Senior Antenna Engineer

Kapta Space, a VC-funded early-stage startup in Seattle, WA, is breaking new ground in Geospatial Intelligence.  Our technology centers around a proven, scalable electronically-steered radar for sophisticated spaceborne applications such as earth observation using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) techniques, as well as enabling advanced defense missions such as target tracking.

Kapta is seeking a Senior Antenna Engineer to lead the development of our radar antenna systems. The antenna engineer will be responsible for design, build and test of high frequency and millimeter wave electronically scanned antennas in collaboration with diverse engineering disciplines. This position requires a strong, self-driven engineer capable of working independently in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment. The candidate must have a demonstrated capability to apply advanced technical principles, theories and concepts. The ideal candidate must have the drive and experience to complete projects independently and on time.

• You are able to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in creating radar system and antenna requirements
• You have previously designed high-performance antenna systems and microwave circuits for use in c-SWaP-constrained systems
• Can develop tools for antenna and RF performance analysis within the larger radar system
• You are able to fabricate and test antenna systems and integrated radars. Also, you are comfortable working with vendors and suppliers to meet performance and requirements
• Test what you build! You can take measurements and perform analysis of antenna and radar systems, and incorporate test data into system-level performance analysis
• You have the ability to optimize and calibrate antennas and antenna arrays for key performance metrics, including gain, side lobes, and polarization purity over frequency and scan angle
• You can shift into a customer-facing mode and engage with customers to demonstrate and evaluate antenna and radar systems for new applications and emergent spaceborne missions
• You are able to implement and test antenna control algorithms for advanced performance modes
• You are comfortable assisting in the recruiting, interviewing, and hiring additional teammates to our rapidly growing team

• BS, MS, or PhD degree in electrical engineering, physics or related discipline
• Onsite role in Seattle, WA, with intermittent work travel required (less than 10%)
• 7+ years of experience in RF and antenna design for radar or communications applications
• Familiarity with phased-array design principles and digital beamforming (DBF)
• Proficient use of commercial EM solvers for large-scale electromagnetic simulations, such as HFSS
• Familiarity with high-density PCB-based antenna design and fabrication
• Build a strong culture of technical excellence, innovation and ownership

• Spaceborne antenna system design experience, including deployable antennas and structural and thermal design considerations
• Familiarity with radar systems, signal processing, high-power electronics and thermal design
• Previous experience designing metamaterial or traveling wave feed antennas
• Familiarity with RFICs and custom ASICs
• RF systems at Ku-band and higher frequencies
• Ability to gain and hold a TS security clearance

Concerned you do not meet all the requirements? Not a problem - please apply even if you do not meet all these criteria.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Kapta Employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or Commerce as applicable. 

Kapta Space is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation, strengthens our team, and broadens our capabilities. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.