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Virtual Antenna Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Virtual Antenna Engineer information

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

AspectVirtual Antenna EngineerRF Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related; certifications like RF or antenna designBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering; RF certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentRemote or on-site; focus on antenna design and simulationOn-site or remote; focus on RF systems, testing, and signal analysis
Industry UsageTelecommunications, wireless networks, 5G developmentWireless communications, broadcasting, defense, and telecom

Both roles require electrical engineering knowledge and related certifications. Virtual Antenna Engineers primarily focus on antenna design and simulation, often working remotely, while RF Engineers handle radio frequency systems, testing, and signal analysis, typically in lab or field settings. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the wireless industry.

What does a virtual antenna engineer do?

A Virtual Antenna Engineer designs, models, and optimizes antenna systems using computer simulations rather than physical prototypes. They use advanced software tools to predict how antennas will perform in various devices, such as smartphones and IoT gadgets. Their work helps ensure wireless devices have reliable connectivity and meet regulatory standards, often collaborating with hardware and software teams. This role is essential for streamlining the development process and reducing the cost and time of physical testing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a virtual antenna engineer?

To thrive as a Virtual Antenna Engineer, you need a strong background in electromagnetic theory, RF engineering, and antenna design, usually supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Expertise in simulation tools such as CST Microwave Studio, HFSS, and MATLAB, as well as familiarity with industry standards, is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex design challenges. These skills ensure the development of high-performance virtual antenna solutions that meet technical requirements and project goals.

How does a virtual antenna engineer typically collaborate with hardware and software teams during the product development cycle?

As a Virtual Antenna Engineer, you will frequently work alongside both hardware and software teams to ensure antenna designs are seamlessly integrated into devices. Collaboration might involve regular meetings to discuss simulation results, sharing design constraints, and troubleshooting issues that arise during prototyping and testing. You’ll often translate complex electromagnetic simulation data into actionable insights for hardware engineers and provide feedback to software developers on optimizing wireless performance. Effective communication skills are essential, as your input directly impacts the device’s connectivity and overall performance.
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Staff RF Electronic Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking an Staff RF Electronic Systems Engineer to join our team. This position would be based in Fairfax, VA.
The RF Electronic Systems Engineer will integrate, troubleshoot, and maintain end-to-end antenna systems and their respective RF processing chains. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of software-defined modems and radios, combined with a solid understanding of IP networking principles, routing protocols, antenna systems, software automation, and troubleshooting methodologies.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Operate and maintain front-end RF components, including software-defined radios and modems.
  • Work collaboratively with network engineering teams to define system architecture and ensure seamless integration of RF systems with network infrastructure.
  • Utilize knowledge of IP addressing and routing protocols to enhance the performance and reliability of RF communications.
  • Troubleshoot network configurations and connectivity issues impacting RF system performance.
  • Work with software developers to integrate new hardware components into the system and deliver end-to-end automated processes.
  • Perform simulations, modeling, and testing to predict system performance and identify enhancements.
  • Maintain thorough documentation of designs, specifications, and network configurations.
  • Collaborate with system administrators to install, update, and optimize software running on virtual machines.
  • Stay current with advancements in RF and networking technologies, recommending improvements to optimize product performance.

Basic Qualifications:
  • 12 Years of relevant experience with a completed Bachelors-STEM degree; 10 Years of relevant experience with a completed Masters-STEM degree; 8 Years of relevant experience with a completed PhD-STEM
  • Active TS/SCI clearance at time of application
  • Candidate must be willing to take a Full Scope Polygraph (polygraph may or may not be required depending on circumstances, but candidate must be willing to take it if needed)
  • Candidate must be willing to travel up to 25%
  • Willingness to work off-shift hours if needed, to include stints of 24/7 shifts in support of mission needs
  • Education/years of experience based on position level
  • Expertise in software-defined radios and modems, including operation and implementation.
  • Strong understanding of IP networking principles, including address allocation, subnetting, and routing over WANs and LANs.
  • Experience troubleshooting network issues related to digital RF communications, and RF analog communications.
  • Knowledge of basic antenna design and electromagnetic principles.
  • Proficient in RF simulation tools and networking software (e.g., STK, network monitoring tools).
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prefer candidate to have current Counterintelligence or Full Scope Polygraph
  • Strong understanding of radio frequency principles and antenna design.
  • Experience in configuring and managing network devices (e.g., routers, switches).
  • Basic understanding of virtual machines and Linux commands.
  • Hands-on experience with RF testing equipment and lab setups.

Primary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939