Senior Antenna Design Engineer

As a Senior Antenna Design Engineer, you will own the end-to-end design, simulation, and validation of advanced antenna systems for E-Space’s LEO satellite constellation and ground infrastructure. You are expected to independently design antennas using full-wave electromagnetic simulation tools, with HFSS as a primary design environment, and drive designs from concept through hardware validation.

On-site in California or Texas. Some travel between sites may be required.

What you will do:

• Antenna Architecture and Design
• Lead the end-to-end design of antenna systems for spaceborne and/or ground-based applications
• Independently design antennas and phased array systems using ANSYS HFSS, from initial concept through final layout
• Define antenna architectures supporting beamforming, beam steering, and multi-beam operation
• Design and optimize phased array antennas, including element design, array layout, feed networks, and radiation pattern control
• Perform antenna trade studies considering performance, size, weight, power, thermal, and manufacturability constraints
• Simulation, Analysis, and Optimization
• Perform detailed full-wave EM simulations in HFSS to evaluate gain, efficiency, bandwidth, polarization, sidelobe levels, and mutual coupling
• Optimize antenna designs to meet system-level requirements such as coverage, link budget, and interference mitigation
• Use MATLAB or Python for post-processing, parametric sweeps, and design automation
• Hardware Development and Testing
• Work closely with RF, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to transition HFSS designs into physical hardware
• Support antenna prototyping, integration, and validation testing
• Define and execute antenna test plans, including chamber, range, and over-the-air (OTA) measurements
• Analyze measurement results and correlate test data with HFSS simulation results
• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Leadership
• Collaborate closely with Systems Engineers, RF Engineers, Payload Engineers, and Network Design teams to ensure antenna designs meet end-to-end system requirements
• Provide technical mentorship and design guidance to junior engineers
• Help establish antenna design standards, workflows, and best practices across the organization

Technical Requirements:

• Antenna and RF Fundamentals
• Strong background in antenna theory, electromagnetics, and RF engineering
• Deep experience with phased array antennas and beamforming techniques
• Simulation and Design Tools
• Expert-level proficiency with ANSYS HFSS for antenna design and simulation
• Experience with additional EM tools (CST, FEKO) is a plus
• Proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python for analysis and automation
• Hardware and Measurement
• Hands-on experience with antenna prototyping, integration, and testing
• Experience with phased array antenna calibration techniques and procedures
• Familiarity with RF test equipment and antenna measurement techniques, including near-field and far-field chamber testing

What you bring to this role:

• Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related field, with a focus on Antennas, Electromagnetics, and RF Systems
• 7+ years of hands-on antenna design experience, including full-wave EM simulation
• Demonstrated ability to independently design antennas and take designs to hardware
• Strong system-level thinking and ability to translate requirements into high-performance antenna solutions
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Bonus Points:

• Experience designing antennas for space or aerospace applications
• Familiarity with LEO satellite systems and non-terrestrial networks (NTN)
• Experience with active electronically steered arrays (AESA)
• Knowledge of space-qualification, environmental testing, and manufacturing constraints

Additional Requirements

This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected.