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Contract Antenna Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Antenna

Strategic Account Director

$225K - $300K/yr

Antenna's standardized metrics, competitive benchmarks, syndicated insights, and market ... You speak the language of programming, audience measurement, and subscriber growth, translating ...

Astranis

Antenna Intern (Fall 2026)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$29/hr

... contracts. Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent ... As an Antenna Intern, you will work closely with mechanical, thermal, and payload system engineers ...

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Contract Antenna Engineer information

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$59K

$137.3K

$196.5K

How much do contract antenna engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 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.
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Contract Antenna Engineer jobs near you
Senior RF Test Engineer I - Antenna

Senior RF Test Engineer I - Antenna

CesiumAstro

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

We’re seeking a Senior Antenna Test Engineer I with experience in RF anechoic chamber measurements and Antenna characterization to join our Test Engineering team. You’ll work closely with RF, antennas, and systems engineers to define, execute, and analyze antenna measurement campaigns — including radiation patterns, gain, efficiency, polarization, and over-the-air performance — using state-of-the-art chamber setups. 
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Plan, setup, and execute antenna and RF measurement campaigns in anechoic chambers, including Near-Field and far-field radiation patterns, gain, efficiency, and polarization characterization.
  • Perform VNA calibration and measurement, spectrum analysis, and signal generation.
  • Align, position, and configure devices under test (DUTs), reference antennas, and positioners to maximize measurement fidelity.
  • Develop, refine, and document test procedures, setups, and data and test analysis scripts.
  • Collaborate with design and systems teams to troubleshoot anomalies and product development.
  • Manage and maintain chamber instrumentation, cables, and ancillary RF equipment.
  • Develop custom test code, to enhance test performance and reduce test time.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) or higher in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
  • 4+ years of experience in RF testing, with significant hands-on experience in anechoic chamber antenna measurements.
  • Proficient with Vector Network Analyzers (VNA), spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and associated RF instrumentation.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform pattern measurements, gain and efficiency extraction, and polarization characterization.
  • Strong understanding of RF fundamentals: matching, S-parameters, near field and far-field measurements, and chamber effects.
  • Experience with automated test procedures and data processing (Python and C#).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail in documentation and reporting.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
  • Experience with phased array testing, antenna and phased array troubleshooting, and OTA testing.
  • Antenna design experience.
  • Familiarity with NSI control software and positioner automation.
  • Prior aerospace or satellite RF test experience. 
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.  Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.  
 
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.