Antenna Engineer

Intellian Technologies; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Flexible time off

Paid holidays

Annual bonus potential

Job summary

Intellian Technologies is seeking an Antenna Engineer (4+ years) to design, simulate, prototype, and test RF/antenna components for Ku- and Ka-band SatCom user terminals. You will own design packages, create DVT plans, and work with cross-functional teams to bring concepts through prototype and into production.

The role requires hands-on experience in full-wave EM simulation, antenna aperture optimization, and RF lab testing, with collaboration across mechanical, electrical, and software groups.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or related field with 4+ years of experience.
• MS in EE with antenna, microwave, or electromagnetics focus plus 2–4 years industry experience.
• 4+ years hands-on antenna and RF design experience, preferably in SatCom, wireless, or aerospace/defense.
• Proficiency with HFSS/CST and RF test equipment.
• Experience taking designs from simulation through prototype testing and validation.
• Python/MATLAB scripting for test automation and data processing.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize Ku- and Ka-band antenna elements, arrays, polarizers, and feed networks based on system specs.
• Perform full-wave 3D EM simulations (HFSS/CST) to analyze performance and trade-offs in gain, bandwidth, scan range, and polarization.
• Plan and RF/antenna test campaigns, writing procedures, designing fixtures, and compiling DVT reports.
• Support AESA and phased array development, integrating beamforming ICs and radiating elements.
• Generate documentation for contract manufacturing, supporting prototypes and troubleshooting.
• Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to ensure integration across the terminal assembly.

Skills

Antenna design

RF engineering

3D EM simulation

Cross-functional collaboration

Test planning & execution

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

MS in EE (preferred)

Tools

HFSS

CST

VNA

Spectrum Analyzers

Signal Generators

Python

MATLAB

Job description

The Antenna Engineer (4+ years of experience) will design, simulate, prototype, and test RF and antenna components for Ku- and Ka-band SatCom user terminals. The ideal candidate brings hands‑on experience in full‑wave EM simulation, antenna aperture optimization, and comprehensive RF laboratory testing.

In this role, you will take ownership of design packages, create design verification testing (DVT) plans, and work independently to solve complex microwave engineering challenges. You will collaborate closely with senior system architects as well as cross‑functional teams (mechanical, electrical, embedded software, test) to bring SatCom terminal designs from concept through prototype and into volume production.

Main Responsibilities and Tasks

• Component & Aperture Design: Design and optimize Ku- and Ka-band antenna elements, arrays, polarizers, and feed networks based on system specifications.
• EM Simulation & Modeling: Perform full‑wave 3D EM simulations (HFSS/CST) to analyze antenna performance, conducting trade‑off studies for gain, bandwidth, scan range, and polarization.
• Testing & Characterization: Plan and RF/antenna test campaigns—including writing detailed test procedures, designing test fixtures and compiling DVT reports.
• AESA & Phased Array Development: Support the integration of active electronically steered array (AESA) features, incorporating beamforming ICs, radiating elements, polarizers, and radomes.
• Manufacturing Support: Generate complete documentation packages for contract manufacturers, supporting prototype builds and troubleshooting manufacturing issues.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to ensure spatial, thermal, and electrical integration across the terminal assembly.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Education:

• Minimum: BS in Electrical Engineering, or a related field with 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Preferred: MS in EE with a focus on antenna, microwave, or electromagnetics research + 2–4 years of industry experience.

Experience & Technical Skills:

• 4+ years of hands‑on industry experience in antenna and RF design, preferably in SatCom, wireless communications, or aerospace/defense.
• Strong proficiency with 3D EM simulation software (HFSS/CST).
• Hands‑on expertise with RF test equipment (VNA, Spectrum Analyzers, Signal Generators).
• Working knowledge of phased array principles, active beamforming architectures, and microwave PCB materials/processes.
• Demonstrated experience taking antenna designs from simulation through prototype testing and validation.
• Proficient in scripting languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for test automation and data processing.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• Experience with flat‑panel, metasurface, or wide‑scan active steerable phased arrays.
• Familiarity with link budget parameters (G/T, EIRP calculations) and system‑level trade‑offs.
• Experience supporting transition from prototype build to volume manufacturing.
• Hands‑on expertise with standard antenna measurement facilities (near‑field / far‑field ranges, anechoic chambers).

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk working on computers.
• Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity.
• Must be able to lift up to at least 25 pounds at times.
• Ability to traverse to multiple locations.

About Intellian Technologies

Intellian is the world’s leading provider of satellite antennas and terminals, with a mission to empower connectivity so connectivity can empower the world. We are driven by a passion for innovation and agile responsiveness to customer needs. As the crucial link between satellite networks and millions of people on Earth, Intellian’s leading technology and antennas empower global connectivity across oceans and continents, organizations, and communities. Strategic thinking, an obsession with quality, and a proven ability to deliver enable Intellian to invent for the future, creating mutual success for partners and customers as the world’s connectivity needs evolve.

We offer a generous benefits package, including flexible time off and paid holidays. Eligible employees also have access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as short‑term and long‑term disability coverage. A 401(k) plan with employer safe harbor is available. Additional compensation elements may be offered depending on the role, which may include an opportunity for an annual bonus based on both company and individual performance.