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Antenna Design Phd Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Sr Research Engineer-RF

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$130.76K - $194.51K/yr

Bachelors with 8+ years OR MS with 6+ years OR PhD with 3+ years of related experience. Area of ... Phased array antenna systems: design, modeling, fabrication, testing * Hardware integration and ...

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Antenna Design Phd information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Antenna Design PhD, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Antenna Design PhD, you need deep expertise in electromagnetics, RF engineering, and antenna theory, typically supported by a doctorate in electrical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with simulation tools like CST, HFSS, or COMSOL, and familiarity with measurement equipment are crucial, along with published research or patents in antenna design. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills distinguish top candidates, enabling them to explain complex concepts and collaborate effectively. These skills ensure innovative, reliable antenna solutions that advance wireless communications and meet industry or academic research goals.

What are common challenges faced by Antenna Design PhDs when transitioning from academia to industry roles?

Antenna Design PhDs often encounter challenges such as adapting to faster-paced project timelines and a greater emphasis on practical, cost-effective solutions compared to academia's theoretical focus. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including RF engineers, hardware developers, and product managers—requires strong communication skills and the ability to balance innovation with real-world constraints. Understanding company-specific design tools, manufacturing limitations, and client requirements also becomes crucial for success in industrial settings.

What does an Antenna Design PhD do?

An Antenna Design PhD is a professional who has completed advanced doctoral studies focusing on the theory, simulation, and practical development of antennas for various applications, including telecommunications, radar, and satellite systems. Their work often involves research into new antenna technologies, optimizing antenna performance, and solving complex electromagnetic problems. They may collaborate with engineers and scientists to design prototypes, conduct experiments, and publish research findings. Antenna Design PhDs are typically employed in academia, research institutes, and industries such as aerospace, defense, and wireless communications.

What is the difference between Antenna Design Phd vs RF Engineer?

AspectAntenna Design PhdRF Engineer
Required CredentialsPhd in Electrical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or RF Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departmentsManufacturing, telecommunications, aerospace industries
Industry UsageDesigning antennas, research, academiaDeveloping RF systems, signal processing

While both roles involve RF principles, an Antenna Design Phd focuses on advanced research and development of antenna systems, often in academic or specialized R&D settings. An RF Engineer applies RF knowledge to practical system design and implementation in industry. The Phd role emphasizes research expertise, whereas the RF Engineer role centers on applied engineering tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Antenna Design Phd jobs in Michigan? For Antenna Design Phd jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Antenna Design Phd jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Antenna Design Phd job openings:
Sr Research Engineer-RF

Sr Research Engineer-RF

SRI International

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$130.76K - $194.51K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

From our Ann Arbor, MI office, we have an opening for a Senior Research Engineer with RF hardware experience. You will participate in multi-disciplinary, collaborative teams and contribute to the development of state-of-the-art remote sensing and surveillance processing algorithms and software implemented on real-time hardware. Relevant sensor types include electro-optic/infrared and active/passive radar imaging systems. Most programs are executed in small, highly collaborative groups. This is an in-office position with flexibility to work remotely occasionally.

This position is within the Advanced Technology and Systems Division (ATSD). The vision of ATSD is to create competitive advantages for our customers by inventing new technology and concepts resulting in disruptive, low cost, and high-performance solutions. The division advances the state of the art in diverse areas such as radar and electronic warfare; novel imaging technology; robotics; quantum sensing and metrology; marine technology; and applied optics. CHECK OUT OUR WORK!


  • Work with an interdisciplinary team to design, develop, and test of RF systems, including: transmitters, receivers, and antennas spanning high frequency (HF) to W-band (100 GHz) with minimal oversight
  • Development of marketing and proposal material for new RF systems for government and commercial clients
  • Modeling of RF systems using industry-standard design tools
  • Collaboration with engineers across different domains, including: mechanical, optical, digital
  • Documentation of system designs and schematics, test plans and procedures, and hardware development and test software
  • Participation in field experiments and data collections

  • Bachelors with 8+ years OR MS with 6+ years OR PhD with 3+ years of related experience.   Area of study - Electrical Engineering.
  • U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance required.
  • Knowledge of and experience with RF system design and modeling, including: radar sensitivity and resolution, RF link budgets.
  • Ability to lead and manage projects and tasks, including: development of schedules and budgets, resource allocation, and dependencies.
  • Proficiency in use of RF laboratory test equipment, including: spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, RF signal sources
  • Ability to prepare and present technical content in a professional manner to customers and coworkers.
  • Ability to support occasional travel associated with meetings and/or data collections.

Desired Skills:

  • System-level analysis and architecture development of RF systems, including: system and subsystem requirements generation, system specification, and trade studies
  • Experience maturing prototype designs (TRL 4-6) to operational systems (TRL 7-9)
  • Experience with business development and proposal writing
  • RF printed circuit board design and debug. Knowledge of Altium software is a plus.
  • Electromagnetic, antenna, and RF circuit modeling using industry-standard software. Familiarity with Ansys HFSS are Keysight Genesys are pluses.
  • Phased array antenna systems: design, modeling, fabrication, testing
  • Hardware integration and testing
  • Experience with Matlab and/or Python; familiarity with Linux

The salary range is: $130,760-$194,505. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.

SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.