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