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Internship Antenna Design Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Internship Antenna Design information

What is an internship in antenna design?

An Internship in Antenna Design is a temporary position, usually for students or recent graduates, where you gain hands-on experience working with professionals in the field of antenna engineering. Interns typically assist with designing, modeling, testing, and optimizing antennas used in wireless communication systems, such as those found in smartphones, satellites, and radar. The internship often involves using specialized software, conducting experiments in labs, and learning about electromagnetic theory and practical design considerations. This experience helps interns develop technical skills and industry knowledge, preparing them for a career in antenna or RF engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship in antenna design?

To thrive as an Antenna Design Intern, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, electromagnetics, and RF/microwave principles, often supported by ongoing studies in these fields. Familiarity with simulation tools like CST, HFSS, and MATLAB, as well as basic measurement equipment, is typically expected. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills for collaborating with teams and solving design challenges. These skills are crucial for developing innovative, functional antenna solutions that meet technical and project requirements.

What types of projects and hands-on experiences can I expect during an internship in antenna design?

As an intern in antenna design, you can expect to work on a variety of hands-on projects such as designing, simulating, and testing antennas for applications like wireless communication or radar systems. You may use industry-standard simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST) to model antenna performance and participate in laboratory measurements alongside experienced engineers. Interns often contribute to team meetings, collaborate with other engineering disciplines, and may help troubleshoot and optimize antenna prototypes. This environment provides practical experience and exposure to both the theoretical and applied aspects of antenna design.

What is the difference between Internship Antenna Design vs Antenna Design Engineer?

AspectInternship Antenna DesignAntenna Design Engineer
CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate in Electrical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, research labs, or entry-level positionsFull-time professional roles in R&D, manufacturing, or telecommunications companies
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in antenna design, testing, and documentation under supervisionLeading antenna design projects, optimizing performance, and collaborating with teams

In summary, Internship Antenna Design is a temporary, learning-focused position for students or recent graduates, while Antenna Design Engineer is a full-time professional role requiring experience and expertise in designing and developing antennas for industry applications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Antenna Design jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Antenna Design jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Internship Antenna Design jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Internship Antenna Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Internship Antenna Design job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

CDL - Central Devel Lab - CO-OP Student

Associated Universities, Inc.

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Position Description:
Position Summary
The Central Development Laboratory (CDL) at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is the largest engineering team in the US dedicated to the development of radio astronomy technology. The CDL is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, and has the mission to develop state-of-the-art technology for use in radio telescopes used by the international scientific community
The Central Development Laboratory (CDL) at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) seeks undergraduate and graduate electrical engineering and computer science co-op students and interns to work in our design and research teams to develop instrumentation technology for the next generation of radio telescope. Our technology is used on the ALMA millimeter/sub-millimeter wave telescope in Chile, the Jansky Very Large Array in New Mexico, and in observatories around the world to study exoplanet formation, black holes, stellar and galaxy formation and evolution, and to search for chemical precursors for life in the universe. The selected co-op student(s) will, depending on skills and interest, work with and learn from experts on our digital design team, our millimeter/sub-millimeter receivers team, our ALMA front end support team, our antennas and electromagnetics team, and our spectrum measurement team.. The CDL is the world leader in the application of many technologies used in radio astronomy. Learning objectives for our co-ops and interns are to:
  • Learn industry best practices for engineering design and testing,
  • Learn to work on a professional multi-disciplinary team,
  • Learn how engineering supports scientific exploration.

Individual assignments will depend on knowledge, experience, and interest, and could include:
  • Digital circuit design, implementation and testing.
  • FPGA programming (Verilog) and testing.
  • RF circuit design, implementation and testing.
  • Antenna/RF design and analysis, and testing.
  • Signal processing algorithm development.
  • Software development and testing.
  • Test and evaluation of millimeter-wave receivers, antennas, and electromagnetic structures.
  • Mechanical design

Work Environment
Assignment will take place in an indoor lab setting with some outdoor work possible testing equipment. Must be able to work at a computer with detailed and complex textual and numerical information. Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Who You Are:
  • You are enrolled in a four-year accredited university and are majoring in electrical engineering or computer science and can participate in an on-site co-op program.
  • You have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies, two years preferred.
  • You must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Total Rewards:
Compensation
The starting hourly rate of this position is between $17 - $22. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.
**Housing assistance or stipends are not available for this position. Travel reimbursements up to $900 are available for qualifying relocation expenses. For more information about the Charlottesville area, please visit https://www.visitcharlottesville.org/
Application Instructions:
Select the "Apply" button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu.