Sustaining Antenna RF Engineer

Calian

Multiple Locations, Multiple Locations

Salary: Information not available

About Calian

At Calian, we help organizations overcome obstacles, manage risks, and drive progress. Since 1982, we’ve grown from a small consulting firm into a trusted global company across defence, space, health, nuclear energy, public safety, and government.

We create innovative solutions that tackle complex challenges and help organizations and communities stay resilient, informed, and connected. If you’re driven by purpose and energized by solving real-world challenges, we want you on our team.

Job Type: Full Time

Ottawa, ON | On-site

Position Overview

The Sustaining Antenna RF Engineer is responsible for maintaining and improving existing antenna and RF designs throughout the product lifecycle. This role focuses on sustaining engineering activities, including troubleshooting, root cause analysis, design updates, and performance optimization to ensure product reliability, manufacturability, and cost efficiency. The position requires strong technical expertise in RF and antenna systems, hands-on problem-solving skills, and collaboration with cross-functional teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and customer support.

Responsibilities

Manufacturing Support

Work closely with production teams to resolve build issues and streamline processes.

Ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability and scalability.

Define / Adjust test specifications and methods including test fixture designs.

Sustaining Engineering

Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for manufacturing challenges and field issues.

Update and optimize antenna and RF designs for improved performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

Support product lifecycle management by addressing obsolescence and component changes.

Design & Validation

Validate design changes through prototyping and testing using RF instrumentation (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, etc.).

Conduct RF simulations, antenna tuning, and performance verification if necessary.

Collaborate with hardware and software teams to ensure seamless integration of RF and antenna subsystems.

Customer Support

Provide technical expertise for troubleshooting customer-reported issues.

Collaborate with field engineers to resolve complex RF and antenna problems.

Documentation

Maintain accurate design documentation, change logs, and compliance records.
Prepare technical reports and contribute to sustaining engineering knowledge base

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (Master’s preferred).

2-4 years of experience in RF and antenna design, with a focus on sustaining engineering.

Experience supporting products in a manufacturing or production environment

Proficiency in RF simulation tools (HFSS, CST, ADS) and antenna measurement techniques.

Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, noise figure analyzers).

Strong understanding of GNSS, wireless communication systems, and RF fundamentals.

Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple different production teams.

Additional Requirements

Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.

Effective communication and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Ability to manage multiple sustaining projects simultaneously.

Familiarity with regulatory compliance and quality standards.

Compensation

$85,000 – $115,000

Vacancy

We have 1 available position(s).

AI Usage Disclosure

At Calian, we do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to screen or evaluate candidates. AI tools may support backend administrative tasks, but they do not influence hiring decisions. All evaluations and decisions are made by real people on our recruitment team and hiring managers. All applicants are reviewed and only those chosen for an interview will be contacted by our recruiting team.

How we hire

Our hiring process is designed to help us get to know you and discover if you are the best fit for our team. It's also an opportunity for you to gauge if a role at Calian is the right fit for you.

Throughout the process, we’ll share details of the kind of work you’ll be doing, the projects you’ll be working on, the team you’ll be joining, and what it’s like working at Calian. Our biggest tip throughout the process is to just be your authentic self!
Our commitment to diverse, yet highly specialized solutions require many different skills and abilities. We look for the best talent that can contribute to Calian’s success as well as enhance our culture. We encourage you to apply to a role or join our talent community and sign up for job alerts that match your area of expertise and what you are looking for in your next opportunity.

During the recruiting process, you’re encouraged to notify us of any accommodations you may require. We’ll be happy to help.
We give the same time and consideration to everyone who applies. Here are a few things you can do to ensure your application shines:
- Do your research on Calian, the department, and team you are looking to join
- Add a cover letter that explains why you are a good fit for this position
- Share a portfolio, personal websites, or links to your professional social media
- In your CV, highlight your key achievements - this is your time to brag
- Include dates! Share the timeline of your experience
- Stand out by tailoring your resume to each position you apply to
- Only apply to roles you’re genuinely interested in and that align to your experience
- Be prepared! Do your research on Calian, the department, and team you are looking to join
- View the responsibilities for the role and find examples that demonstrate how you’ve completed these in your previous work experience
- Prepare a list of questions to ask us
- Dress business casual for your interview (virtual and in person)
- We assess your skills and fit, you assess our fit for you
- We keep you updated and share expectations as we make progress in the recruiting cycle
- Feel free to reach out to your Talent Acquisition Specialist at any time during the hiring process

Perks and benefits

Flexible work hours
Robust company-paid benefits
Generous time off package
A balanced approach to work and life
Stock purchase plan
RRSP program*
Work from home options

We are ommitted to hiring military and Veteran spouses and encourage you to identify your connection with the MSEN when reaching out to us or applying to any of our open roles.

Have questions or want to learn more about us? We would love to hear from you!

Amy.Robillard@calian.com

Whenever possible, reach out to a named contact rather than a general inbox - it helps ensure a quicker, more personalized response. If you hit a bounce-back, let us know at

employment.Emploi@cfmws.com

About Calian

For over 40 years, Calian has delivered mission critical solutions when failure is not an option. Trusted worldwide, we empower organizations in critical industries to overcome obstacles, manage risks and drive progress.

Our deep roots in the defence and security community shape who we are—and who we hire. We proudly employ military veterans and support their families by offering meaningful full and part time career opportunities that value their skills, experience and service. From flexible roles that support the realities of military life to pathways that help veterans transition their expertise into civilian careers, we are committed to building a workplace where military families can thrive. Join our team of professionals across Canada as we create solutions that protect lives, strengthen security, foster global connectivity and drive economic progress—making a lasting impact where and when it matters most.

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