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.
# #SF#
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
Related Careers
Senior Systems Architect/Embedded Firmware Lead
Ottawa, ON
Full Time
2026-08-21
QA Technician
Ottawa, ON
Full Time
2026-09-08
Manager, Mechanical Design and Core Engineering
Ottawa, ON
Full Time
2026-10-09
