EMC Test Technician IV

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

1d•$91,312 - $114,088•Onsite

About The Position

This unique opportunity is part of the Manufacturing, Packaging, and Test Section that engages in research, technology development, and the creation of advanced mechanical, thermal, propulsion, and electronic packaging systems. This work requires expert-level technical capability spanning the full breadth of mechanical disciplines, applied from architectural concept development through operations. You will lead and perform complex and unique technical functions across multiple EMC laboratory facilities, ensuring operations meet stringent technical, safety, and performance standards. You will serve as a subject matter expert supporting EMC engineering, executing high‑complexity EMC testing on flight hardware and R&TD assignments with minimal supervision and broad scope. You will also apply advanced judgment to laboratory processes, facility operations, and test methodology.

Requirements

Typically requires a High School Diploma with a minimum of 10 years of related experience; or an Associate’s Degree with a minimum of 6 years of related experience; or a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 3 years of related experience. Related training required.
Experience in EMC Testing. Ability to independently perform EMC tests, instrument checkouts and calibration runs per Mil-Std 461C/462 and Mil-Std 461G EMC/EMI testing for emissions, susceptibility/immunity, and magnetics. Tests include Radiated Emissions (RE), Radiated Susceptibility (RS), Conducted Emissions (CE), and Conducted Susceptibility (CS) tests.
Experience in using the ETS Lindgren Tile! EMC automated software, ability to create and run test profiles.
Experience using a variety of Spectrum analyzers (Rohde and Schwarz ESU, FSP38, Keysight UXA), Oscilloscopes (Tektronix and Keysight), Signal generators (Keysight), Network Analyzers (Keysight PXA), Power meters (Keysight), Amplifiers (IFI and AR), antennas.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge in managing physical EMC laboratories on site, including daily upkeep, safety requirements, organization, maintenance, and calibration of over 200 components.
Knowledge in performing regular system checks of all RF components across labs testing antennas such as Monopole, Bicon, Logperiodic, Double Rigged Waveguides.
Knowledge in EMC testing including Radiated Emissions, Radiated Susceptibility, Conducted Emissions, and Conducted Susceptibility per MIL-STD requirements.
Trained in flight hardware handling, electrostatic discharge, flight mate/demate, cleanroom fundamentals, PPE.
Knowledge in construction/modification of mechanical and electronics GSE.
Advanced understanding of RF measurement techniques and a wide range of RF instruments.
Strong knowledge of TILE EMC software.

Responsibilities

Performing EMC testing, including Radiated Emissions, Radiated Susceptibility, Conducted Emissions, and Conducted Susceptibility per MIL-STD-461C/462, MIL-STD-461F/G, as well as JPL unique EMC tests including DC magnetics traceability and power quality testing.
Reading and understanding EMC test procedures, independently setting-up EMC tests, performing EMC tests using Tile! software, and understanding and interpreting EMC test results.
Performing data processing during and after a test: verifying, reviewing and documenting all pertinent data. Finalizing data and sending to EMC Engineer/customer.
Lab Management and Maintenance. Keeping all EMC lab facilities in clean working order, ensuring lab equipment is calibrated and maintained, ability to organize lab space and manage lab inventory and supplies.
Performing regular system checks of all RF components across 4 labs testing antennas such as Monopole, Bicon, Log-periodic, Double Rigged Waveguides, etc.
Supporting construction of mechanical ground support equipment needed for unique EMC tests and also simple modification of electronics ground support equipment including custom electrical switches and line impedance stabilization networks.