RF Engineer (GNSS)

About Us

Harmattan AI is a next-generation defense prime building autonomous and scalable defense systems. Following the close of a $200M Series B, valuing the company at $1.4 billion, we are expanding our teams and capabilities to deliver mission-critical systems to allied forces.

About the Role

As an RF Engineer (GNSS) in the Hardware (Electronics) team, you will own the radionavigation architecture of our products. Our systems need high-precision navigation and robust connectivity in contested, complex environments, and you will be the expert responsible for the RF subsystems, from antenna design to integration and compliance. You will design custom GNSS antennas and receiver modules, extend them towards CRPAs for GNSS-denied operations, and see each design through simulation, lab validation and flight tests. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Responsibilities

• Antenna Design: Design custom GNSS antennas and receiver modules for our products, and extend the work towards CRPAs (Controlled Reception Pattern Antennas) for GNSS-denied environments.
• Antenna Integration: Integrate all antennas (GNSS, radio link) into the drones, validating through simulation (gain diagrams) and real-life lab and flight testing.
• GNSS Test Bench: Develop, maintain and configure the GNSS test bench to simulate satellite constellations and interference scenarios.
• RF Measurement: Run hands-on characterization with network and spectrum analyzers, and simulate new antenna iterations with EM software.
• Electromagnetic Compatibility: Lead EMC troubleshooting and pre-compliance testing, identifying and removing blockers early.
• PCB Collaboration: Work with PCB designers to review routing, shielding and RF layout.
• Architecture Ownership: Review and own the RF architecture across product lines, including link budgets and system-level RF performance.
• Mentoring: Act as the team's RF subject matter expert, coaching junior engineers on RF layout principles and EMC mitigation.

Candidate Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Telecommunications or a related field.
• Experience: Proven track record taking complex wireless devices from concept to mass production, including clearing strict EMC compliance hurdles. Background in aerospace, commercial drones or GNSS products is a strong advantage.
• GNSS: Solid grounding in GNSS, including hands-on use of a GNSS test bench to simulate edge-case environments, and an understanding of effects such as multipath.
• Antenna Design: Experience designing custom antennas under tight mechanical and space constraints, with EM simulation tools.
• RF & EMC: Strong command of RF fundamentals and measurement equipment (network and spectrum analyzers); comfortable working in an anechoic chamber.
• Mindset: Analytical, meticulous, structured and resilient; a hands-on problem-solver who works autonomously and collaborates well.
• Communication & Influence: Excellent written and verbal communication, capable of leading diverse principals, from junior members to senior executives.
• Commitment: 100% dedication to Harmattan AI's mission, vision, and ambitious growth plans, ready to go the extra mile to ensure operational excellence.