Role Summary
The RF & Antenna Senior Engineer is responsible for design, development, integration, and validation of RF, microwave, and antenna subsystems for Aerospace & Defence platforms. The role requires strong hands-on design capability, ownership of assigned subsystems, and close collaboration with system, mechanical, and EMI/EMC teams.
Key Responsibilities
Antenna Design & Integration
• Design and optimize antennas including:
Wideband and multiband antennas
Array and sub-array antennas
Radar, EW, Satcom, GPS, IFF, and data link antennas
• Perform antenna placement and integration studies on platforms
• Analyze coupling, isolation, and radiation pattern distortion
• Support radome and RF-transparent structure evaluation
RF & Microwave Design
• Design and analyze RF subsystems:
LNAs, PAs, filters, switches, couplers
T/R modules, beamforming networks
• Perform RF chain analysis (gain, NF, IP3, P1dB, spurious)
• Support schematic, layout review, and design validation
Simulation & Analysis
• Perform EM simulation using HFSS, CST, FEKO
• RF circuit simulation using ADS / AWR
• Correlate simulation and measurement results
• Conduct trade-off studies considering SWaP-C constraints
Measurement & Validation
• Carry out antenna and RF testing:
VNA-based S-parameter measurements
Anechoic chamber measurements (gain, pattern, polarization)
RF performance testing (linearity, harmonics, spurs)
• Support EMI/EMC, environmental, and qualification tests
Aerospace & Defence Compliance
• Support compliance to MIL-STD, DO-160, DEF-STAN requirements
• Prepare technical documents, test procedures, and reports
• Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR)
Collaboration & Execution
• Work closely with system engineering, mechanical, thermal, and EMI/EMC teams
• Support manufacturing, integration, and field issue resolution
• Interface with customers and internal stakeholders for technical clarifications
Required Skills & Qualifications
Technical Skills
• Strong fundamentals in RF, microwave, and antenna engineering
• Experience with phased arrays or platform-integrated antennas is an advantage
• Good understanding of EMI/EMC and grounding concepts
• Hands-on experience with RF lab equipment
Tools
• EM tools: HFSS, CST, FEKO
• RF tools: ADS, AWR
• Measurement: VNA, Spectrum Analyzer, Power Meter
Education
• BE/BTech or ME/MTech in ECE / RF & Microwave / Antenna Engineering
• Aerospace & Defence project experience preferred
Behavioral & Professional Skills
• Strong analytical and debugging skills
• Ability to independently own RF/antenna tasks
• Good communication and documentation skills
• Mentoring junior engineers (added advantage)