Sr. Antenna Design Engineer in Bangalore, भारत

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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