Principal Space RF Engineer, Antenna & Full-Wave EM Modeling

True Anomaly • Denver, CO

14d • Hybrid

About The Position

True Anomaly is seeking a Principal Space RF Engineer with deep expertise in antenna design and full-wave electromagnetic modeling. In this role, you will lead the development of antenna and RF front-end solutions for space-based systems. You will own technical efforts from early concept development and electromagnetic analysis through hardware design, testing, integration, and delivery. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience using full-wave electromagnetic simulation tools to design, analyze, and optimize antennas, arrays, feeds, RF structures, and spacecraft-level electromagnetic interfaces. You will work closely with systems, mechanical, thermal, avionics, manufacturing, and test engineers to deliver high-performance, space-ready RF hardware.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electromagnetics, Physics, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in antenna, RF, electromagnetics, or microwave engineering.
• Significant hands-on experience with full-wave electromagnetic simulation and modeling.
• Advanced proficiency with one or more full-wave EM tools, such as: Ansys HFSS CST Studio Suite Altair Feko COMSOL Similar industry-standard tools
• Demonstrated experience designing and analyzing antennas, antenna arrays, feeds, RF structures, or spacecraft RF interfaces.
• Strong understanding of antenna theory, electromagnetic fields, wave propagation, impedance matching, polarization, coupling, and radiation patterns.
• Experience validating simulation results through laboratory, near-field, far-field, or anechoic chamber measurements.
• Experience with phased arrays, beamforming, electronically steerable antennas, or multi-element RF apertures.
• Working knowledge of RF front-end components and architectures.
• Ability to perform RF trade studies and communicate technical results clearly.
• Experience leading complex engineering efforts from concept through design, test, and delivery.
• Strong written, verbal, and cross-functional communication skills.
• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Nice To Haves

• A Master’s degree or Ph.D. is preferred.
• Experience developing antennas or RF hardware for spacecraft or other space-qualified systems.
• Experience with deployable, conformal, body-mounted, or phased-array antennas.
• Experience modeling spacecraft-level electromagnetic compatibility, coupling, interference, or antenna-to-structure interactions.
• Experience with RF measurements using vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, antenna ranges, or anechoic chambers.
• Familiarity with thermal, structural, vibration, thermal vacuum, and radiation considerations for space hardware.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for RF analysis and simulation automation.
• Active TS//SCI clearance or eligibility to obtain one.
• Experience working in a fast-paced startup or similarly dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of space-based antennas and RF front-end hardware.
• Perform full-wave electromagnetic modeling and simulation of antennas, arrays, feeds, RF structures, and spacecraft interfaces.
• Use tools such as HFSS, CST, FEKO, or equivalent to predict and optimize RF performance.
• Analyze antenna gain, radiation patterns, beamwidth, sidelobe levels, polarization, impedance matching, efficiency, isolation, and coupling.
• Develop and evaluate fixed-beam, phased-array, electronically steerable, deployable, and conformal antenna architectures.
• Conduct electromagnetic trade studies considering performance, size, weight, power, thermal environment, packaging, manufacturability, and cost.
• Develop RF front-end architectures, including filters, switches, amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, feeds, couplers, and RF distribution networks.
• Create and maintain antenna models, RF budgets, simulation reports, requirements, and verification plans.
• Correlate simulation results with laboratory and antenna-range measurements.
• Support antenna and RF hardware integration, troubleshooting, testing, and qualification.
• Work with mechanical and spacecraft engineers to resolve packaging, structural, thermal, and electromagnetic compatibility challenges.
• Lead technical reviews and serve as a subject-matter expert for antenna and electromagnetic design.
• Mentor other engineers and establish effective modeling, design, and test processes.
• Support customer engagements, proposals, and new business opportunities as needed.

Benefits

• Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, with HSA/HRA options
• Generous time off: Flexible Time Off (FTO) for exempt employees, accrued PTO of up to 25 days for non-exempt employees, plus 12 paid holidays; Parental Leave; Sick Leave
• Fuel for your day: Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks for in-office employees
• And more: 401(k) retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, and Dog Fridays
• Equity participation: Equity is included as part of our total compensation package, giving you an opportunity to share in the company’s success.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal