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Contract Antenna Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Motorola

Principal Antenna Engineer

Schaumburg, IL

$100K - $160K/yr

Antenna Engineering * Custom Antenna Development: Design, simulate, and optimize custom antenna ... Some contracts may have higher-level clearance requirements. Travel RequirementsUnder 10% ...

K2 Space

Principal RF Antenna Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$200K - $270K/yr

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... team of antenna, RF, field programmable gate array (FPGA), digital signal processing (DSP ...

K2 Space

Principal RF Antenna Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$200K - $270K/yr

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... team of antenna, RF, field programmable gate array (FPGA), digital signal processing (DSP ...

Cymertek

RF Systems Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

... Antenna Engineer, Electromagnetic Systems Engineer, RF Integration Engineer, Satellite ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Cymertek

RF Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

... Antenna Engineer, Electromagnetic Systems Engineer, RF Integration Engineer, Satellite ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Cymertek

RF Systems Engineer

Aurora, CO

... Antenna Engineer, Electromagnetic Systems Engineer, RF Integration Engineer, Satellite ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Cymertek

RF Systems Engineer

Honolulu, HI

... Antenna Engineer, Electromagnetic Systems Engineer, RF Integration Engineer, Satellite ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Cymertek

RF Systems Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

... Antenna Engineer, Electromagnetic Systems Engineer, RF Integration Engineer, Satellite ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Cymertek

RF Systems Engineer

San Antonio, TX · On-site

... Antenna Engineer, Electromagnetic Systems Engineer, RF Integration Engineer, Satellite ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Cymertek

RF Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

... Antenna Engineer, Electromagnetic Systems Engineer, RF Integration Engineer, Satellite ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Cymertek

RF Systems Engineer

San Antonio, TX

... Antenna Engineer, Electromagnetic Systems Engineer, RF Integration Engineer, Satellite ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Cymertek

RF Systems Engineer

Honolulu, HI · On-site

... Antenna Engineer, Electromagnetic Systems Engineer, RF Integration Engineer, Satellite ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Cymertek

RF Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

... Antenna Engineer, Electromagnetic Systems Engineer, RF Integration Engineer, Satellite ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Cymertek

RF Systems Engineer

Tysons, VA

... Antenna Engineer, Electromagnetic Systems Engineer, RF Integration Engineer, Satellite ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Cymertek

RF Systems Engineer

Reston, VA

... Antenna Engineer, Electromagnetic Systems Engineer, RF Integration Engineer, Satellite ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Antenna Engineer Jobs

Contract Antenna Engineer information

See salary details

$59K

$137.3K

$196.5K

How much do contract antenna engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract antenna engineer in the United States is $137,309.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,500.00 and $196,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Antenna Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Antenna Engineer, you need a solid background in RF engineering, antenna design, electromagnetic theory, and typically a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with simulation tools like CST, HFSS, or MATLAB, as well as experience with measurement equipment such as network analyzers, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and adaptability make candidates stand out in this project-driven role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure precise, reliable antenna solutions that meet client requirements and project deadlines.

What are Contract Antenna Engineers?

Contract Antenna Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test antenna systems on a contract or project basis, rather than as full-time employees. They work with clients to meet specific technical requirements for wireless communication, radar, satellite, or other radio-frequency systems. Their responsibilities often include simulation, prototyping, performance analysis, and troubleshooting. Contract Antenna Engineers may work remotely or onsite, and their projects can range from short-term consultations to long-term development efforts.

What is the difference between Contract Antenna Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectContract Antenna EngineerRF Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, specialized in antennasBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, RF or Communications focus
Work EnvironmentProject-based, often freelance or temporary roles in labs or field sitesFull-time or contract roles in R&D, manufacturing, or telecom companies
Industry UsageTelecommunications, aerospace, defense, consumer electronicsWireless communications, telecom, satellite, mobile devices

Contract Antenna Engineers focus specifically on designing and testing antennas, often working on short-term projects. RF Engineers have a broader scope, working on radio frequency systems, including antennas, amplifiers, and signal processing. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but their focus and work environments differ.

What are some common challenges faced by contract antenna engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Contract antenna engineers often face challenges such as rapidly adapting to new project requirements, integrating with unfamiliar teams, and managing tight project timelines. To address these, it's important to maintain strong communication with both clients and in-house engineers, quickly familiarize yourself with the company's design tools and processes, and stay organized to balance multiple tasks efficiently. Proactively seeking clarification on project objectives and deliverables can also help ensure alignment and successful project outcomes.
More about Contract Antenna Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Antenna Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Contract Antenna Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Antenna Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Antenna Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Antenna Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Antenna Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Antenna Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Antenna Engineer jobs are:
Contract Antenna Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Antenna Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 3% Full Time, 95% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,309 per year, or $66 per hour.
Senior Antenna Engineer

Senior Antenna Engineer

Antenna Research Associates Inc

Laurel, MD • On-site

$104K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Company Overview

ARA is a leading C5ISR company that designs, manufactures, tests and installs innovative technologies that provide the national security community with unparalleled situational awareness, threat detection, and communications capabilities.

Our disruptive, integrated solutions, assemblies and subsystems rise to the challenging demands of discerning, mission-critical customers.

We leverage our capabilities to meet and exceed the requirements of our customers and empower them to remain ahead of evolving threats and complexities in a dynamic security landscape.

Job Summary

ARA is seeking a talented Sr. Antenna Engineer. In addition to growing the contract R&D business, the Senior Antenna/Array Research & Development Engineer will support our product development and production teams by developing new intellectual property which can be transitioned to product development, as well as providing technical support during product development and through production as needed.

Ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance, US Citizenship required.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Execute & provide systems level expertise on technical tasks on R&D contracts to develop new antenna systems, technology and processes for DOD EW, ISR, radar and communication applications with a focus on conformal and low observable systems.
  • Support product development technical activities through the design, development and testing of prototype antenna/array systems.
  • Test antenna systems, analyze results in comparison to predicted performance and provide assessment of design, manufacturing process and performance. Write technical reports, prepare presentations and present results.
  • Support the contract R&D business segment by writing and winning proposals (Small Business Innovative Research.
  • Support the Program Manager in setting cost and schedule requirements and support the Business Development Team with other activities such as presentations and white papers.
  • Develop trusted partner relationships with both Government and Prime Contractor SME's.
  • Maintain up-to-date technical and non-technical job knowledge through professional development activities and participation in professional organizations and societies.

Position Qualifications

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Competency Statements

  • Adaptability - Adapts to change, open to new ideas and responsibilities
  • Communication - Ability to communicate thoughts clearly, both oral and written in an honest, open and timely manner
  • Job Knowledge - Understands facets of job, aware of duties and responsibilities, keeps job knowledge current
  • Technical Skill - Possesses the knowledge and skills needed to perform a job or role effectively
  • Dependability - Meets deadlines, works independently or in a team environment, is accountable, maintains focus, good attendance record
  • Quality - Strives to eliminate errors, accurate work is a priority, seeks opportunities to improve products
  • Ethics - Honest, accountable, maintains confidentiality
  • Initiative / Take Ownership - Takes action, seeks new opportunities, strives to see projects to completion, meaning own your job and see it through
  • Decision Making – Problem solve and critical thinking skills, be able to reach a decision, takes thoughtful approach when considering options, seeks input from others, makes difficult decisions
  • Customer Focus - Understands and can meet the needs in a customer-centric (Internal and External) environment and build strong relationships. Promotes a positive image of the company and strives to solve issues raised by customers

Experience and Skills

  • 7+ years of experience in antenna design, RF systems, or related engineering fields.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance, US Citizenship required.
  • Hands-on experience in the analysis, design, prototyping, and implementation of antenna/array systems for military EW, ISR, radar and communication systems.
  • Background in development and analysis of advanced concepts for active phased array and broadband antenna systems.
  • Working knowledge of military EW, ISR, communications and radar systems.
  • Conformal and/or low-profile antenna and array experience. Absorber design and modelling experience is a plus.
  • Prior experience with signature management techniques applied to antennas and sensor systems ia preferred.
  • High proficiency with 3-D full-wave electromagnetic modeling tools such as CST, HFSS, and Microwave Office, as well as simulation tools such as MATLAB, Simulink and other internally developed software.
  • Exceptional communication skills (both written and verbal) and leadership qualities.
  • Hands-on experience writing, winning and executing R&D contracts and grants for DoD and/or other US Government agencies.
  • Technical experience working with the DoD and Defense Prime Contractors on contract developmental and transition to production programs.
  • Occasional travel required.

Education

  • M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering with 7+ years’ relevant experience
  • Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering a plus

Antenna Research Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to a policy of non-discrimination and affirmative action. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.