Engineer in graded-Index Radome for Beam Scanning Antennas at Ka-band (M/F)

The proliferation of satellite communications links has been a strong trend in recent years. Multiple opportunities for deploying constellations have appeared and therefore new services, in particular of the SOTM (“Satcom On The Move”) type. In this context, it is particularly necessary to seek innovative antenna solutions that can significantly increase the quality of the radio link, especially in difficult conditions where the satellite is close to the horizon.

Thus, the objective of the project proposed here is to study low-profile functionalized graded-index radomes to reduce the gain loss of beam scanning antennas at low elevation angles. The work will be carried out primarily at Ka band and will be based on the exploitation of 3D additive manufacturing techniques to synthesize the desired material properties and geometries.

The main project activities will deal with the electromagnetic modeling of the radome, the design and fabrication of an antenna demonstrator and finally its experimental characterization. This project is part of a collaborative framework involving an industrial partner (Thales Research and Technology), a technology transfer center (Canoe) and a research laboratory (IETR, www.ietr.fr).

This offer is part of the French national project ALADDIN, funded by the National Research Agency, in partnership with the Defense Innovation Agency (AID). The selected candidate will carry out their activities at IETR in close collaboration with TRT and Canoe. This interdisciplinary project will also heavily involve one of IETR's technological platforms: the M²ARS (Manufacturing Measurement Analysis of Radiating Systems) platform, with expertise in antenna prototyping and metrology.

The position falls within the scope of the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST) and, in accordance with regulations, requires approval by the competent authority of MESR (Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation).