Principal Antenna Engineer

About the Role

Applied Technology seeks a technically proficient and versatile individual to fulfill an Antenna Engineering role. This flexible, results-oriented problem-solver will work on multiple custom wireless communications products, focusing on antenna design, simulation, and integration with RF systems. The role involves direct customer interaction, occasional travel, and contributions to business development and proposal efforts.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and optimize custom antenna elements for wideband and multi-band applications.
• Lead the design of active phased array systems, including feed networks, phase shifters, and beamsteering architectures.
• Perform full-wave electromagnetic simulations using Ansys HFSS and Dassault Systems CST to analyze gain, efficiency, return loss, and radiation patterns.
• Collaborate with RF Front-End (RFFE) teams to integrate antennas with filters, LNAs, and power amplifiers, ensuring impedance matching and minimal link budget loss.
• Conduct hands-on prototyping and validation testing in Anechoic chambers and Near-field/Far-field ranges.
• Address challenges specific to millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequency ranges, such as atmospheric absorption, high path loss, and tight manufacturing tolerances.
• Collaborate with the RF ASIC team on the development of beamformer ICs.
• Regularly work directly with customers to develop product requirements and communicate technical status verbally, in writing, and during meetings.
• Contribute to business development and proposal efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain necessary security clearance as required by government contracts.
• 8+ years of design experience in antenna or RF engineering.
• Under 10% travel may be required.

Skills

• EM Simulation Software: Expert-level proficiency in ANSYS HFSS and CST Studio Suite.
• Phased Array Theory: Deep understanding of grating lobes, mutual coupling, beam scanning range, and Taylor/Chebyshev weighting for sidelobe control.
• RF Circuit Design: Proficiency in Cadence for matching network design and system-level budget analysis.
• Measurement Hardware: Mastery of Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), Spectrum Analyzers, and Signal Generators.
• Knowledge of high-frequency substrate properties (e.g., Rogers, Taconic, Megtron) and their performance at mmWave frequencies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong multitasking, prioritization, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Skills

• Understanding of System-in-Package (SiP) and Antenna-in-Package (AiP) technologies.

Pay

Target base salary range: $100,100 - $160,200 USD. Pay within this range varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits

• Incentive Bonus Plans
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits
• 401K with Company Match
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Generous Paid Time Off Packages
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Paid Parental & Family Leave