RF Antenna Engineer

Job Title: RF/Antenna Engineer

Job Description

Your mission is to accelerate the development of the novel antenna technologies that are at the core of our next-generation approach to LEO satellite communications. You will be responsible for research, simulation, design, optimization, testing, and calibration - leading to the rapid deployment these technologies in an operational satellite constellation.

Job Duties

• Conduct research, simulation, design, optimization, testing, and calibration of antenna technologies.
• Develop and implement novel antenna technologies for LEO satellite communications.
• Utilize electromagnetic simulation tools like HFSS, CST, or FEKO for antenna design.
• Analyze and interpret testing results in collaboration with the antenna team.

Strongly Desired Skills

• A Master"s degree or PhD in an engineering-related discipline with an emphasis in electromagnetic theory, microwave circuits, radio frequency (RF), metamaterials, or a similar discipline.
• Experience with one or multiple of the following:
• Frequency selective services (FSS) / Frequency selective surfaces (FSSs)
• Reflector array / reflectarray
• Transmitter array / transmitarray
• Metamaterial arrays / Meta surfaces
• Strong in simulation, ANSYS HFSS, but also open to CST or FEKO
• Designing electronically scanned antennas
• Strong intuitive understanding of electromagnetics and optics in microwave systems.

Additional Nice-to-Have Skills

• Experience with system simulation tools like Python or MATLAB.
• Familiarity with range testing and ability to operate relevant test equipment.
• Experience designing antennas for PCB manufacturability.
• Broader experience of RF/microwave systems (particularly 10.7 GHz - 51.4 GHz).
• Experience with passive RF component characterization.
• Experience with near field antenna range testing.
• Experience with advanced beamforming methods.
• Experience using automation for RF design analysis.
• Experience with space-qualified systems.

Work Environment

Join a pioneering team in a fast-paced, innovative environment at our Long Beach, CA headquarters. Enjoy a collaborative culture with a focus on rapid deployment and low-cost global coverage. The office boasts an open format with occasional company events and catered lunches and always available snacks, coffee, and tea. The position has some flexibility for remote work, but is primarily on-site due to collaboration needs, especially during the testing phase.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Long Beach, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $105.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Long Beach,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.