Antenna Engineer

Job Title: RF & Antenna Technical Leader – Aerospace & Defence

Experience: 10-12 years in RF, Antenna, and Microwave system design (Aerospace & Defence preferred)

Role Summary

The RF & Antenna Technical Leader is responsible for end-to-end ownership of RF, antenna, and microwave subsystem design, development, qualification, and production support for Aerospace & Defense platforms. The role involves technical leadership, system-level trade-offs, design assurance, and mentoring engineers, while working closely with system engineering, mechanical, EMI/EMC, and program teams.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Lead RF and antenna architecture definition for airborne, naval, ground, and space platforms

• Own antenna and RF subsystem performance budgets (gain, pattern, EIRP, noise figure, linearity, isolation, EMC)

• Drive design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and provide technical sign-off

• Perform system-level RF trade studies considering size, weight, power, cost (SWaP-C)

Antenna Design & Development

• Design and optimize antennas and arrays:

o Phased arrays, conformal antennas

o Radar, EW, Satcom, IFF, GPS, data link antennas

• Handle wideband, multiband, dual-polarized, low-profile antennas

• Antenna placement, integration, and coupling analysis on platforms

• Support antenna radome and RF-transparent structure evaluation

RF & Microwave Design

• Design and validate RF subsystems including:

o LNAs, PAs, filters, couplers, switches, duplexers

o T/R modules, beamformers, Butler matrices

• Perform RF chain analysis (gain, noise, compression, spurs)

• Interface with MMIC, module, and system teams

Simulation, Measurement & Validation

• Lead EM simulation using HFSS, CST, ADS, AWR

• Own antenna and RF measurements:

o Anechoic chamber testing

o VNA, spectrum analyzer, power meter measurements

• Correlate simulation vs measurement and drive design closure

• Support EMI/EMC, environmental, and qualification testing

Aerospace & Defense Compliance

• Ensure compliance with MIL-STD, DO-160, DEF-STAN, IEC standards

• Support airworthiness, qualification, and certification activities

• Prepare and review technical documents, test reports, and compliance matrices

Mentoring & Team Development

• Mentor junior and senior RF/antenna engineers

• Define technical training plans and design best practices

• Review and approve designs, simulations, and test results

Program & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with:

o System engineering

o Mechanical, thermal, EMI/EMC teams

o Manufacturing, quality, and supply chain

• Support proposal development, technical risk assessment, and cost estimation

• Interface with customers, DRDO/ISRO/PSUs/OEMs and certification agencies

Required Skills & Qualifications

Technical Skills

•Strong fundamentals in RF, microwave, and antenna theory

• Expertise in phased arrays, radar antennas, EW and Satcom systems

• Hands-on experience with RF test equipment

• Strong understanding of EMI/EMC and platform integration challenges

Tools & Software

• EM tools: HFSS, CST, FEKO

• RF circuit tools: ADS, AWR

• CAD & documentation tools

Education

• BE/BTech or ME/MTech in ECE / RF & Microwave / Antenna Engineering

• PhD is a plus

Desired Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset

• Ability to lead technically complex, mission-critical programs

• Excellent communication and technical documentation skills

• Experience working in classified / secure environments