Manager, RF & Antenna Systems

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 Manager, RF & Antenna Systems leads the development of advanced GNSS-based systems, including CRPA products, anti-jam technologies, smart antennas, and Alternative PNT solutions. The role is responsible for system architecture, integration, verification, and deployment of complex solutions. The manager will build, mentor, and develop a high-performing engineering team including hiring, performance management, career development, succession planning, and employee engagement.

Responsibilities

This role focuses on delivering differentiated system-level solutions that integrate multiple technologies into a cohesive product offering. The manager provides leadership across architecture definition, system integration, validation, and customer engagement.

System Development Leadership

• Lead development of advanced system-level products.

• Define system architectures and technical requirements.

• Drive innovation in CRPA, anti-jam, and resilient PNT technologies.

Technical Program Leadership

• Plan and execute system development projects.

• Manage technical risks and integration activities.

• Ensure successful verification and validation.

Architecture and Integration

• Lead trade studies and architecture decisions.

• Direct system integration efforts.

• Ensure subsystem performance aligns with system objectives.

Customer and Market Engagement

• Support customer technical discussions.

• Define system-level solutions to meet mission requirements.

• Assist business development and capture activities.

Cross-functional Coordination

• Coordinate hardware, firmware, software, RF, and signal-processing activities.

• Work closely with research, product development, and core engineering teams.

Key Internal Interfaces and Cross-Functional Collaboration

The Manager, RF & Antenna Systems leads the development of advanced integrated solutions and acts as the bridge between technology innovation and mission-focused customer applications. Success requires close coordination with research, product, manufacturing, and support organizations.

Collaboration Responsibilities

With RF & Antenna Research and Technology

• Evaluate and transition advanced technologies into system architectures.

• Collaborate on development of next-generation CRPA, anti-jam, and Alternative PNT solutions.

• Support technology demonstrations and capability assessments.

With Product Development

• Share common antenna technologies, RF designs, and GNSS expertise.

• Coordinate product strategies where product and system offerings overlap.

• Reuse technology platforms when practical to reduce development costs and schedules.

With Industrialization and Production Support

• Ensure systems are manufacturable and supportable.

• Collaborate on design-for-manufacturing and production readiness activities.

• Support production ramp-up and resolution of field issues.

With Core Engineering

• Utilize mechanical, PCB, testing, and environmental qualification services.

• Support system integration and validation activities.

• Coordinate specialized test infrastructure requirements.

Qualifications

The role requires broad multidisciplinary expertise and the ability to integrate diverse technical domains into operational solutions. Experience with mission-critical, navigation, and antenna systems is highly desirable.

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and significant relevant industry experience will also be considered.

Experience

• 10+ years in RF systems, GNSS systems, or embedded system development.

• Experience leading complex multidisciplinary projects.

• Experience with aerospace, defense, or navigation systems.

Technical Skills

• GNSS and Alternative PNT technologies.

• CRPA and anti-jamming technologies.

• Systems engineering methodologies.

• Signal processing fundamentals.

• System integration and testing.

Leadership Skills

• Technical leadership.

• Strategic planning.

• Stakeholder management.

• Team development.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work onsite in Ottawa, Ontario.

• Eligible to obtain Controlled Goods clearance.

• Experience with GNSS, CRPA, anti-jam, smart antenna, or Alternative PNT technologies is considered an asset.

Compensation

$150,000 – $190,000

Vacancy

We have 1 available position.

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 approach
• Experience and accommodations
• CV and cover letter tips
• Interview tips
• Our decision

Perks and benefits

• Competitive, company-paid benefits
• Generous time off package
• Stock purchase plan
• RRSP program
• Flexible work hours for eligible roles
• Programs to support employee health and well-being