Antenna Design Engineer

Leidos•San Diego, CA

About The Position

This engineering position supports the Survivability Solutions branch within the Advanced Sensing and Emerging Technologies division at Leidos Innovations Center (LInC) based in San Diego, CA. As a member of the Survivability Solutions branch you will collaborate with a multi-discipline team to cultivate high impact discriminating solutions for our growing customer base ranging from concept development, rapid prototyping, laboratory and field testing, and final integration. Our cross-functional team offers many opportunities for skillset development across a range of technologies in a fast-paced environment that rewards technical creativity and applied theoretical knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and RF engineering concepts. Primary Responsibilities: Hands-on design and realization of both front and back-end antenna systems and integration focused on individual antennas, phased array antennas, RF circuits, passive RF components, and RF systems. Use of computational electromagnetic software to design and predict performance on various types of antennas and apertures (HFSS, COMSOL, FEKO, SENTRI, CST, etc.). Development of antenna link budgets to define system requirements, estimate expected gain and losses over bandwidth, determine operating link margin, and performing optimizations in consideration of project constraints. Design and integration of frequency selective surfaces (FSS) for use with a variety of radomes and radiating aperture designs. Low observable design implementing various techniques including materials, shaping, etc. for RCS mitigation where necessary. Investigation of new technologies and applications for radiating apertures, antennas, and RF systems. RF hardware testing of required performance metrics: VSWR, insertion loss, gain, polarization, radar cross-section (RCS), etc. Collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team to perform requirement evaluation, initial concept trade studies, in-house and customer presentations. Provide technical input to support proposals and new business opportunities. Provide direct engineering support for customers to end-users.

Requirements

Must be a U.S Citizen.
Current active Secret security clearance is required, with the ability to obtain a Top-Secret clearance.
Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering with 8+ years of related experience or Advanced degree with 6+ years of experience.
Basic computer skills with experience using MATLAB, LINUX/UNIX, and Windows.
Proficiency in core RF engineering and antenna theory and general knowledge or related disciplines.
Experience with the design of antennas and passive RF components (radiating elements, radomes, power dividers, couplers, transitions, FSSs, etc.)
Analytical design experience using software and simulation tools such as HFSS, COMSOL, FEKO, SENTRI, CST, etc.
RF antenna testing experience utilizing network analyzers, PNAs, anechoic chambers, near-field ranges, etc.
Effective oral and written communication skills to deliver technical information to a tailored audience.
Ability to work independently as well as with a team.
Some travel within the US is required.

Nice To Haves

Current active Top-Secret security clearance.
Proficiency in programming, data manipulation, and data visualization in MATLAB and Python.
Proficiency in the use of computational electromagnetic (CEM) analytics, including CAD manipulation, finite element mesh development, engineering code development, data processing with statistics, and data rendering and presentation.
Working knowledge of composite materials, Additive Manufacturing, adhesives, coatings, etc.
Demonstrated ability to schedule and execute RF measurements at internal and external facilities and perform measurement analysis and troubleshooting.
Demonstrated ability to lead RF efforts and tasks and to guide technical project teams toward the completion of program goals and milestones.
Familiarity with and exposure to military and tactical communication and data systems / architectures.

Responsibilities

Hands-on design and realization of both front and back-end antenna systems and integration focused on individual antennas, phased array antennas, RF circuits, passive RF components, and RF systems.
Use of computational electromagnetic software to design and predict performance on various types of antennas and apertures (HFSS, COMSOL, FEKO, SENTRI, CST, etc.).
Development of antenna link budgets to define system requirements, estimate expected gain and losses over bandwidth, determine operating link margin, and performing optimizations in consideration of project constraints.
Design and integration of frequency selective surfaces (FSS) for use with a variety of radomes and radiating aperture designs.
Low observable design implementing various techniques including materials, shaping, etc. for RCS mitigation where necessary.
Investigation of new technologies and applications for radiating apertures, antennas, and RF systems.
RF hardware testing of required performance metrics: VSWR, insertion loss, gain, polarization, radar cross-section (RCS), etc.
Collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team to perform requirement evaluation, initial concept trade studies, in-house and customer presentations.
Provide technical input to support proposals and new business opportunities.
Provide direct engineering support for customers to end-users.