RF Engineer

NovAtel Inc.; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Antcom seeks an RF Engineer to design, build, test, debug, and optimize RF circuits for antennas across airborne, ground, submersible, and space platforms. The role involves cradle-to-grave development in a fast-paced environment, with mentorship from senior RF engineers.

Responsibilities include prototyping, PCB layout, testing with network/spectrum analyzers, and contributing to manufacturing procedures. Candidates should have strong RF fundamentals and hands-on experience.

Qualifications

• Must-have RF fundamentals and electronics theory
• Must-have ability to read electrical circuits and schematics
• Must-have hands-on soldering and PCB rework
• Must-have experience testing analog and RF circuits with network/spectrum analyzers and scopes
• Must-have understanding of RF measurements (gain, return loss, insertion loss, VSWR, S-parameters)
• Must-have familiarity with PCB layout concepts (grounding, trace routing, impedance)
• Must-have exposure to RF simulation tools (ADS/HFSS/CST)
• Must-have education: High School diploma plus 2–4 year post-secondary in electrical engineering or equivalent
• Must-have ability to climb stairs/ladders for rooftop testing and carry up to 25 lbs
• ITA R/EAR eligibility for access to controlled information

Responsibilities

• Research, design, and optimize RF components and circuits
• Build, test, and tune RF hardware prototypes
• Perform PCB layout and routing with manufacturing considerations
• Use network/spectrum analyzers and test equipment to evaluate RF circuits
• Assist with test planning, data collection, and documentation
• Support RF circuit simulation, analysis, and test procedures
• Contribute to test reports and manufacturing work instructions
• Help diagnose malfunctions and propose improvements for reliability
• Assist with RFQ and technical sales input with test data

Skills

RF fundamentals

Circuit reading

Soldering & PCB rework

RF test equipment

RF measurements

PCB layout concepts

RF simulation tools

Education in EE

Manual rooftop testing

ITAR/EAR eligibility

Education

High School diploma + 2–4 year post-secondary in electrical engineering or equivalent

Tools

Keysight ADS

Ansys HFSS

CST

Job description

Overview

We are looking for an RF Engineer to join our global engineering and manufacturing team. In this role, you will have the opportunity to design, build, test, debug, and optimize low noise amplifiers, RF switches, and other RF circuits for antenna products in airborne, ground vehicle, submersible, and space vehicle applications. Our quick-turn development environment provides great variety in day-to-day activities and participation in “cradle-to-grave” product development.

The Company: Antcom is a leader in the field of antennas, working with some of the largest, most advanced technology companies in the world. From fighter jets to satellites to autonomous tractors, our products find applications in tough operating conditions. Working at Antcom combines all the benefits of being at a small company with the professional satisfaction of developing some of the most widely used antennas in the world.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of NovAtel and part of the Hexagon Group, Antcom is positioned to rapidly respond to customer requirements while enjoying the benefits of being part of a large global organization. We specialize in rapid customization of products with short timescales from concept to delivery onto customer platforms. Join our fast-paced team to challenge yourself to design antennas for a variety of industries including aerospace, defense, survey, and agriculture.

The Location: Hexagon is a global company with locations around the world. This position is based in Torrance, California.

Responsibilities

As RF Engineer, you will perform the following tasks with supervision and mentorship from senior RF engineers:

• Research, design, and optimize low noise amplifiers, RF switches, and other RF circuits
• Build, test and tune prototypes of radio frequency (RF) hardware including antennas and printed circuit board assemblies
• Perform PCB layout and routing, applying design-for-manufacturing best practices
• Use network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, , signal generators, and other electronic test equipment to evaluate RF circuits
• Assist with electrical and environmental test planning, execution, data collection, and documentation
• Support RF circuit simulation and analysis to evaluate performance
• Support the development of test procedures, test reports, and manufacturing work instructions
• Help diagnose malfunctions in existing products and make recommendations, improvements or modifications to increase product reliability
• Participate in root cause analysis investigations and document findings and corrective actions for customers
• Assist with RFQ and technical sales support by providing engineering input, test data, and basic RF technical information
• Support engineering and production teams during prototype builds, testing, troubleshooting, and product transitions into manufacturing
• Suggest design improvements for greater manufacturability, and recommend manufacturing process improvements for greater production throughput

Qualifications

Must-Have:

• Understanding of RF fundamentals and electronics theory
• Ability to read and understand electrical circuits and schematics
• Hands-on experience with electronics assembly, soldering, and PCB rework; precise soldering skills are strongly preferred.
• Experience in testing analog and RF circuits using network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and other electronic test equipment
• Basic understanding of RF measurements such as gain, return loss, insertion loss, VSWR, and S-parameters.
• Familiarity with PCB layout and routing concepts, including, grounding, trace routing, and basic controlled-impedance considerations.
• Familiarity with basic RF simulation and analysis concepts, with exposure to RF simulation tools such as Keysight ADS, Ansys HFSS, CST, or equivalent software
• High School diploma and completed 2 or 4 year post-secondary technical education in electrical engineering or equivalent
• Ability to occasionally climb stairs and ladders for rooftop testing
• Ability to occasionally carry test equipment weighing up to 25 pounds for distances of up to 25 feet
• Applicants for select positions that require access to information controlled by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) must be US Persons per ITAR§120.15 and EAR§772.1 (i.e., a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or admitted to the U.S. as an asylee or refugee), or be otherwise eligible to obtain required authorization from the U.S. Government to access controlled information

Key Success Factors:

• Self-starter, able to work independently under a mentor and eager to learn
• Analytical thinker with strong attention to detail
• Goal oriented, strong work ethic and a team player with good interpersonal/communication skills
• Ability to adapt to organizational needs and willingness to take on new roles as required

Nice-to-Have:

• Familiarity with ISO9001:2008 and other quality and workmanship standards
• Experience working with soldering and tools
• High-level understanding of antenna theory and mechanical design considerations
• Experience assembling, processing and repairing a wide range of equipment or products
• Familiarity with PCB layout tools (Altium Designer or similar)
• Experience with RF simulation tools (HFSS, ADS, or similar)
• Experience working in the aerospace or defense industries
• Knowledge ofdefense/aerospace environmental requirements and standards such as MIL-STD-810 and DO-160

We are an Aff…

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Compensation & Benefits

Hexagon’s Autonomy & Positioning division provides the following compensation range and a general description of other compensation and benefits. This compensation range is based on a full-time schedule. The Company reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range or offer other compensation depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state or federal law. Our benefits and bonus plans are reviewed annually and are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Hiring Salary Range: $63,700 - $95,500per annum

Bonus Eligibility: We offer a company profit share and individual incentive-based bonus programs.

Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefit plan that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Paid Time Off, Paid Parental Leave and a generous 401(k) company match. We also provide tax savings plans for health, dependent care and commuter expenses.

Professional Development: We provide education assistance, funding for professional association memberships, mentoring programs and access to tools, resources and training to navigate your career.