AGC | RF Antenna Design Engineer, Ypsilanti, MI

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RF Antenna Design Engineer

AGC Automotive Americas has an opening for an Antenna Engineering – RF Antenna Design Engineer in Ypsilanti, MI. 

Purpose of Position: The candidate will be part of a high-profile team within AGC to implement new technology and solution development for new automotive antennas and related RF products. To conduct automotive antenna and connectivity related research, development, and validation projects for new and existing innovative glazing products and processes. Responsibilities include idea conception, design, development, experimentation, validation, analysis of products and processes, customer and supplier interface. Other responsibilities include: 

  • Direct research and development activities according to applicable government regulations, manufacturing processes, or other considerations, and approve modification of formulas, standards, specifications, and processes 
  • Advise on and propose innovative new product design and process improvements
  • Evaluate and develop existing glazing products and processes 
  • Locate, collect, and report cost(s) associated with development activities from R&D through production 
  • Develop, monitor, and report to the Antenna & Connectivity Group Leader on project roadmaps that are guided by clear goals and objectives 
  • Explore cutting-edge technologies, track and monitor automotive industry antenna and connectivity design trends
  • Participate in root cause analysis activities 
  • Develop innovative solutions with challenging technical and customer requirements
  • Applied use of Stage/Gate approach and cooperate with related team members and project leaders to make sure the design can be implemented successfully
  • Keep track of technical specifications, design guidelines and any related documents for each new solution 

RF & Antenna Specific: 

  • Background with small antennas related to consumer electronics, cellular or automotive, coupled with tuning and matching circuits’ design, and the good understanding of EMI/EMC issues associated with small packaged applications, and in electronically complex environment is a key
  • Strong knowledge of GSM/UMTS/LTE/4G/5G, 802.11, Bluetooth, DSRC, AF/FM, SDARS, GNSS, and RKE including corresponding system level specifications
  • Hands on experience with antenna/RF-circuit design tools 
  • Use of antenna/RF-circuit measurement equipment – network and spectrum analyzers 
  • Use of electromagnetic, antenna theory and RF-circuit design tools for conformal small-size antenna design 
  • Performing antenna near/far field measurements, data post processing and results’ analyses and prepare full testing reports 
  • Applying RF/antenna theoretical concepts and practical expertise to develop RF/antenna system products, methods and processes meeting industry standards and specifications 
  • Writing and presenting technical and non-technical reports   

Requirements: 

Technical:

  • 2+ years of industry experience/R&D or product validation, automotive preferred 
  • Working knowledge of specifications, standards, scientific test methods, equipment, and instrumentation relevant to area of specialty 
  • Demonstrated ability to prepare and present complex technical information 
  • Use of Microsoft programs is required; knowledge of programming languages such as LabView, C++, ladder logic, Visual Basic, etc. 
  • BSEE or equivalent degree, antenna and applied EM courses preferred

12 months of experience on RF antenna systems design and implementation including: 

  • Antennas for automotive applications such as LTE/4G/5G, GPS, cellular, Satellite, Multiband, UWB, and others 
  • Proficiency in the use of commercial 3-D Electromagnetic modeling and simulation tools, Advanced Design System (ADS), CST Studio/HFSS, FEKO and MATLAB 
  • Know-how in the fabrication of antenna prototypes for multiple applications 
  • Competence in performing RF/antenna near/far field measurements 
  • Expertise in using antenna/RF-circuit measurement equipment such as vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, power meters, antenna positioners, etc. 
  • Solid understanding of RF principles, circuit analysis and design and related engineering tools 
  • Ability to independently conduct RF/antenna development and communicate technical information 

Non-Technical:

  • Ability to develop and maintain excellent internal and external relationships
  • Ability to learn, work effectively within a team and independently, and move outside the comfort zone is a key to success in this position
  • Ability to manage and communicate project plans, priorities, and meet deadlines
  • Ability to solve problems utilizing industry standard methodologies (e.g. PDCA, 2E+3e, Root Cause, Why Analysis. Etc.)
  • Ability to interpret, negotiate and confirm specifications to satisfy customer requirements

Preferred Requirements:

  • Postgraduate degree in RF Antenna/Applied Electromagnetics/RF Circuit design
  • Automotive manufacturing experience using a Stage Gate or similar methodology
  • RF antenna design experience for automotive applications
  • Strong knowledge and/or experience in FSS, Meta Material Structures, mmWave, beamforming, and phased array antenna Technology  
  • Direct customer interface/responsibility
  • Automotive specification level testing experience including design, Validation, Plan and Report (DVP&R)
  • Ability to work in multi-projects simultaneously 

What can AGC Offer You?

We offer a competitive compensation package including base salary, structured bonus plan, comprehensive benefits, paid vacation, 14 paid holidays, 401k with Company match, free uniforms, safety boot reimbursement program, prescription safety glasses (frames and lenses) and opportunities for career advancement.

Equal Opportunity Employer  –  To be considered, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.