RF Antenna Engineer

Hark

$120K — $300K *
Consumer Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of RF/Antenna design experience, notably in high-volume consumer electronics.
  • Led at least 2 full product lifecycles from development to mass market.
  • Expert-level proficiency in ANSYS HFSS, CST Studio Suite, or equivalent EM simulation tools.
  • Comprehensive understanding of RF front-end design, including essential components like filters and switches.
  • Experience with current communication technologies such as 5G, Wi-Fi 6E/7, Bluetooth 5.x, GNSS, and UWB.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and integration of multi-radio systems for optimal performance in complex environments.
  • Design and simulate miniaturized antennas suitable for high-density settings.
  • Collaborate with Industrial Design and Mechanical Engineering to balance aesthetics with RF transparency.
  • Develop RF strategies focusing on power efficiency for battery-operated devices.
  • Manage the product throughout EVT, DVT, and PVT phases including regulatory certifications and factory calibration.
  • Engage with chipset vendors and antenna manufacturers to drive innovation and feasibility.

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams.
  • Opportunity to influence the design of cutting-edge consumer technology.
  • Involvement in the full product lifecycle, offering broad exposure to development processes.
Full Job Description
About the Role

As the RF antenna engineer, you will be responsible for the end-to-end wireless design for our first-generation consumer wearable/device. You aren't just placing components; you are architecting a complex ecosystem of Cellular, Wi-Fi, BT, GNSS, NFC, and UWB radios within an extremely tight physical envelope. Your mission is to deliver optimal wireless functionality for the users.

Responsibilities
  • Architect the multi-radio systems, ensuring coexistence and optimal performance across a wide spectrum (sub-GHz to 8GHz+).
  • Design and simulate custom, miniaturized antennas (LDS, FPC, or metal frame) that thrive in high-density environments.
  • Partner with Industrial Design (ID) and Mechanical Engineering (ME) to find the "sweet spot" between aesthetic beauty and RF transparency.
  • Develop RF strategies that prioritize ultra-low power consumption for battery-constrained performance.
  • Own the product through EVT, DVT, and PVT phases, managing factory calibration, OTA testing, and global regulatory certifications (FCC/CE/PTCRB/GCF).
  • Lead engagements with chipset vendors and antenna fabricators to push the limits of what is commercially possible.

Requirements
  • 10+ years in RF/Antenna design, with at least 2 full lifecycles leading a high-volume consumer electronic product to mass market.
  • Expert-level proficiency in ANSYS HFSS, CST Studio Suite, or similar EM simulation tools.
  • Full-stack understanding of RF front-end (RFFE) design, including filters, switches, LNAs, and matching networks.
  • Proven experience with 5G/4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6E/7, Bluetooth 5.x, GNSS (L1/L5), and UWB.
  • Strong hands-on skills with VNA, Spectrum Analyzers, and Anechoic Chamber testing (TRP/TIS).

Bonus Qualifications
  • Experience with Human Body Interaction (SAR) and how it affects antenna tuning in wearables.
  • A background in UWB (Ultra-Wideband) for precision ranging and spatial awareness.

Compensation

The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $120,000 - $300,000 annually.

The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.

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