuning and matching.
• Antenna measurements using a VNA.
• RF matching network optimization.

Key Competencies

• Strong practical laboratory skills.
• Attention to detail and methodical working practices.
• Structured problem-solving and debugging capability.
• Technical report writing and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Enthusiasm for learning and continuous improvement.

Why join us?

At Ei Electronics, wireless connectivity is a critical enabler of our next-generation life safety and connected home products. As a Junior RF Engineer, you will work alongside experienced engineers on innovative products that protect lives and homes, while developing deep technical expertise in RF engineering within a world-class engineering organization focused on quality, innovation, and technical excellence.

This role is designed as a development pathway into specialist RF engineering. The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience and mentorship in:

• Advanced RF measurement and troubleshooting techniques
• RF system design and validation
• Antenna design and optimization
• Wireless communication technologies (BLE, Matter, Thread, Wi-Fi, Sub-GHz)
• EMC and regulatory compliance
• Connected Home and IoT product development

Ei Electronics is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.