RF Electrical Engineer, Antenna Systems

Alten USA; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Alten USA is seeking a RF Electrical Engineer to lead antenna selection and placement across drone systems and support related PCB design work. This on-site Mountain View role collaborates with aerospace programs and regulatory requirements to ensure robust RF performance.

The ideal candidate has a BS in EE with 5+ years in RF engineering and mandatory PCB design experience, plus familiarity with FAA and FCC RF compliance. On-site location in Mountain View, CA is preferred.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of RF engineering experience.
• PCB design experience is mandatory.
• Hands-on antenna selection and integration experience.
• Strong RF fundamentals: link budgets, impedance matching, radiation patterns.
• Familiarity with FAA/ECC RF compliance and FCC rules.

Responsibilities

• Select antennas and define placement on the airframe, docks, and ground systems.
• Design and review RF-related PCB circuitry and layout.
• Analyze RF performance, coverage, and interference between subsystems.
• Coordinate antenna mounting and cable routing with mechanical and harness engineers.
• Plan and support RF testing and validation; document results.

Skills

RF engineering

PCB design

Antenna integration

RF fundamentals

Aerospace RF compliance

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

HFSS

CST

VNA

Spectrum analyzer

Job description

We're ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life-from advancing space exploration and life-saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000+ experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more.

As part of the global ALTEN Group-57,000+ engineers in 30 countries-, we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing.

When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you'll collaborate on some of the world's toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.

RF Electrical Engineer, Antenna Systems

Location: On-site in Mountain View, CA (Preferred). On-site in Denver, CO (Satisfactory). Remote within USA (Less Preferred)

Job Duration: 3-4 months, with potential extension to a long-term role if candidate is strong in PCB design

Our client is the first non-military unmanned aircraft company to receive FAA Type Certification (2022) and operate under an FAA Production Certificate. We are seeking a RF Electrical Engineer to lead antenna selection and placement across the complete system, including the drone airframe, docks, and ground systems, and support the related PCB design work for our drone delivery system.

Responsibilities

• Select antennas and define placement on the airframe, docks, and ground systems
• Design and review RF-related PCB circuitry and layout
• Analyze RF performance, coverage, and interference between subsystems
• Coordinate antenna mounting and cable routing with mechanical and harness engineers
• Plan and support RF testing and validation; document results

Required Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or related field
• 5+ years of RF engineering experience
• PCB design experience (mandatory)
• Hands-on antenna selection and integration experience
• Strong RF fundamentals: link budgets, impedance matching, radiation patterns
• Familiarity with the aerospace regulatory environment (FAA airworthiness requirements) and RF compliance (e.g., FCC)

Preferred Qualifications

• UAV or aerospace product experience
• RF simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST)
• RF test equipment: VNA, spectrum analyzer

Salary Range

• $140,000 - 160,000
• The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate's combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy.

Compliance Notice:

Alten USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Drug Screening Requirement:

As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug-free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.