Principal Antenna Engineer

Quick Facts

• Role: Principal Antenna Engineer (Experienced)

• Focus: Custom antenna development, active phased arrays, mmWave design, EM simulation, prototyping & validation

• Travel: Occasional customer travel (under 10%)

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering

• Experience: 8+ years design experience

Description

Design, simulate, and optimize custom antennas for multiple custom wireless communications products, including wideband/multiband elements, active phased arrays, and mmWave systems. Perform full-wave EM simulations, integrate antennas with RF front-end components, and validate hardware through anechoic and near-/far-field testing. Serve as a technical interface with customers to develop requirements and communicate technical status.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and optimize custom antenna elements for wideband and multi-band applications.
• Lead design of active phased array systems, including feed networks, phase shifters, and beamsteering architectures.
• Run full-wave EM simulations in ANSYS HFSS and CST to evaluate gain, efficiency, return loss, and radiation patterns.
• Collaborate with RF front-end teams to integrate antennas with filters, LNAs, and power amplifiers; ensure impedance matching and minimal link budget loss.
• Conduct hands-on prototyping and validation testing in anechoic chambers and near-field/far-field ranges.
• Address mmWave-specific challenges (atmospheric absorption, high path loss, tight manufacturing tolerances).
• Partner with the RF ASIC team on beamformer IC/ASIC development.
• Work with customers on product requirements; communicate technical status verbally and in writing.
• Contribute to business development and proposal efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering.
• 8+ years design experience.
• Expert-level proficiency in ANSYS HFSS and CST Studio Suite.
• Deep understanding of phased array theory: grating lobes, mutual coupling, beam scanning range, Taylor/Chebyshev weighting.
• RF circuit design proficiency using Cadence for matching networks and system-level budget analysis.
• Hands-on measurement expertise with VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.
• Knowledge of high-frequency substrate properties (e.g., Rogers, Taconic, Megtron) for mmWave performance.
• Excellent verbal and written communications; strong multitasking and prioritization.
• Travel requirement: under 10% (occasional customer meetings).
• Some contracts may require higher-level clearance.

Benefits

• Incentive bonus plans
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• 10 paid holidays
• Generous paid time off
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Paid parental & family leave