RF & Antenna Technical Lead

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
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
Design and optimize antennas and arrays:
Phased arrays, conformal antennas
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
Design and validate RF subsystems including:
LNAs, PAs, filters, couplers, switches, duplexers
T/R modules, beamformers, Butler matrices
Perform RF chain analysis (gain, noise, compression, spurs)
Interface with MMIC, module, and system teams

; Simulation, Measurement Validation
Lead EM simulation using HFSS, CST, ADS, AWR
Own antenna and RF measurements:
Anechoic chamber testing
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
Work closely with:
System engineering
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
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