STEM OPT Antenna Engineer Jobs
Antenna Engineer roles in defense, wireless, and telecommunications qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of F-1 work authorization. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related STEM field must map to an approved CIP code.
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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.
See all Antenna Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Antenna Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an Antenna Engineer
Confirm your CIP code before applying
Electrical Engineering (CIP 14.1001) and Physics (CIP 40.0801) are the most common qualifying codes for Antenna Engineer roles. Verify your degree's exact CIP code with your DSO before submitting any STEM OPT extension paperwork to avoid delays.
Filter job postings by E-Verify status
Not every employer posting RF or antenna roles is enrolled in E-Verify. Search Migrate Mate to filter for verified E-Verify employers, so you only apply to companies that can legally support your STEM OPT extension from day one.
Target defense contractors with active security clearance pipelines
Many antenna engineering roles sit inside defense programs requiring security clearances. Employers running active clearance pipelines typically have established HR processes for STEM OPT students and are more familiar with E-Verify obligations and I-983 training plan requirements.
Draft your I-983 training plan around measurable RF outputs
USCIS requires your I-983 to tie training goals to your degree field. For antenna engineering, list concrete deliverables like antenna array simulations, far-field pattern measurements, or prototype testing cycles rather than generic engineering tasks that won't satisfy the practical training connection.
Check prevailing wage before negotiating your offer
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the SOC code for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (17-2070) in your target metro area. Confirming the wage level before your offer letter is signed protects you if the employer later pursues an LCA for H-1B sponsorship.
Apply at least 90 days before your OPT end date
File your STEM OPT extension application with USCIS no earlier than 90 days before your current EAD expires. If USCIS hasn't adjudicated by your OPT end date and you filed on time, a 180-day automatic extension keeps you authorized while you wait.
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Find Antenna Engineer JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does my degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as an Antenna Engineer?
Your degree qualifies if it maps to an approved STEM CIP code. Electrical Engineering (14.1001), Physics (40.0801), and Computer Engineering (14.0901) are the most common qualifying fields for antenna engineering work. Your DSO can confirm your exact CIP code by checking your degree against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before you file your extension.
Does every company hiring Antenna Engineers accept STEM OPT students?
No. Employers must be enrolled in E-Verify to hire STEM OPT students legally. Many smaller defense subcontractors and RF consulting firms are not enrolled, even if they actively recruit engineering graduates. Before applying, verify E-Verify enrollment through the E-Verify employer search tool or use Migrate Mate, which filters listings by E-Verify status so you can apply with confidence.
What goes into an I-983 training plan for an Antenna Engineer role?
Your I-983 must connect your daily work to your STEM degree field. For antenna engineering, that means documenting specific training goals like antenna design, electromagnetic simulation, RF testing, or signal propagation analysis. Generic entries such as 'engineering support' are insufficient. Your employer's designated training supervisor signs the form, and your DSO must receive a copy within ten days of your STEM OPT start date.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my Antenna Engineer role is reclassified or eliminated?
If your employer lays you off or your role changes significantly, you have a 60-day grace period to find a new qualifying employer enrolled in E-Verify. During that window, you can't work, but you can search and interview. A new employer requires an updated I-983 and a new SEVIS record update from your DSO. Acting within the 60 days preserves your status.
How does cap-gap protection apply if I'm on STEM OPT and my employer files an H-1B petition?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before April 1 and your STEM OPT EAD is valid on that date, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year if your petition is selected in the lottery. USCIS grants this extension without requiring a new EAD, and you can continue working in your Antenna Engineer role throughout that period.
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