Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Electromagnetic Engineer

💰 $95,000 - $180,000

EngineeringHardware EngineeringAerospace & DefenseTelecommunicationsConsumer Electronics

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a highly skilled and innovative Electromagnetic Engineer to join our pioneering team. In this critical role, you will be the architect of our electromagnetic future, tackling complex challenges in RF design, antenna systems, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). You'll be instrumental in the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept and simulation to physical prototyping, testing, and final production. Your expertise will ensure our products not only meet but exceed the stringent performance and regulatory requirements of the modern world. This is an opportunity to apply your deep understanding of Maxwell's equations to tangible, industry-changing technologies, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of world-class engineers to solve problems that others deem impossible. If you are passionate about wave propagation, signal integrity, and shaping the invisible forces that power our connected world, we want to hear from you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior RF/Electromagnetic Engineer
  • Electrical Engineer with a focus on RF, Antennas, or Electromagnetics
  • Physics Graduate with a specialization in Electromagnetism or Optics

Advancement To:

  • Senior or Principal Electromagnetic Engineer
  • RF/Antenna Systems Architect
  • Technical Lead or Engineering Manager (EMC/RF)

Lateral Moves:

  • Signal Integrity / Power Integrity (SI/PI) Engineer
  • Systems Engineer
  • Hardware Design Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Design, model, and analyze cutting-edge antenna systems and RF/microwave circuits for applications ranging from wireless communications to radar and sensing.
  • Perform detailed 3D and 2.5D full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulations using industry-standard software (e.g., CST, HFSS) to predict performance, optimize designs, and mitigate risk before fabrication.
  • Develop and execute comprehensive Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Interference (EMI) test plans in accordance with commercial (FCC, CE), medical (IEC 60601), and aerospace/defense (MIL-STD-461, DO-160) standards.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex EMI, EMC, and RF coexistence issues at the component, PCB, and system levels through rigorous analysis and hands-on laboratory testing.
  • Lead the design and implementation of electromagnetic shielding, grounding, and filtering solutions to ensure system-level robustness and regulatory compliance.
  • Characterize the electromagnetic properties of novel materials and components to inform design decisions and push the boundaries of performance.
  • Conduct hands-on testing and characterization of antennas, RF components, and circuits using advanced lab equipment such as Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), Spectrum Analyders, and anechoic chambers.
  • Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and firmware engineering teams to ensure electromagnetic considerations are integrated throughout the entire product design process.
  • Generate detailed design documentation, simulation reports, test procedures, and validation results to support design reviews and regulatory submissions.
  • Provide expert guidance on PCB layout for high-frequency circuits, including layer stack-up, trace routing, and component placement to maintain signal integrity and minimize emissions.
  • Drive the research and development of new electromagnetic technologies, methodologies, and simulation techniques to maintain the company's competitive edge.
  • Define and specify RF and electromagnetic system requirements based on product goals, customer needs, and the intended operational environment.
  • Mentor junior engineers, providing technical guidance on EM theory, simulation best practices, and RF test methodologies.
  • Interface with external vendors and manufacturing partners to oversee the fabrication and integration of custom RF components and antenna systems.
  • Develop automated test scripts and data analysis tools using Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW to improve the efficiency and repeatability of EM characterization.
  • Analyze and mitigate desensitization issues in wireless systems, identifying root causes of interference and implementing effective mitigation strategies.
  • Design and validate Over-the-Air (OTA) test setups to characterize antenna performance and total radiated power (TRP) / total isotropic sensitivity (TIS) for wireless devices.
  • Conduct signal integrity (SI) and power integrity (PI) analysis for high-speed digital interfaces to ensure reliable data transmission.
  • Stay current with emerging industry trends, new technologies, and evolving regulatory standards related to electromagnetics, RF, and wireless communications.
  • Lead root-cause failure analysis for complex field issues related to EMI, ESD, and RF performance, proposing and validating effective corrective actions.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis for RF performance metrics.
  • Contribute to the organization's technology roadmap, particularly in areas of RF, antenna, and EMC innovation.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate high-level product needs into tangible electromagnetic engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning, design reviews, and agile ceremonies within the broader hardware engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Electromagnetic Simulation: Mastery of 3D/2.5D EM simulation tools such as ANSYS HFSS, CST Studio Suite, or Comsol Multiphysics.
  • RF Circuit Design & Analysis: Proficiency with RF design and analysis tools like Keysight ADS, NI AWR, or similar.
  • Antenna Design Principles: Deep knowledge of various antenna types (e.g., patch, dipole, horn, phased arrays) and their underlying theory.
  • EMC/EMI Standards: In-depth knowledge of key EMC/EMI standards (e.g., FCC Part 15, IEC 61000, MIL-STD-461, DO-160).
  • RF Test & Measurement: Hands-on experience with Vector Network Analyzers (VNA), Spectrum Analyzers, Power Meters, Signal Generators, and Anechoic Chambers.
  • Data Analysis & Scripting: Proficiency in scripting for automation and data analysis using Python or MATLAB.
  • PCB Layout Principles: Strong understanding of high-frequency PCB layout techniques, including impedance control, stack-up design, and grounding strategies.
  • Signal & Power Integrity (SI/PI): Familiarity with SI/PI simulation and analysis concepts and tools.
  • Component Characterization: Experience characterizing passive and active RF components (filters, amplifiers, mixers, etc.).
  • Solid Mechanics & CAD: Basic familiarity with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo) for collaboration with mechanical teams on enclosure and antenna integration.

Soft Skills

  • Analytical Problem-Solving: Ability to deconstruct complex electromagnetic problems and devise systematic, logical solutions.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to simulation setup, experimental procedure, and data interpretation.
  • Strong Communication: Excellent written and verbal skills to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse, cross-functional audiences.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Proven ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, multidisciplinary environment.
  • Creativity & Innovation: A drive to challenge conventional thinking and develop novel solutions.
  • Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, from planning and execution to delivery.
  • Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced R&D environment with evolving project requirements.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in a relevant field of study.

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Science (M.S.) or Doctorate (Ph.D.) with a specialization in Electromagnetics, RF/Microwave Engineering, or Antenna Design.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Physics (with a focus on Electromagnetism)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-10+ years of professional experience in an electromagnetic, RF, or antenna design role. Entry-level candidates with exceptional academic or project experience (M.S./Ph.D.) will be considered.

Preferred:

  • Demonstrated experience taking multiple products from concept through to high-volume manufacturing, with a proven track record of solving challenging EMI/EMC and RF performance issues. Experience in consumer electronics, aerospace, automotive, or medical device industries is a significant plus.
Explore More Careers