Lead Antenna Design Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

About the Company

This aerospace startup is revolutionizing the skies by developing high-altitude, solar-powered UAVs designed for real-time next-gen communication capabilities. With ambitions to surpass traditional satellite and ground-based technologies, the team is pioneering a new era of connectivity — one that will redefine global communications and access for underserved regions. Their vision is to become a trailblazer in solar-powered aviation, reshaping the future of autonomous UAVs and setting a new standard for how the world connects from above.

This company has a powerhouse team and the network/tech to surpass competitors.

We prefer this person to be located in the Bay Area and be onsite at headquarters, but for the right person we may be able to make a hybrid/remote exception for someone in LA or Seattle.

About the Role

We are looking for a Lead Antenna Design Engineer to own the design, build, and validation of this startup's phased array antenna systems. This is a builder’s role: you will not just simulate patterns but will take physical ownership of the aperture, overseeing fabrication and leading the testing of the final array. You will work in close partnership with the Principal RF Systems Engineer, who will handle the transceiver and radio architecture, allowing you to focus deeply on the electromagnetics, array synthesis, and physical realization of the antenna.

What You’ll Own

• Design and simulate complex phased array apertures, including element selection, lattice optimization, and mutual coupling analysis.
• Lead the physical realization of the antenna, from layout and stack-up definition to overseeing PCB fabrication and assembly.
• Perform rigorous electromagnetic modeling using HFSS, CST, or similar tools to predict scan performance, active VSWR, and isolation.
• execute the validation plan, including near-field and far-field chamber testing, array calibration, and beam steering verification.
• Collaborate with the Principal RF Engineer to define the interface between the antenna feed network and the radio front-end.
• Drive the mechanical integration of the array into the vehicle structure, managing thermal and structural constraints.

What They’re Looking For

• Demonstrated experience designing, building, and testing phased array antenna systems (AESA or PESA).
• Deep understanding of array theory, including beam synthesis, grating lobes, scan blindness, and side-lobe suppression.
• Proficiency with full-wave EM solvers (HFSS, CST, FEKO) and the ability to model large finite arrays.
• Hands-on experience in anechoic chambers performing gain, pattern, and axial ratio measurements over scan angles.
• Familiarity with beamforming networks and the trade-offs between analog, digital, and hybrid beamforming.
• A practical, hands-on approach to engineering—you are comfortable in the lab and on the manufacturing floor ensuring your designs get built correctly.

Benefits Why You’ll Love Working at this Startup

Join a powerhouse team of brilliant builders
Collaborate with a tight-knit crew of deeply technical and business-savvy innovators. You will work alongside leaders with a star-studded history of Silicon Valley success who are passionate about creating something industry shifting.

Competitive startup salary
Be paid well to do the most energizing work of your career.

Ground-floor equity
Own meaningful upside from day one. This is your chance to shape the company’s trajectory and participate fully in the value you help create.

Excellent health insurance
Enjoy strong medical coverage for employees so you can stay healthy while pushing boundaries.

Dog-friendly office with Bay views
Bring your pup and enjoy a beautiful workspace with panoramic water views that spark creativity and joy.

About AdAstra

AdAstra Talent Advisors is a headhunting and talent advising firm focused on the Climate, Space, and Defense sectors of Hard Tech. We specialize in pairing highly technical and executive talent with some of the world’s leading Hard Tech startups.

At AdAstra, we catalyze the innovations that future generations depend on by placing the right people in the right seats. Our dedicated work enables inconceivable technology from Earth, to the stars. And it’s all because of trailblazing talent like you - those driven to do what’s never been done before.

We care about long term relationships with both candidates and companies. Even if the role we initially discuss isn’t a perfect fit, it’s likely we’ll have something relevant to share with you in the future.

Join us on our journey by following along via LinkedIn!

CEO, Seyka Mejeur | LinkedIn profile

CTO / COO, Brian Mejeur | LinkedIn profile

AdAstra Talent Advisors | LinkedIn profile

AdAstra Website