Senior Antenna Engineer

Holt Executive invites seasoned engineers to join our onsite Maryland team as a Senior Antenna Engineer. This role centers on the design, development, and testing of Ku- and Ka-band RF and antenna systems for satellite user terminals, including phased array and AESA technologies, across the full product lifecycle. The position offers a competitive salary range of USD 170,000 to 230,000 per year, along with comprehensive benefits and a collaborative, technically rigorous culture that emphasizes hands-on impact and cross-disciplinary teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Design and refine Ku- and Ka-band RF and antenna systems for satellite terminals, featuring phased array and electronically steerable technologies.
• Conduct electromagnetic simulations, antenna modeling, optimization, and trade-off analyses using industry-standard tools.
• Create antenna design documentation, engineering specifications, and prototype solutions to support manufacturing and product delivery.
• Develop and execute RF test plans, configure laboratory environments, characterize antennas, and produce verification reports.
• Design and automate RF testing processes using scripting tools and provide troubleshooting support throughout development and validation activities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams and provide technical leadership during design reviews, prototype development, and production ramp-up.
• Support AESA antenna development activities, including analysis of beam scanning capability, cross-polarisation, G/T, and EIRP.

Requirements

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• A postgraduate qualification with antenna or electromagnetic research experience is highly desirable.
• 5+ years of experience designing and developing satellite communication antenna systems, including phased array technologies.
• Strong knowledge of antenna theory, microwave engineering, RF system architecture, and antenna performance analysis.
• Experience using electromagnetic simulation tools such as HFSS, CST, or equivalent.
• Hands-on experience with RF test equipment, including signal generators, spectrum analysers, vector network analysers, and antenna measurement systems.
• Experience supporting antenna products through prototype development, verification, and manufacturing processes.

Technologies

• HFSS
• CST

Benefits

• Flexible time off and paid holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) plan with employer contributions
• Potential annual bonus opportunities based on company and individual performance

Desirable Experience

• Experience designing active electronically steerable phased array (AESA) antennas for LEO satellite user terminals.
• Knowledge of beamforming technologies, MMIC integration, polarization solutions, radomes, and advanced antenna materials.
• Experience with PCB-based radiator technologies, metasurface antennas, and wide-scan-angle antenna designs.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and cost-effective approaches for high-volume antenna production.