Senior RF / Antenna Design Engineer

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

We are seeking a Senior RF / Antenna Design Engineer to join our new Munich, Germany office. This role will be central to developing and supporting advanced antenna concepts for Space and ground terminals, and demonstration systems. You will collaborate closely with system, electrical, and software engineers to design, simulate, and test antennas that meet the needs of next-generation communications architectures.

The ideal candidate combines strong theoretical knowledge of electromagnetics and RF engineering with practical design, prototyping, and test experience. You will contribute to concept studies, customer proposals, and hands-on demonstration hardware that showcases CesiumAstro technology.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Design, simulate, and analyze active phased array antennas and RF front-end concepts for ground terminals and demonstration systems.
• Perform antenna modeling, including radiation patterns, gain, beam steering, bandwidth, polarization, and array-level performance.
• Develop prototypes and lead testing activities (lab, chamber, and over-the-air) to validate phased array designs.
• Define antenna interface requirements (mechanical, electrical, RF, environmental) and ensure compatibility with payloads and RF front-end electronics.
• Collaborate with System Engineers to perform trade studies and link analyses for customer proposals.
• Support technical discussions with customers and partners, representing CesiumAstro in Europe.
• Document designs, analyses, and test results; maintain design baselines.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• M.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related field.
• 4+ years of experience in antenna or phased array design for aerospace, telecom, or defense applications.
• Hands-on experience with simulation tools (HFSS, CST, FEKO, or similar).
• Strong foundation in electromagnetics, RF propagation, and phased array theory.
• Practical experience with antenna prototyping, testing, and measurement techniques.
• Familiarity with communication payloads, RF front ends, or ground station terminals.
• Excellent communication skills; able to present work to both customers and technical teams.
• Fluent in English.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
• Experience with high-frequency bands (Ka, Q/V, or higher).
• Knowledge of digital beamforming and phased array calibration.
• Customer-facing technical experience in aerospace/telecom.
• Interest in mentoring and growing into a leadership role as the Munich team expands.

WHAT WE OFFER:
• The opportunity to help establish CesiumAstro’s first European office and grow our Munich team.
• High-impact role with direct exposure to leading EU space programs.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• A collaborative, innovative environment shaping the future of space communications.

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Please be aware that many roles will be subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors including new starter’s nationality, any previous or dual nationalities held, place of birth and country of residence may limit those roles that you can perform for the organization.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.