Senior Antenna Design Engineer

Job description

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place! E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems. We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life. As a **Senior Antenna Design Engineer**, you will own the end-to-end design, simulation, and validation of advanced antenna systems for E-Space’s LEO satellite constellation and ground infrastructure. You are expected to independently design antennas using full-wave electromagnetic simulation tools, with **HFSS as a primary design environment**, and drive designs from concept through hardware validation. On-site in California or Texas. Some travel between sites may be required. ### What you will do: - **Antenna Architecture and Design** - Lead the end-to-end design of antenna systems for spaceborne and/or ground-based applications - Independently design antennas and phased array systems using **ANSYS HFSS**, from initial concept through final layout - Define antenna architectures supporting beamforming, beam steering, and multi-beam operation - Design and optimize phased array antennas, including element design, array layout, feed networks, and radiation pattern control - Perform antenna trade studies considering performance, size, weight, power, thermal, and manufacturability constraints - **Simulation, Analysis, and Optimization** - Perform detailed full-wave EM simulations in **HFSS** to evaluate gain, efficiency, bandwidth, polarization, sidelobe levels, and mutual coupling - Optimize antenna designs to meet system-level requirements such as coverage, link budget, and interference mitigation - Use MATLAB or Python for post-processing, parametric sweeps, and design automation - **Hardware Development and Testing** - Work closely with RF, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to transition HFSS designs into physical hardware - Support antenna prototyping, integration, and validation testing - Define and execute antenna test plans, including chamber, range, and over-the-air (OTA) measurements - Analyze measurement results and correlate test data with HFSS simulation results - **Cross-Functional Collaboration and Leadership** - Collaborate closely with Systems Engineers, RF Engineers, Payload Engineers, and Network Design teams to ensure antenna designs meet end-to-end system requirements - Provide technical mentorship and design guidance to junior engineers - Help establish antenna design standards, workflows, and best practices across the organization ### Technical Requirements: - **Antenna and RF Fundamentals** - Strong background in antenna theory, electromagnetics, and RF engineering - Deep experience with phased array antennas and beamforming techniques - **Simulation and Design Tools** - Expert-level proficiency with ANSYS HFSS for antenna design and simulation - Experience with additional EM tools (CST, FEKO) is a plus - Proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python for analysis and automation - **Hardware and Measurement** - Hands-on experience with antenna prototyping, integration, and testing - Experience with phased array antenna calibration techniques and procedures - Familiarity with RF test equipment and antenna measurement techniques, including near-field and far-field chamber testing ### What you bring to this role: - Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related field, with a focus on Antennas, Electromagnetics, and RF Systems - **7+ years** of hands-on antenna design experience, including full-wave EM simulation - Demonstrated ability to independently design antennas and take designs to hardware - Strong system-level thinking and ability to translate requirements into high-performance antenna solutions - Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills ### Bonus Points: - Experience designing antennas for space or aerospace applications - Familiarity with LEO satellite systems and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) - Experience with active electronically steered arrays (AESA) - Knowledge of space-qualification, environmental testing, and manufacturing constraints ### Additional Requirements This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected.