Principal Antenna Design Engineer

Job Title

Principal Antenna Design Engineer

Role Summary

Senior engineer on the Antenna Technologies team within Qorvo's Defense & Aerospace business, responsible for design, analysis, prototyping, and testing of mmWave PCB-based phased array antenna solutions for defense and aerospace applications.

Work with antenna, RF, PCB, and test engineers to deliver prototype and production-ready AiP/phased-array subsystems for satellite, line-of-sight, radar, and related applications.

Experience Level

Senior / Principal level. Requires 12+ years of relevant industry experience.

Responsibilities

Immediate and near-term responsibilities include hands-on design, modeling, and test of PCB-based mmWave phased array antennas; longer-term responsibilities include system architecture, production transition, and mentoring.

• Design PCB-based antenna elements and arrays for mmWave operation; analyze array efficiency, gain, and scan performance.
• Collaborate with antenna, electrical, RF component, and PCB designers to develop phased-array prototypes.
• Model RF/mmWave components and structures (PCB transitions, matching networks, filters, tuning networks) using tools such as AWR, CST, or HFSS.
• Design passive RF circuits (splitters/combiners, transmission lines, impedance transformers) to support array designs.
• Develop and manage BOMs, guide parts selection, and support cost and schedule objectives.
• Support over-the-air and bench testing of RF/mmWave phased arrays; troubleshoot prototypes including power, control, and RF subsystems.
• Develop cascaded system design tools and AiP architectures; interact with PCB manufacturers and assembly shops for prototypes.
• Automate design and test tasks with scripting and mentor junior staff.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, experience, and expectations.

• Minimum of 12+ years of relevant experience in RF/mmWave phased array antenna design and testing.
• Prior hands-on design experience with RF/mmWave phased array antenna components and subsystems.
• Proficiency with full-wave and circuit EM tools such as AWR, CST, and/or HFSS.
• Experience testing RF and mmWave circuits, coupons, and systems, including OTA measurements.
• Scripting or programming experience (for example, Python) to automate design and test tasks.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience designing Antenna-in-Package (AiP) for high-volume production and transitioning designs from prototype to production.
• Familiarity with RF system budgeting, cascaded analysis, link budgets, calibration, and beam-steering/scan optimization.
• Experience with antenna measurement systems (near-field/far-field ranges) and array calibration techniques.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or equivalent technical degree or equivalent practical experience. The posting accepts equivalent practical experience in lieu of the stated degree.

About the Company

Company: Qorvo

Headquarters: Greensboro, NC, US

Qorvo supplies innovative semiconductor solutions that enhance connectivity and power for a variety of applications, including consumer electronics, automotive, and healthcare. With a focus on RF and power solutions, Qorvo combines technology leadership and global manufacturing to address complex challenges in fast-growing industries. Their commitment to excellence and innovation drives them to shape the future of wireless communications.