Principal Phased Array Antenna Engineer

Jobtailor

San Diego (CA)

On-site

USD 140,000 - 210,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Jobtailor in San Diego is seeking an experienced RF Antenna Design Engineer to lead phased array initiatives for microwave and millimeter-wave applications, spanning element to full array. You will own system architectures, run EM simulations with HFSS, CST, or TICRA, mentor junior engineers, and drive design reviews while ensuring hardware qualification.

This is a hands-on role demanding deep EM theory, leadership, and collaboration with RFIC, DSP, and mechanical teams to meet SWaP and thermal

Qualifications

Advanced RF antenna design experience with phased arrays.
Proficient in electromagnetic theory applied to antennas.
Experience leading antenna or phased array design.
Hands-on with HFSS, CST or similar tools.
Familiarity with antenna measurement and anechoic testing.

Responsibilities

Own end-to-end design of phased array antennas from element to array.
Define system RF architectures balancing analog, digital, and hybrid beamforming.
Perform EM simulations using HFSS, CST, and TICRA to optimize performance.
Collaborate with RFIC/MMIC, DSP, mechanical, and thermal teams.
Oversee hardware lifecycle from fabrication to environmental qualification.
Mentor engineers and lead design reviews.

Skills

RF Antenna Design

Electromagnetic Theory

3D Electromagnetic Simulation

Phased Array Systems

Beamforming Architectures

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering, 10+ yrs experience

M.S. in Electrical Engineering or related field, 5+ yrs experience

Tools

HFSS

CST

TICRA

Job description

Own significant components of the end-to-end design of advanced phased array antennas, from radiating element to the full array, for microwave and millimeter-wave applications (X, Ku, Ka-bands)
Define system-level RF architectures, including leading trades between analog, digital, and hybrid beamforming approaches to meet platform constraints (SWaP, thermal, etc.)
Guide and perform critical electromagnetic (EM) simulations using tools like HFSS, CST, and TICRA to optimize array performance, scan volume, and impedance matching
Collaborate closely with RFIC/MMIC, T/R module, DSP, mechanical, and thermal engineers to define requirements and ensure a cohesive system design
Oversee the entire hardware lifecycle, guiding the fabrication, characterization, and environmental qualification (e.g., thermal-vac, vibration, radiation) of antenna systems
Mentor other engineers and drive technical excellence through rigorous design reviews and data analysis

Requirements

B.S. in Electrical Engineering with 10+ years of experience in RF antenna design or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or a related field with 5+ years of experience in RF antenna design
Deep expertise in electromagnetic theory and its application to antenna design, particularly for phased arrays
Proven experience leading the design of an antenna or phased array system
Proficiency with at least one major 3D electromagnetic simulation tool (e.g., HFSS, CST)
Understanding of the trade-offs between different beamforming architectures (analog, digital, hybrid)
Familiarity with antenna measurement techniques and anechoic chamber testing

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in RF antenna design, particularly in phased array systems, with a strong foundation in electromagnetic theory and proficiency in 3D electromagnetic simulation tools. Capable of leading design efforts, collaborating across disciplines, and mentoring engineering teams to achieve technical excellence.

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