Senior Antenna Engineer

Intellian Technologies, Inc.; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

Intellian Technologies, Inc. seeks a Senior Antenna Engineer with 7+ years of experience to lead the design and testing of RF and antenna modules for SatCom user terminals.

You will conduct full-wave EM simulations, develop test plans, and oversee prototype testing and DVT campaigns while coordinating with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to ensure timely delivery.

Qualifications

• Minimum: MS in EE or physics with antenna research experience.
• Preferred: PhD in EE or physics with extensive antenna and EM-wave theory research experience.

Responsibilities

• Architect Ku- and Ka-band antenna systems for SatCom terminal products.
• Lead RF and antenna simulations for design optimization.
• Prepare design packages for prototype fabrication and testing.
• Draft test plans for RF/antenna modules and oversee DVT campaigns.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure design integration.

Skills

Antenna design

Phased array

RF systems architecture

Antenna testing

Education

MS in EE or physics

PhD in EE or physics

Tools

HFSS

CST

Antenna simulation tools

Job description

As a Senior Antenna Engineer (7+ years of experience), you will participate design and test works of novel RF and antenna module development for SatCom user terminals. An ideal candidate should have extensive experience with microwave and antenna engineering, prototyping, and testing. The candidate should be very familiar with simulation design modeling and implementation of prototypes. This engineering role will be responsible for leading various full-wave EM simulations to deliver the antenna design packages. This engineer will also lead prototype testing, including writing test plans, setting up test configurations, conducting measurements, generating test reports, and supporting troubleshoots during the design verification test (DVT) processes. This member shall proactively interact with the other engineering teams (e.g. mechanical, electrical, software, etc.) to communicate and organize the daily tasks.

Main Responsibilities

• Architect antenna and RF systems for Ku- and Ka-band SatCom terminal products
• Design various types of Ku- and Ka-band phased array antenna apertures for SatCom user terminal applications
• Utilize simulation software and physical models to conduct antenna analyses for design optimizations and trade-offs
• Generate design documents and packages to support contract manufacturers for prototype fabrication
• Draft test plans of RF and antenna modules for design verification test (DVT) campaigns
• Setup and manage RF lab facilities to conduct various RF and antenna tests and characterization
• Design RF and antenna test setup and implement testing fixtures
• Write and manage script languages to automate testing processes
• Generate antenna and RF test reports
• Lead cross-functional engineering teams to review the antenna system design
• Support production build-up for the manufacturing partners for prototypes and volume ramp-up.
• Provide engineering analysis and system specifications for ESA that incorporate radiating elements & beamforming chips, polarizer & radome
• Calculate/estimate the AESA design features & performance parameters including the type of radiators, number of elements, beam scan range, Cross-Pol. Discrimination, G/T & EIRP based on customer requirements
• Design, optimize & develop AESA antennas & related components such as polarizers & radomes using computer simulation followed by prototyping & measurements
• Provide engineering analysis and system specifications for ESA that incorporate radiating elements & beamforming MMIC chips, polarizer, radome & controller

Required Qualification

• Minimum: MS degree in EE or physics with antenna research experience. Preferred: Ph.D. degree in EE or physics with extensive antenna and EM-wave theory research experience
• 5+ years of experience with SatCom antenna aperture design and development, including phased array antennas
• 5+ years of experience with antenna and RF system architecture design
• Solid knowledge & understanding of antenna design principles and microwave theories
• Extensive experience with antenna design and simulation tools, including HFSS, CST, or equivalent
• Extensive experience operating RF test equipment, including signal generator, spectrum analyzer, vector network analyzer, etc.
• Solid knowledge of antenna testing facility and methodology, including far- and near-field ranges and measurements
• Knowledge of applying cost-effective manufacturing technologies to deliver antenna products
• Design & development of flat-plane active steerable-beam phased array antennas incorporating beam-forming chips
• Experience in the design & development of polarizer is a plus
• Experience in the design and development of advanced PCB-based radiators such as meta-surface radiators capable of wide-scan angles & low-cross-polarization
• Knowledge of commercial microwave PCB materials & processes is highly preferred
• Experience in the design & development of flat-panel active electronically steerable phased array (AESA) for LEO user terminals is highly desirable

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.