Sr. RF Antenna Engineer

About the role

Xona is seeking an RF Antenna Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of electromagnetic principles and hands-on experience with RF antenna design and testing.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, and optimize RF antennas for our next-generation GNSS system
• Ensure the end-to-end RF broadcast system delivers high-accuracy and high-precision PNT service
• Work closely with the payload and satellite teams in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

Requirements

• Understanding of electromagnetic principles behind radio frequency communications
• Ability to interpret PCBA schematics and layout drawings
• Familiarity with PCB ECAD tools such as Altium
• Hands-on experience using electrical/RF test equipment, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers
• Deep understanding of system-level RF architectures
• Knowledge of typical performance metrics for RF communications systems
• Hands-on experience with antenna design and testing
• Familiarity with 3D EM simulations tools such as Ansys HFSS
• Hands-on experience with RF design in L-Band, S-Band, and C-Band
• Experience with RF circuit simulation tools, such as Keysight ADS
• Hands-on experience with RF test setups and calibrations
• Ability to analyze and interpret RF test data, and assess performance vs. design requirements
• Willing and able to travel to support off-site testing events as needed
• Self-starter attitude and proactive in seeing projects from design through implementation
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, cross-team collaborative environment
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work closely with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to achieve project goals

Qualifications

• 5 - 8 years of RF engineering experience
• Experience with space RF electronics, including understanding of phenomena such as multipaction and PIM
• Track record of taking a complex antenna system from initial concept through to production and successful deployment, ideally for space applications
• Experience with the design and development of associated hardware, such as feed networks, polarizers, or waveguides
• Familiarity with RFIC/MMIC technologies design considerations
• Knowledge of array calibration techniques and algorithms

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and a dynamic, supportive work environment. Our team values diversity and inclusion, and we strive to create an equitable workplace for all employees.

Pay

The starting salary range for this position is $100,000 - $150,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

This position is full-time and based in Burlingame, CA. Employees may be required to travel for testing events as needed.