Senior Antenna & Sustaining RF Engineer
Calian
Ottawa, ON, Canada
CAD 120k-150k / year
Position Overview
The Senior Antenna & Sustaining RF Engineer provides technical leadership and hands‑on expertise across the full product lifecycle of antenna and RF front‑end systems—from concept and new product introduction (NPI) through production sustainment and end‑of‑life management.
This role encompasses the design, development, optimization, and long‑term maintenance of antennas, Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs), transmit amplifiers, and supporting analog (and occasionally digital) circuitry.
The primary technical focus is on L‑Band GNSS systems, with responsibility extending to products operating up to 5 GHz. The role requires deep expertise in electromagnetic and RF performance, combined with strong production, test, and sustaining engineering capability to ensure reliability, manufacturability, scalability, cost efficiency, and sustainability.
Responsibilities
- Own sustaining engineering for antenna and RF products, driving yield improvement, issue resolution, and lifecycle management across production
- Lead antenna design, simulation, prototyping, and validation, balancing performance, cost, manufacturability, and reliability
- Perform electromagnetic analysis using simulation tools and measurement data to refine designs
- Define mechanical interfaces, materials, and fabrication approaches with cross-functional teams
- Support NPI from concept through production, ensuring alignment with DFM, DFT, and DfS principles
- Conduct root cause analysis for manufacturing and field issues; implement corrective actions
- Optimize designs for performance, reliability, cost, and long-term component availability
- Develop and improve RF production test methods, fixtures, and calibration processes
- Analyze test and production data to improve yield, reduce test time, and minimize waste
- Maintain design documentation, test procedures, and technical records
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to engineering standards and best practices
Qualifications
The Senior Antenna & Sustaining RF Engineer requires a strong theoretical foundation combined with extensive hands‑on experience across antenna and RF design, production support, and sustaining engineering. This role demands technical depth, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to drive solutions throughout the product lifecycle—from NPI through high‑volume production and field support.
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field (PhD is an asset)
- 5-10+ years of industry experience in antenna and RF engineering
- Deep understanding of electromagnetic theory, antenna systems, and RF/microwave design principles
- Strong experience with EM simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST or equivalent)
- Hands-on expertise with RF test equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, antenna measurement systems)
- Experience with production test development, calibration methods, and traceability
- Solid understanding of RF PCB layout, grounding, shielding, and system integration
- Proficiency in data analysis and automation tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB)
- Experience supporting manufacturing, sustaining engineering, and NPI activities
Additional Requirements
- Experience with GNSS or L-Band systems is strongly preferred
- Familiarity with high-volume production environments and yield optimization
- Knowledge of DFM, DFT, and Design for Sustainability (DfS) principles
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured approach to complex issues
- Effective communication and collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams
- Ability to balance performance, reliability, cost, and lifecycle considerations
Compensation
$120,000 - $150,000 CAD
Vacancy
We have 1 available position.