Antenna Systems Lead

About the Company

GalaxEye aims to shape the future of Satellite Image Acquisition, providing the most meaningful datasets (SyncFused OptoSAR), thus helping businesses and governments make data-driven decisions based on insights from satellite imagery. We design and build advanced remote-sensing satellites with sophisticated payloads such as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and High Resolution MSI which can generate SyncFused Images.

About the Role

We are looking for a Senior Antenna Systems Engineer with deep expertise in Active Phased Array Antenna hardware and RF system engineering. The candidate will lead the design, development, and qualification of a flight-ready radar payload featuring distributed T/R modules, beam-forming networks, and array-level design. This role requires hands-on experience with high-frequency microwave electronics, antenna array integration, manufacturing oversight, and environmental qualification.

Responsibilities

• Define architecture for a space-qualified Active Phased Array radar, including array topology, T/R module, aperture size, beam steering capability, and coverage requirements
• Specify radar performance requirements: bandwidth, PRF, radiated power, beam agility, side-lobe levels, effective aperture, and thermal headroom
• Lead design, testing, and characterization of high-frequency T/R modules, including LNAs, PAs, phase shifters, attenuators, limiters, and isolators
• Work with packaging and layout teams on MMIC integration, microstrip/stripline routing, and thermal management of high-density RF boards
• Define and validate calibration strategies to ensure array coherence (gain/phase uniformity, drift compensation, amplitude tapering)
• Coordinate control electronics development (biasing, phase control logic, routing, and timing distribution)
• Support array mechanical design for deployment, panel alignment, grounding, and RF isolation
• Develop comprehensive test plans for array-level characterization: beam pattern testing, steering performance, phase coherence, element matching, and mutual coupling
• Use VNAs, phased array measurement systems, anechoic chamber testing, and near-field scanners
• Manage interface definition to spacecraft subsystems (EPS, OBC, TM/TC, structural mounting, harnessing, and power conditioning)
• Lead design reviews, including RF architecture reviews, array build reviews, and test readiness reviews (SRR / PDR / CDR)
• Prepare documentation such as ICDs, technical specifications, bill of materials, calibration procedures, and test reports
• Mentor junior engineers and interns in RF, phased array, and microwave test procedures

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Hands-on experience designing, validating and de-bugging Active Phased Array systems (preferably Ka/X/S/C-band), beamforming networks, etc.
• Hands-on experience in working with Beamformers, FEM's, TRM's, HPA, LNA, Phase Shifters, etc.
• Proficiency with RF/microwave test equipment and anechoic chamber array measurement
• Knowledge of RF system fundamentals including S-parameters, impedance matching, noise figure, linearity, harmonic control, and signal routing for dense RF systems

Good to Haves

• Experience with space grade qualification standards (ECSS, MIL-STD, ISRO, NASA)
• Familiarity with radiation effects, thermal conduction in vacuum, and space-level reliability engineering
• EM simulation experience using HFSS, CST, FEKO, AWR, or equivalent tools
• Knowledge of MMIC design, GaN power amplifiers, and advanced antenna materials (RF laminates, metalized substrates, radomes, etc.)

Required Skills

• Systems thinker with strong analytical and debugging skills.
• Inclusive leader who can mentor a diverse, distributed team. Someone who can bring in the culture of ownership and responsibility to the team while by giving them technical and creative freedom with necessary guidance.
• Clear, concise communicator who builds trust across hardware and software.
• Ready to learn new concepts, stay up-to-date with the state-of-the-art in the field and implement them.
• Ability to work within deadlines and dynamic projects.