antennist

An antennist is a professional who designs, installs, tests, and maintains antenna systems used for wireless communication. Although the term is uncommon in everyday usage, its functions overlap with those of antenna engineers and technicians who work in broadcasting, telecommunications, satellite, and amateur radio. An antennist evaluates requirements, frequency bands, and environmental constraints to select antenna types (for example, dipoles, Yagi, log-periodic, patch arrays, helicals, parabolic dishes) and feed arrangements (coax, baluns, impedance matching networks). They may model performance with electromagnetic simulation tools and verify designs by measuring impedance, return loss, standing wave ratio, and radiation patterns.

In the field, an antennist conducts site surveys, coordinates mounting on towers, rooftops, or masts, runs feeder lines, and tunes assemblies for optimal gain and directivity. They install, align, and calibrate antennas, integrate with amplifiers, receivers, or transceivers, and perform routine maintenance, fault diagnosis, and performance optimization. They work across applications such as broadcasting, cellular networks, satellite links, and HF/VHF/UHF amateur radio setups.

Education and credentials typically include a degree in electrical, electronics, or communications engineering, with coursework in electromagnetics and antenna theory, plus practical, on-the-job training. Certifications or licenses may be required or advantageous, depending on jurisdiction. Core skills include RF design, impedance matching, measurement and test equipment operation, safety procedures, and the ability to read schematics and technical drawings. Safety considerations cover RF exposure compliance, working at height, fall protection, and electrical safety.