Staff Consultant - Antenna/RF System Design

Company: Ball Corporation
Location: Westminster
Posted on: March 20, 2023

Job Description:

Clearance Requirement: A current, active Secret security clearance is required.

Ball Aerospace is powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus. We pioneer discoveries that enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most. We create innovative space solutions, enable more accurate weather forecasts, drive insightful observations of our planet, deliver actionable data and intelligence, and ensure those who defend our freedom go forward bravely and return home safely.

At our core, we're passionate, committed people who believe together we can achieve extraordinary things. We work collaboratively with each other, our customers and partners to solve the world's greatest challenges. That means listening to one another, providing feedback and partnering across all levels. We value our inclusive culture where everyone is heard equally and creativity thrives. Each team member is fully invested in our mission and we bring an energy to work every day that propels our business and motivates us all to Go Beyond. -

For more information, visit Ball Aerospace Career Site or connect with us on LinkedIn , Facebook , Twitter or Instagram .

The Engineering Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the organizational talent and technical leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers' missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.

Contingent upon contract award to Ball Aerospace and subsequent task orders.

Staff Consultant - Antenna/RF System Design

This engineering position will report to the manager of RF Solutions, primarily support the Tactical Solutions business unit of Ball, and will have Radio Frequency (RF) engineering as its area of specialization with design and test of RF antennas, systems, and components as the focus.

What You'll Do:

• Be responsible for the hands-on design and realization of individual antennas, phased array antennas, RF circuits, passive RF components, and RF systems.
• Use computational electromagnetic analysis software to design and predict performance on various types of antennas and apertures (spiral, sinuous, Vivaldi, patch, slot, horn, etc.)
• Design frequency-selective surfaces (FSSs) for use with various radiating apertures.
• Implement various design techniques (materials, shaping, etc.) for RCS mitigation where necessary.
• Collaborate with other engineers and technicians to realize RF designs.
• Participate and guide the testing of RF hardware for required performance metrics: VSWR, insertion loss, gain, polarization, radar cross section (RCS), etc.
• Antenna requirement evaluation, initial concept trade-off and development, in-house and customer presentations, travel, and technical proposal writing and cost/schedule estimating.
• Investigate new technologies and applications for radiating apertures, antennas, and RF systems.
• Mentor and guide more junior engineers and technicians in the design, build, and test phases of RF projects and programs.
• Provide technical solutions to a wide range of difficult problems involving antenna/sensor-based applications such as electronic warfare, electronic attack, electronic support measures, communications, geolocation, direction finding, etc.
• Frequent inter-organizational and outside customer contacts. Represents the organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects.
• Interface well with other people at all levels including customers, use initiative in applying solutions to assignments.
• Provide technical input and support to proposals and new business opportunities.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units, and the rest of the company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Perform other duties as necessary. What You'll Need:
  • BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 16 or more years related experience.
  • Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master's Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
  • Full competency in core RF engineering and antenna theory and skills and general knowledge of other related disciplines.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Assists with the preparation and delivery of presentations.
  • Experience and skills to effectively contribute to successful producibility of designs and to cost, budget, and schedule control.
  • Experience with design of antennas and passive RF components (radiating elements, radomes, power dividers, couplers, transitions, multi-layer board designs, FSSs, etc.).
  • Analytical design experience using software and simulation tools such as AWR Microwave Office/Agilent ADS, CST, FEKO, HFSS, and SENTRI.
  • RF antenna testing experience utilizing network analyzers, PNAs, anechoic chambers, near-field ranges, etc.
  • Experience and proficiency in programming, data manipulation, and data visualization in MATLAB and Python.
  • Ability to schedule and execute measurements at internal and external facilities and perform measurement analysis and troubleshooting.
  • Demonstrated ability to apply technical expertise in RF engineering and to leverage knowledge of other related disciplines.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead RF efforts and tasks and to guide technical project teams toward the completion of program goals and milestones.
  • Familiarity with and exposure to military and tactical communication and data systems / architectures is preferred.
  • A current, active Secret security clearance is required. Full-Time On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site full-time. Travel and local commute between Ball campuses and other possible non-Ball locations may be required.
    
    Working Conditions:
    • Ball Aerospace is a drug-free workplace, which is imperative to the health and safety of all employees and is required as a condition of receiving contracts from federal agencies. Please remember that regardless of the legalization of marijuana in Colorado and other states, possession and use continues to be illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This includes the use of some CBD products. A post-offer, pre-employment drug test is a condition of employment.
    • Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or clean room, outdoors or remote research environment.
    • May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
    • May access other facilities in various weather conditions.
    • Travel and local commute between Ball campuses and other possible non-Ball locations may be required. Verification that your current security clearance or government customer access meets the requirement for this position will be required.
      
      Relocation for this position is available.
      
      Compensation & Benefits:
      • HIRING SALARY RANGE: $175,500 - $222,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.)
      • This position includes a competitive benefits package. For details, copy and paste https://bit.ly/3pNSnxv into your browser or visit our careers site.
        
        US CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED
        
        Ball Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
        
        #LI-AP1
        
        Nearest Major Market: Denver

Keywords: Ball Corporation, Denver , Staff Consultant - Antenna/RF System Design, Professions , Westminster, Colorado