Manager, RF & Antenna Research and Technology

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 Research and Technology leads the organization’s advanced research activities focused on future GNSS antenna technologies, materials, architectures, and intellectual property development. This role is responsible for defining and executing the technology roadmap, identifying disruptive innovations, and ensuring Calian GNSS maintains a competitive technical advantage over a 3-5 year horizon. The manager leads a team of researchers and senior technical experts and serves as a bridge between emerging technologies and future product development initiatives. The manager will also build, mentor, and develop the high-performing engineering team including hiring, performance management, career development, succession planning, and employee engagement.

Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of this role is to create and mature technologies that will drive future business growth and product differentiation. The manager balances exploratory research with practical technology transition activities, ensuring that innovation investments generate long-term value for the organization.

Strategic Technology Leadership

• Develop and maintain the 3-5 year technology roadmap for GNSS antenna innovations.
• Identify emerging technologies, market trends, and competitive developments.
• Drive technology strategy aligned with business objectives and market opportunities.
• Evaluate new materials, manufacturing techniques, and antenna architectures.
  
  

Research Program Management

• Lead advanced research and proof-of-concept projects.
• Prioritize research investments and resource allocation.
• Manage technology readiness maturation activities.
• Establish collaborations with universities, research institutions, industry partners, and government agencies.
  
  

Innovation and Intellectual Property

• Drive invention disclosures, patent development, and IP strategy.
• Foster a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
• Evaluate technical feasibility and commercialization potential of new technologies.
  
  

Technical Leadership

• Mentor senior technical specialists and researchers.
• Conduct design reviews and technology assessments.
• Guide transition of mature technologies into product development programs.
  
  

Stakeholder Engagement

• Present research outcomes to executive leadership.
• Support strategic customer engagements involving emerging technologies.
• Represent Calian at technical conferences and industry forums.
  
  

Key Internal Interfaces and Cross-Functional Collaboration

The Manager, RF & Antenna Research and Technology serves as the primary source of future innovation within the organization. This role works closely with Product Development and RF & Antenna Systems to transition emerging technologies into customer-focused solutions while leveraging Core Engineering capabilities to validate and mature new concepts.

Collaboration Responsibilities

With Product Development

• Transfer mature technologies into product development programs.
• Support evaluation of new features and capabilities for the product roadmap.
• Provide technical expertise during technology insertion activities.
• Assist in assessing competitive differentiation opportunities.
  
  

With RF & Antenna Systems

• Collaborate on the application of emerging technologies to advanced systems.
• Support development of CRPA, smart antenna, and Alternative PNT innovations.
• Participate in architecture trade studies and proof-of-concept demonstrations.
  
  

With Industrialization and Production Support

• Consider manufacturing implications early in technology development.
• Support assessment of new materials, processes, and production methods.
• Assist with technology transfer activities when innovations move toward commercialization.
  
  

With Core Engineering

• Utilize antenna measurement, environmental testing, PCB layout, and mechanical design capabilities.
• Support development of new engineering tools, test methods, and validation approaches.
• Coordinate laboratory and prototype development activities.
  
  

Qualifications

Success in this role requires a combination of deep technical expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead highly specialized researchers. The ideal candidate is recognized as a technical leader and can translate emerging technologies into business opportunities.

Education

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field.
  
  

Experience

• 10+ years in RF, GNSS, antenna design, or advanced technology development.
• Experience managing research programs and technical teams.
• Demonstrated history of innovation and patent generation.
  
  

Technical Skills

• Advanced antenna theory and electromagnetic simulation.
• Advanced RF system knowledge.
• Technology forecasting and strategic planning.
• Research methodology and experimental design.
  
  

Leadership Skills

• Strategic thinking.
• Technical vision.
• Coaching and mentorship.
• Cross-functional collaboration.
  
  

Compensation

$150K-$190K

Vacancy

We have 1 available position.

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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

• 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
  
  

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