Antenna Systems Architect

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