Antenna and UT System Engineer

Antenna and UT System Engineer

Bethesda, MD Lightspeed System Development - Landing Stations and User Terminals - User Terminal Segment Full Time Hire - FTE with Benefits Hybrid Apply for this job

Telesat Nasdaq and TSX TSAT is a leading global satellite operator providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast telecommunications corporate and government customers for over 55 years. Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability, and industry-leading customer service, Telesat has grown to be one of the largest and most successful global satellite operators.

Telesat Lightspeed, our revolutionary Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network scheduled to begin service in 2027, will revolutionize global broadband connectivity for enterprise and Government users by delivering a combination of high capacity, security, resiliency, and affordability with ultra-low latency and fiber-like speeds. Telesat is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and has offices and facilities around the world.

The companys state-of-the-art Satellite fleet consists of 14 GEO satellites, the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1, and one LEO 3 demonstration satellite. For more information, follow Telesat on X and LinkedIn or visit www.telesat.com.

Job Summary

The successful candidate will bring engineering expertise in the design and deployment of satellite antennas and user terminals (UTs) for the Telesat Lightspeed Constellation network, supporting both fixed and mobile applications. This role involves complete analysis of terminal antenna options, modem integration, and UT architecture to provide technical inputs for deployment and portfolio development. The candidate will also lead technical relationships with antenna suppliers and participate in design reviews and validation tests.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop technical requirements for LEO Constellation UT antenna technology, including modem integration and antenna architecture
• Support the definition of UT antenna and modem requirements, evaluate vendor-developed technologies
• Interface with and evaluate vendor-proposed terminal designs for performance, reliability, manufacturability, and review integration strategies between antennas and modems for future UT designs
• Recommend modifications or new UT designs to achieve cost, performance, and reliability targets
• Identify tests to validate system assumptions with antenna and UT prototypes
• Help develop supporting documentation, test requirements, and compliance matrix for UT Type Approval process
• Lead evaluation of antenna technologies, including electronically steerable antennas (ESAs) and novel ESA technologies
• Stay current with the latest satellite 5G antenna design technologies and open AMIP and open BMIP standards

Education and Experience

• Bachelors in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or similar - required
• Masters in Engineering - required
• PhD with research on electronically steerable antenna design - highly preferred
• Minimum 10 years in satellite antenna terminal and/or satellite system design
• Experience with ESA design and modem integration is a strong plus
• Deployment of ESA-designed antennas is a strong plus

Specialized Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Simulation design and testing of electronically steerable antennas for satellite communication
• Knowledge of flat panel antenna integration approaches with various modem technologies
• Familiarity with standardized protocols for antenna control and modem interoperability and communication
• Expertise in Ka-band antenna technologies for mobile, land, aeronautical, maritime, and fixed applications
• Understanding of satellite modems, hub technology, and RF equipment
• Strong foundation in electromagnetism and array antenna architecture
• Experience with RFIC selection, beamforming, and manufacturing processes for array antennas
• Knowledge of antenna control techniques for beam steering and beam shape control
• Ability to make design trade-offs between performance, cost, and power consumption
• Experience working with suppliers and vendors of antenna and modem technologies
• Fluent in English, written and oral

Working Conditions

• 80% office environment
• 20% travel to vendors and customer internal meetings
• Occasional international travel must qualify for government clearance

At Telesat, we take pride in being an equal opportunity employer that values equality in the workplace. We are committed to providing the best candidate experience possible, including any required accommodations at every stage of our interview process. All qualified applicants that have been selected for an interview that require accommodations are advised to inform the Telesat Talent team accordingly. We will work with you to meet your needs. All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. 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.

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