Senior Antenna RF Test Engineer

Holt Executive Ltd; Maryland; On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus based on performance

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

Generous PTO & holidays

Professional development

Wellbeing programmes

On-site fitness facilities

Modern RF test facilities

Satellite comms project exposure

Job summary

Holt Executive Ltd in Maryland is seeking a Senior Antenna RF Test Engineer to lead testing and validation of advanced phased array antenna systems used in satellite communications. You will work with antenna designers, hardware, and systems teams to push performance, reliability, and test efficiency.

You will conduct complex RF measurements, interpret results, correlate with simulations, and provide technical insight into antenna performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electromagnetics, or related field (Master’s/PhD preferred).
• Minimum five years of RF and antenna testing experience.
• Strong knowledge of electromagnetics, antenna theory, and phased array technologies.
• Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (VNA, Spectrum Analyzers, Signal Generators).
• Experience with near-field / far-field antenna measurement environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead testing and characterization of phased array antenna systems (gain, radiation patterns, G/T, EIRP, beamforming).
• Investigate discrepancies between measured and predicted performance and identify root causes.
• Operate and optimize antenna measurement facilities and calibration processes.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to validate performance and support development.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to test planning and maintenance of test facilities.

Skills

RF testing

Antenna theory

Beadown beamforming

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in EE or electromagnetics

Tools

Vector Network Analyzers

Spectrum Analyzers

Signal Generators

Job description

We are supporting a leading communications technology organization in the search for a Senior Antenna RF Test Engineer to join its growing engineering team.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the development and validation of next-generation phased array antenna systems used in advanced satellite communications applications. The position offers the chance to work at the forefront of RF technology, working closely with antenna designers, hardware engineers, and systems teams to deliver innovative connectivity solutions.

The successful candidate will be responsible not only for conducting complex RF and antenna measurements, but also for interpreting results, correlating test data with simulations, and providing technical insight into antenna performance and system behavior.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the testing and characterization of advanced phased array antenna systems, including performance measurements such as gain, radiation patterns, G/T, EIRP, and beamforming metrics.


• Investigate and resolve discrepancies between measured and predicted performance, identifying whether issues originate from design, manufacturing, or test environments.


• Operate and optimize specialized antenna measurement facilities, supporting the development of calibration processes and production test methodologies.


• Collaborate with antenna, hardware, and systems engineering teams to validate product performance, troubleshoot issues, and support product development activities.


• Mentor junior engineers, contribute to test planning, and ensure the effective operation and maintenance of RF and antenna test facilities.

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electromagnetics, or a related discipline (Master's or PhD preferred).


• Minimum of five years of experience in RF and antenna testing.


• Strong understanding of electromagnetics, antenna theory, and phased array technologies.


• Hands-on experience with RF test equipment including Vector Network Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers, and Signal Generators.


• Experience working with antenna measurement systems, including near-field, far-field, or compact antenna test range environments.

Preferred Experience

• Knowledge of antenna design and electromagnetic simulation tools such as HFSS, CST, or ADS.


• Experience using Python or MATLAB for data analysis, visualization, or test automation.


• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex datasets and identify underlying performance drivers.


• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present technical findings clearly to both engineering and leadership teams.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus.


• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage.


• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution.


• Generous paid time off and company holidays.


• Professional development and career growth opportunities.


• Employee assistance and wellbeing programmes.


• On-site fitness facilities.


• Modern engineering environment with access to advanced RF and antenna test equipment.


• Opportunity to work on innovative satellite communications technologies with a highly experienced engineering team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced RF Test Engineer looking to take ownership of complex antenna measurement programmes and contribute directly to the development of advanced satellite communications systems.

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