Test Engineer I, RF/EMC

About the Role

Alarm.com is seeking an early-career test engineer for the Device Engineering team to help define the future of IoT. You will work on creating and integrating devices including security panels, networking gateways, and video cameras within an agile and fast-paced environment.

What You'll Learn and Work On

• RF and EMC bench testing of cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and sub-GHz radios against product and regulatory requirements.
• IoT protocol certification: unit preparation, Z-Wave Alliance and Matter conformance test tools, results documentation, and working with external test laboratories.
• Regulatory certification support: sample preparation and witnessing at external EMC and RF laboratories.
• Lab operations: instrument upkeep and calibration, inventory, and PCBA rework.
• Test automation: scripted measurements and log collection.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform RF performance and EMC pre-compliance tests, document and analyze results.
• Run Z-Wave and Matter certification suites using Alliance tools; record results and escalate failures.
• Prepare, flash, and configure test units; write update and test instructions; ship and track samples with external certification laboratories.
• Maintain certification records, forms, and portal submissions.
• Prepare samples for external regulatory certification and witness testing.
• Maintain lab equipment, coordinate calibration, and keep inventory and lab records current.
• Rework PCBAs for testing.
• Script repeatable measurements and log collection in Python or Bash.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively for timely project delivery.
• Leverage AI tools to accelerate scripting, data processing, and documentation.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Rigorous attention to detail and accuracy in testing and documentation.
• Proactive communication regarding progress, blockers, and questions.
• Eagerness to learn about radios, hardware, and software interactions.
• Hands-on use of oscilloscopes, DC power analyzers, spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, and signal generators.
• Ability to read electronic schematics, solder, rework PCBAs, and build cable harnesses.
• Comfortable on a Linux command line for tasks like SSH, flashing firmware, and collecting logs.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• 0–2 years of professional experience (internships, co-ops, research, capstone, or personal projects in RF, embedded, or test work).
• Familiarity with wireless protocols (cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sub-GHz) and networking basics (preferred).
• Experience with Z-Wave, Matter, Zigbee, Thread, or Bluetooth LE conformance or interoperability certification programs (preferred).
• Familiarity with regulatory certification processes (FCC, ISED, CE/RED) (preferred).
• Experience with Python or Bash scripting for lab tests and data processing, including AI-assisted tools (preferred).
• Experience with Raspberry Pi or other single-board computers, packet-capture or protocol-sniffer tools (preferred).
• Experience with antenna impedance matching for single-band antennas (preferred).
• Familiarity with calibration processes and lab inventory practices (preferred).