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Senior RF Antenna Engineer
— Rockville, MD — Direct Hire — Salary: $160,000 – $170,000 We are seeking a skilled and experienced Senior RF Antenna Engineer to design, develop, and test cutting-edge Ku- and Ka-band antenna systems for advanced SatCom user terminals. In this role, you will contribute to the full lifecycle of antenna development — from architecture and simulation to testing, integration, and production support — with a focus on phased arrays and electronically steerable antennas (ESAs). Responsibilities
Architect antenna and RF systems for Ku-/Ka-band SatCom terminal products. Design and develop antenna apertures, including phased array structures, for SatCom applications. Perform simulation and modeling to evaluate performance, optimize designs, and support trade studies. Generate technical documentation and design packages to support prototype builds and contract manufacturers. Create RF and antenna test plans and lead Design Verification Testing (DVT) campaigns. Set up and maintain RF lab test environments for antenna and RF module evaluation. Design and implement RF test setups and fixtures for accurate and repeatable measurements. Write scripts to automate test procedures for improved efficiency and consistency. Compile and analyze data in detailed RF and antenna test reports. Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to review and refine antenna system designs. Support prototype and production ramp-up, providing hands-on technical support to manufacturing partners. Conduct engineering analyses and system-level specifications for ESAs, including radiators, beamforming chips, polarizers, and radomes. Estimate key AESA performance metrics (e.g., beam scan range, radiator type, G/T, EIRP, and element count) based on customer needs. Design, simulate, and validate AESA antennas and related components, including polarizers and radomes. Work closely with hardware and systems teams to integrate beamforming MMIC chips, polarizers, and control systems into ESA modules. Qualifications
Education : Minimum: MS in Electrical Engineering or Physics with a focus on antennas or EM-wave theory. Experience : 5+ years in SatCom antenna aperture design (phased arrays and flat-panel structures); 5+ years in RF system and antenna architecture design; proficiency with antenna design and simulation tools such as HFSS, CST, or similar; hands-on experience with RF test equipment (VNA, signal generators, spectrum analyzers); deep understanding of antenna testing methodologies (far-field and near-field); knowledge of manufacturing processes and cost-effective technologies for antenna product delivery. Expertise : Experience in ESA/AESA antenna design, including beamforming chip integration; familiarity with polarizer and radome design; experience designing advanced PCB-based radiators (e.g., metasurface antennas); strong knowledge of microwave PCB materials and fabrication processes; experience developing flat-panel ESAs for LEO user terminals is highly desirable. Summary
As a Senior RF Antenna Engineer, you will be a key contributor to the development of high-performance antenna systems for satellite communication terminals. You will lead simulation, prototyping, and test efforts, working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams. This role requires strong technical depth in RF and antenna systems, hands-on testing expertise, and a proactive, collaborative mindset to support full-cycle development and integration.
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Senior RF Antenna Engineer
— Rockville, MD — Direct Hire — Salary: $160,000 – $170,000 We are seeking a skilled and experienced Senior RF Antenna Engineer to design, develop, and test cutting-edge Ku- and Ka-band antenna systems for advanced SatCom user terminals. In this role, you will contribute to the full lifecycle of antenna development — from architecture and simulation to testing, integration, and production support — with a focus on phased arrays and electronically steerable antennas (ESAs). Responsibilities
Architect antenna and RF systems for Ku-/Ka-band SatCom terminal products. Design and develop antenna apertures, including phased array structures, for SatCom applications. Perform simulation and modeling to evaluate performance, optimize designs, and support trade studies. Generate technical documentation and design packages to support prototype builds and contract manufacturers. Create RF and antenna test plans and lead Design Verification Testing (DVT) campaigns. Set up and maintain RF lab test environments for antenna and RF module evaluation. Design and implement RF test setups and fixtures for accurate and repeatable measurements. Write scripts to automate test procedures for improved efficiency and consistency. Compile and analyze data in detailed RF and antenna test reports. Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to review and refine antenna system designs. Support prototype and production ramp-up, providing hands-on technical support to manufacturing partners. Conduct engineering analyses and system-level specifications for ESAs, including radiators, beamforming chips, polarizers, and radomes. Estimate key AESA performance metrics (e.g., beam scan range, radiator type, G/T, EIRP, and element count) based on customer needs. Design, simulate, and validate AESA antennas and related components, including polarizers and radomes. Work closely with hardware and systems teams to integrate beamforming MMIC chips, polarizers, and control systems into ESA modules. Qualifications
Education : Minimum: MS in Electrical Engineering or Physics with a focus on antennas or EM-wave theory. Experience : 5+ years in SatCom antenna aperture design (phased arrays and flat-panel structures); 5+ years in RF system and antenna architecture design; proficiency with antenna design and simulation tools such as HFSS, CST, or similar; hands-on experience with RF test equipment (VNA, signal generators, spectrum analyzers); deep understanding of antenna testing methodologies (far-field and near-field); knowledge of manufacturing processes and cost-effective technologies for antenna product delivery. Expertise : Experience in ESA/AESA antenna design, including beamforming chip integration; familiarity with polarizer and radome design; experience designing advanced PCB-based radiators (e.g., metasurface antennas); strong knowledge of microwave PCB materials and fabrication processes; experience developing flat-panel ESAs for LEO user terminals is highly desirable. Summary
As a Senior RF Antenna Engineer, you will be a key contributor to the development of high-performance antenna systems for satellite communication terminals. You will lead simulation, prototyping, and test efforts, working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams. This role requires strong technical depth in RF and antenna systems, hands-on testing expertise, and a proactive, collaborative mindset to support full-cycle development and integration.
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