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RF & Antenna Technical Lead
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
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
Radar, EW, Satcom, IFF, GPS, data link antennas
- Design and optimize antennas and arrays:
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
T/R modules, beamformers, Butler matrices
- Design and validate RF subsystems including:
T/R modules, beamformers, Butler matrices
- Perform RF chain analysis (gain, noise, compression, spurs)
- Interface with MMIC, module, and system teams
Simulation, Measurement & Validation
VNA, spectrum analyzer, power meter measurements
- Lead EM simulation using HFSS, CST, ADS, AWR
- Own antenna and RF measurements:
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
Mechanical, thermal, EMI/EMC teams
Manufacturing, quality, and supply chain
- Work closely with:
Mechanical, thermal, EMI/EMC teams
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
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
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