What is this role:

• The Principal Antenna Engineer will lead the definition, design, development, and validation of advanced antenna sub-system for the Satellite and Ground Segment.  
• The ideal candidate has held a similar role in a dynamic and innovative industrial organization, responsible for the development, from concept definition to product validation and commercialization, of advanced antennas.  
• The candidate shall have been through various antenna development cycle for different antenna typologies. 
• This position will report to the Systems Engineering andAdvanced Projects leader and will work closely and cross-functionally with RF, Electrical, Mechanical and Product teams.  
  
• The successful candidate will work preferably in Saratoga CA, Beverly MA or Toulouse (France). 

What you will do:

• Antenna Product Definition and Design: 
• Strategically define antenna product requirements, conduct meticulous trade-offs, and formulate detailed development and test plans. 
• Lead and oversee the design, simulations, optimization, characterization, and testing of antennas, focusing on frequencies bands between VHF and C-Band, including GNSS applications. 
• Prototyping and Testing: 
• Oversee antenna prototyping, fabrication, and testing. 
• Procure space-grade components and materials for Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) operations. 
• Execute comprehensive test plans, ensuring the performance and reliability of Communications and GNSS antennas meet rigorous standards. 
• Integration and Collaboration: 
• Seamlessly integrate communications and GNSS antennas into satellite systems, demonstrating practical experience in real-world system environments. 
• Collaborate closely with international satellite development teams, including RF, Electrical, Mechanical, and Product teams. 
• Product Roadmap and Research: 
• Actively contribute to the antenna product roadmap. 
• Conduct research in innovative antenna design aligned with the evolving needs of Satellite and Ground segments. 
• Documentation and Communication: 
• Prepare comprehensive documentation for design reviews. 
• Effectively communicate technical information to diverse audiences. 

What you will bring to this role:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Physics or Electrical/Electronics/ Telecommunication Engineering 
• Minimum of 15 years in developing complex antenna systems for communications and GNSS. 
• Specialized Skills: 
• Phased array antenna development and beam steering expertise, with a focus on circular polarized antennas. 
• Create EM simulation models of hardware (antennas, filters, PCB layout) to design or evaluate performance  
• Analyze wireless systems (antenna isolation, patterns with large structures, propagation effects, etc. 
• Hands on experience with test equipment such as spectrum analyzer, signal generator, network analyzer, power meters, and RF passive components  
• Basic CAD skills for prototype designs and working directly with mechanical engineers 
• Experience with phased array calibration and testing 
• Must be able to navigate the smith chart and experience with transmission line theory, impedance matching, filters, and S-parameters 
• Near-field or Far-field chamber design and operation 
• Working in an innovative environment. 
• Antenna product management 
• Full design cycle from concept, design, fabrication, optimization, and testing 
• Hands-on experience characterizing, testing, and integrating antennas in a lab setting and in a real-world environment, for embedded systems and especially satellites.  
• In depth familiarity with available off-the-shelf Communications and GNSS antenna products 
• Deep understanding of antennas and electromagnetic theory, designing and analyzing antennas optimized for Communications and GNSS applications.   
• Proficiency in electromagnetic and circuit level simulation tools such as HFSS, CST, ADS, Altium, and MATLAB. 

Bonus points:

• Candidates with the following skills or experience will be viewed positively: 
• Flat, compact, and reconfigurable antennas between VHF and C-Band. 
• Printed and thin-film antennas and electronics. 
• Large deployable phased array antennas design and testing. 
• Expertise in developing matching circuits for antennas, optimizing performance across various frequency bands, including VHF up to C band. 
• Designing and operating antennas in LEO, considering space-specific constraints. 
• Integrating antennas in vehicles, especially satellites. 
• Familiarity with GNSS signals from major constellations and bands. 
• Knowledge of space qualification testing and practices. 
• Manufacturing: Familiarity with design for mass manufacturing constraints and processes. 
• Patent generation in the field of antennas.