Cutting Edge Communications has an opening for a Phased Array Design Engineer. As a member of our team, you’ll support our client in a vital role in advancing innovative technologies. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking missions and work alongside industry leaders in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
As a Phased Array Design Engineer, you will lead antenna-related engineering efforts, with a strong emphasis on practical design and optimization of antenna elements and phased array antennas. Drawing on your hands-on expertise, you will collaborate closely with the technical leads, mechanical engineers, system designers, and other team members to ensure seamless integration and high-performance maintenance of antenna components. This role demands deep practical knowledge in antenna technologies, phased arrays, and high-power systems to support develop antennas for applications from 0.5 to 40GHz.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead practical antenna engineering tasks for phased array systems, including review and analysis of existing designs, specifications, and performance requirements to inform hands-on design improvements.
- Heavy emphasis on antenna design using electromagnetic simulators such as HFSS for the design of antenna elements and phased arrays.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including the mechanical design, microwave engineers, program management, and customers, to integrate antenna repairs with overall system sustainment.
- Design and validate test plans for antenna subsystems, utilizing RF simulation tools to model electromagnetic behavior, impedance matching, and radiation patterns, while prioritizing real-world prototyping and measurement.
- Mentor junior engineers on practical antenna design principles, phased array techniques, and best practices for high-power applications, sharing hands-on methodologies and troubleshooting strategies.
- Ensure all antenna repair and design processes comply with security, safety, and regulatory standards.
- Support technical reviews, risk assessments, and documentation for engineering projects.
- Travel as needed to facilities, test ranges, or vendor sites for antenna evaluations and integrations.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in physics or electrical engineering with emphasis on applied electromagnetics and antennas.
- 8+ years of hands-on experience in practical antenna design and engineering, with direct expertise in antennas, active electronically scanned arrays (AESAs), and high-power antennas.
- Strong knowledge of applied electromagnetics and antenna performance metrics, such as gain, sidelobe levels, polarization, axial ratio, antenna efficiency, etc.
- Proficiency in RF/antenna simulation tools like HFSS, CST Microwave Studio, MATLAB, or similar software, combined with practical fabrication and measurement skills.
- Excellent problem-solving and communication skills for technical collaboration and reporting.
Preferred Qualifications:
- M.S. or Ph.D. in physics or electrical engineering with emphasis on applied electromagnetics and antennas.
- Experience with phased array systems, including antenna integrations or depot-level sustainment.
- Familiarity with emerging antenna technologies, such as wideband arrays or advanced materials for phase shifters.
- Prior involvement in establishing repair processes for complex RF subsystems.
Location: Irvine, CA
Work Type: Full Time, Onsite with Hybrid flexibility
Pay Range: $140.00/hr - $190.00/hr, level commensurate with experience
Employment Type: 1099
About the Company: Founded in 1998, Cutting Edge Communications, LLC, is a small business dedicated to technical excellence and responsive customer support. A company of roughly 150+ individuals in eight states, we combine considerable program and proposal development knowledge with extensive management and engineering experience necessary to win and execute large-scale aerospace programs. We are a services company that provides exceptional, high quality, experienced personnel that exceed our clients’ expectations. We have led clients in the successful capture of over $35 billion in new contracts, often continuing support after award by providing expertise critical to program success.