The Role
Lead end-to-end antenna and phased-array architecture for a spaceborne SAR payload, including electromagnetic design, simulation, analytical validation, beamforming coordination, RF-thermal-mechanical analysis, measurement, environmental qualification, integration, and in-orbit support. The role requires deep antenna theory, phased-array expertise, antenna testing experience, technical documentation skills, and cross-functional collaboration. The engineer will also mentor junior staff and support flight qualification.
Summary Generated by Built In
At GalaxEye Space, we are pioneering the next generation of Earth observation solutions with our cutting-edge satellite technology. As a fast-growing space-tech startup, our mission is to revolutionize the way we gather, process, and deliver geospatial intelligence. In this journey,
We are seeking a Senior Antenna Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and validation of antenna and array systems for a space-borne SAR mission, from concept through flight qualification. The role requires strong fundamentals in antenna theory and electro magnetics, with the ability to independently reason about array behaviour beyond CST/HFSS simulations. The candidate should have expertise in array factor, mutual coupling, grating lobes, polarisation, beam steering, and RF–thermal–mechanical interactions, while working closely with RF, mechanical, thermal, and systems teams. Join us to become a part of an agile, high-impact team working at the forefront of space innovation.
- Own the end-to-end antenna and phased-array architecture for the SAR payload, from radiating element and full aperture definition.
- Apply first-principles electromagnetic and antenna theory, array factor synthesis, mutual coupling, active element pattern, scan blindness, grating lobe conditions, and aperture illumination/tapering to guide design decisions rather than relying on simulation tools alone.
- Design and analyse microstrip, waveguide, or other radiating element topologies suited to the space borne radar frequency band, polarisation scheme (single/dual/quad-pol), and power-handling requirements.
- Perform full-wave electromagnetic simulation and analysis using CST Studio Suite, HFSS, or equivalent tools, and independently interpret and cross-check results against analytical models and measurement data.
- Analyse and mitigate mutual coupling, surface waves, edge diffraction, and thermal/mechanical distortion effects on array pattern performance.
- Define and support beamforming network requirements in coordination with the RF and hybrid TTD/phase-shifter beamforming teams, including phase/amplitude calibration and error budget allocation.
- Support development of the Transmit/Receive Module (TRM) and panel-level RF interfaces, ensuring antenna and front-end RF performance are co-optimized.
- Plan and support antenna range testing, near-field/far-field pattern measurements, calibration campaigns, and environmental qualification (vibration, thermal-vacuum) of antenna hardware.
- Correlate simulation models against measured antenna and array data, and update analyses and margins accordingly.
- Prepare antenna design reports, analysis and verification documentation, interface control documents, and test procedures.
- Support integration, in-orbit commissioning, anomaly investigation, and mission operations from an antenna/RF performance perspective.
- Mentor junior RF and antenna engineers, and review their designs and analyses for conceptual soundness, not just simulated results.
Requirements
- Master’s degree/ Ph.D in Electronics/Communication Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Antenna/RF Engineering, or a related field.
- 7+ years of experience in antenna and phased-array engineering, with demonstrated ownership of antenna design for aerospace, spacecraft, radar, or other high-reliability RF systems.
- Strong fundamental grounding in electromagnetic theory (Maxwell’s equations, wave propagation, radiation theory) and classical antenna theory, ability to derive array factor, element pattern, and aperture efficiency from first principles.
- Solid understanding of phased-array fundamentals: beam steering, grating lobes, mutual coupling, scan loss, active element pattern, and quantization/calibration error effects.
- Working knowledge of polarisation theory, including axial ratio, cross-polarization discrimination, and dual/quad-polarization.
- Demonstrated ability to independently validate and sanity-check full-wave simulation results (CST/HFSS) using analytical or semi-analytical methods, rather than treating the tool as a black box.
- Experience with antenna measurement techniques, including near-field/far-field ranges, pattern and gain measurement, and calibration.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical documentation skills, with the ability to communicate design trade-offs to systems and cross-disciplinary teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with Transmit/Receive Module (TRM) design and panel-level RF/digital interfaces.
- Python or MATLAB scripting experience for array simulation, pattern synthesis, calibration algorithms, or link-budget.
- Experience with thermo-mechanical/RF co-analysis and its effect on array pattern stability.
- Exposure to environmental qualification testing (vibration, TVAC) of RF/antenna hardware.
- Familiarity with radar system-level concepts such as chirp generation, phase noise, and swath power/link budget analysis.
Benefits
- Opportunity to own the antenna architecture for an advanced spaceborne SAR mission from first principles through flight qualification.
- Work in a multidisciplinary team spanning RF, digital, thermal, mechanical, and systems engineering on cutting-edge space technology.
- Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge space missions.
- Collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment
Skills Required
- Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Electronics/Communication Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Antenna/RF Engineering, or a related field
- 7+ years of experience in antenna and phased-array engineering
- Demonstrated ownership of antenna design for aerospace, spacecraft, radar, or other high-reliability RF systems
- Strong grounding in electromagnetic theory and classical antenna theory
- Understanding of phased-array fundamentals, including beam steering, grating lobes, mutual coupling, scan loss, active element patterns, and calibration errors
- Knowledge of polarization theory, including axial ratio, cross-polarization discrimination, and dual/quad polarization
- Ability to validate CST/HFSS full-wave simulation results using analytical or semi-analytical methods
- Experience with near-field/far-field antenna measurements, pattern and gain measurement, and calibration
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, technical documentation, and cross-functional communication skills
- Familiarity with Transmit/Receive Module design and panel-level RF/digital interfaces
- Python or MATLAB scripting experience for array simulation, pattern synthesis, calibration algorithms, or link budgets
- Experience with thermo-mechanical/RF co-analysis and array pattern stability
- Exposure to vibration and thermal-vacuum environmental qualification testing of RF/antenna hardware
- Familiarity with radar system concepts such as chirp generation, phase noise, and swath power/link-budget analysis
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The Company
What We Do
GalaxEye is an Indian space-tech startup developing advanced Earth-observation technologies. Its flagship Drishti Mission uses a multisensor imaging satellite combining optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar data to produce high-resolution imagery, including through cloud cover and at night. The company applies artificial intelligence, computer vision, and geospatial analysis to support governments, defense organizations, and industries with actionable insights.
