OPT Antenna Engineer Jobs
Antenna Engineer roles are strong OPT fits because the work falls squarely within electrical engineering, a STEM-designated field that qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Most positions require a bachelor's or master's in electrical engineering, RF engineering, or a related discipline, giving recent graduates a direct path from degree to authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Senior RF Antenna Engineer
Who We Are
Kymeta revolutionizes satellite communications through Intelligent Communications Platforms (ICPs). Our electronically steered flat panel antennas enable seamless communications on-the-move. Kymeta solutions serve government, military, maritime, transport, and public safety clients worldwide, providing uninterrupted connectivity and spatial intelligence anywhere, anytime. With over 150 patents, Kymeta is shaping the future of global communications.
What We Need
Kymeta is looking for a Senior RF Antenna Engineer who will use metamaterial technology to provide next generation satellite communications services using flat, thinner, lighter, and more efficient and less expensive solutions compared to traditional satellite antenna technologies. As a member of Kymeta’s research and antenna design team, a successful candidate will apply skills and experience in development of state of the art electronically scanned antennas. The candidate will accept ownership of assigned projects and apply initiative in developing solutions from conception through hardware qualification. The candidate will champion ideas in a multifunctional work environment, participate in development of design verification prototypes and collaborate with software, system and mechanical engineers. We are seeking creative, flexible individuals who enjoy working in a dynamic environment.
Key Duties And Responsibilities
- Research and development of electronic beam steering antenna concepts
- Analytical and full-wave analysis of antenna and waveguide components
- Prototype and hardware development in collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and process engineers for small scale proof of concept and full-scale antenna prototypes
- Collaborate with test engineers to conduct comprehensive farfield and nearfield measurements
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience with design and hardware implementation of array antennas and passive microwave devices (e.g., hybrids, combiners, waveguides) in Ku and Ka bands
- Experience with electronically scanned antennas is a significant plus
- Solid background in RF measurement techniques including both near field and far field antenna measurements
- Experienced in using ANSYS HFSS for fullwave analysis
- Experienced in scientific and numerical programming languages such as Python and Matlab
- Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with engineers in a cross-functional team
Education
- Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Electromagnetics, Applied Physics, or similar degree field with 3+ years of industry experience
- Alternatively, a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, Electromagnetics, Applied Physics, or similar degree field with 5+ years of industry experience
COMPENSATION
Kymeta is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. In the spirit of pay transparency, we have determined the salary range for this position to be $140k - $200k. This is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range would be atypical, in order to allow for future and continued salary growth. Compensation packages are based on a variety of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to: skill set, years and depth of experience, certifications, and geography. The total compensation package for this position includes an annual target bonus of 10%, stock options, and benefits listed below. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer.
BENEFITS
We offer a competitive benefits package which includes:
- Medical Plans: A choice between two competitive options
- Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
- Vision & Dental
- Life/AD&D
- Employee Assistance Program
- 401k
- Paid Time Off
- Exempt employees: Flexible PTO and 12 paid holidays per year
- Nonexempt employees: 15 vacation days, 7 sick days and 12 paid holidays per year
Kymeta is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.
INTRODUCTION
Senior RF Antenna Engineer
Who We Are
Kymeta revolutionizes satellite communications through Intelligent Communications Platforms (ICPs). Our electronically steered flat panel antennas enable seamless communications on-the-move. Kymeta solutions serve government, military, maritime, transport, and public safety clients worldwide, providing uninterrupted connectivity and spatial intelligence anywhere, anytime. With over 150 patents, Kymeta is shaping the future of global communications.
What We Need
Kymeta is looking for a Senior RF Antenna Engineer who will use metamaterial technology to provide next generation satellite communications services using flat, thinner, lighter, and more efficient and less expensive solutions compared to traditional satellite antenna technologies. As a member of Kymeta’s research and antenna design team, a successful candidate will apply skills and experience in development of state of the art electronically scanned antennas. The candidate will accept ownership of assigned projects and apply initiative in developing solutions from conception through hardware qualification. The candidate will champion ideas in a multifunctional work environment, participate in development of design verification prototypes and collaborate with software, system and mechanical engineers. We are seeking creative, flexible individuals who enjoy working in a dynamic environment.
Key Duties And Responsibilities
- Research and development of electronic beam steering antenna concepts
- Analytical and full-wave analysis of antenna and waveguide components
- Prototype and hardware development in collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and process engineers for small scale proof of concept and full-scale antenna prototypes
- Collaborate with test engineers to conduct comprehensive farfield and nearfield measurements
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience with design and hardware implementation of array antennas and passive microwave devices (e.g., hybrids, combiners, waveguides) in Ku and Ka bands
- Experience with electronically scanned antennas is a significant plus
- Solid background in RF measurement techniques including both near field and far field antenna measurements
- Experienced in using ANSYS HFSS for fullwave analysis
- Experienced in scientific and numerical programming languages such as Python and Matlab
- Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with engineers in a cross-functional team
Education
- Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Electromagnetics, Applied Physics, or similar degree field with 3+ years of industry experience
- Alternatively, a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, Electromagnetics, Applied Physics, or similar degree field with 5+ years of industry experience
COMPENSATION
Kymeta is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. In the spirit of pay transparency, we have determined the salary range for this position to be $140k - $200k. This is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range would be atypical, in order to allow for future and continued salary growth. Compensation packages are based on a variety of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to: skill set, years and depth of experience, certifications, and geography. The total compensation package for this position includes an annual target bonus of 10%, stock options, and benefits listed below. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer.
BENEFITS
We offer a competitive benefits package which includes:
- Medical Plans: A choice between two competitive options
- Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
- Vision & Dental
- Life/AD&D
- Employee Assistance Program
- 401k
- Paid Time Off
- Exempt employees: Flexible PTO and 12 paid holidays per year
- Nonexempt employees: 15 vacation days, 7 sick days and 12 paid holidays per year
Kymeta is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Antenna Engineer
Lead with your STEM OPT timeline upfront
Antenna engineering is STEM-eligible, so you have up to three years of OPT work authorization. Mention this early in conversations with recruiters. Employers are far more receptive when they understand you're not on a tight 12-month clock.
Target defense contractors and aerospace employers
Companies like Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and L3Harris hire antenna engineers regularly and have established OPT and H-1B visa sponsorship infrastructure. These employers are accustomed to sponsoring technical talent and often have dedicated immigration support teams.
Align your degree field explicitly to the role
OPT requires your job to be directly related to your major. In your resume and cover letter, connect your electrical engineering or RF coursework to the specific antenna design or RF systems work the employer needs. Vague connections raise flags.
Highlight hands-on RF and simulation tool experience
Proficiency in tools like HFSS, CST Studio, or MATLAB distinguishes candidates in a competitive field. Employers sponsoring OPT want engineers who can contribute immediately. Leading with concrete tool experience reduces perceived hiring risk for international candidates.
Ask about E-Verify enrollment before applying
OPT students can only work for E-Verify enrolled employers. Antenna engineering roles at smaller RF consultancies may not be enrolled. Confirm E-Verify status before investing time in an application process, especially for roles at smaller or newer firms.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for OPT-friendly antenna roles
Not every antenna engineering posting is open to OPT candidates. Migrate Mate surfaces roles from employers with active sponsorship track records, so you spend time on applications that are actually viable for your work authorization status.
Antenna Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Antenna Engineer job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Antenna engineering falls under electrical engineering, which is a STEM-designated field under the DHS STEM OPT extension list. If your degree is in electrical engineering, RF engineering, or a closely related discipline, you're eligible to apply for the 24-month extension, giving you up to three years of total OPT authorization.
What degree fields satisfy the OPT relatedness requirement for Antenna Engineer roles?
USCIS requires your OPT job to be directly related to your major. Electrical engineering, computer engineering, applied physics, and RF or microwave engineering degrees all have a strong direct connection to antenna engineering work. Degrees in adjacent fields like telecommunications or systems engineering may qualify depending on your specific coursework and job duties, so document the connection clearly.
Do Antenna Engineer employers typically sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?
Large defense and aerospace employers, government contractors, and telecommunications companies commonly sponsor both OPT and H-1B visas for antenna engineers because demand for RF talent consistently outpaces the domestic supply. Smaller RF consultancies vary widely. Browse Migrate Mate to identify employers with documented sponsorship histories before targeting your applications.
Can I work as an Antenna Engineer at a government facility on OPT?
It depends on the facility's security clearance requirements. Many federal antenna and RF engineering roles require U.S. citizenship or a security clearance that OPT students cannot obtain. However, cleared defense contractors working on government programs often hire OPT students for non-classified or commercially funded positions, so the contractor layer opens more options than direct federal employment.
What should I include in my OPT employer verification documents for an Antenna Engineer position?
Your employer needs to confirm the job is related to your degree in writing. For antenna engineering, this means documenting that the role involves RF design, electromagnetic simulation, antenna testing, or related technical work tied to your electrical or RF engineering degree. Your offer letter should describe specific technical duties, not just a job title. Vague descriptions can create complications during DSO reporting or future H-1B petitions.