Job Description
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 (SWa P-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
• Ph D 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
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 (SWa P-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
• Ph D 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
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