Engineering Technician – Satellite Ground Station & RF Systems

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is for an Engineering Technician in the Space Exploration Sector’s RF Engineering Group (SER). The role involves a hands-on approach to operating, maintaining, and developing satellite communications ground station systems. Responsibilities include operating ground-station equipment during satellite tracking passes, maintaining and troubleshooting antenna, RF, electronics, and computer systems, and ensuring the station is ready to support missions. The technician will also collect and post-process data, document results, and collaborate with engineers on problem diagnosis and the development of upgrades and new capabilities. Additionally, the role supports the design, fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of prototype and flight hardware using various tools and equipment. This position offers broad hands-on experience in satellite communications operations, RF/microwave systems, electronics, mechanical fabrication, and space-flight hardware development.

Requirements

An Associate’s degree in electronics, engineering technology, mechanical technology, mechatronics, machining, or a related technical field; or a high school diploma with equivalent relevant experience.
1+ years of relevant experience with electrical, electronic, mechanical, communications, or other technical systems.
Demonstrated hands-on electrical and/or mechanical aptitude, with the ability to assemble, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair technical equipment.
Initiative, strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to learn new technical systems and work independently or as part of an engineering team.
Willing and able to accommodate flexible work hours for short periods of time to support testing activities, satellite tracking passes, and occasional off-hours maintenance or troubleshooting, and to participate in an on-call rotation supporting a 24x7x365 operational facility.
Willing and able to travel to off-site locations, lift equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, wear required safety harnesses and associated fall-protection equipment that may add additional weight, and work at heights of 80 feet or more.
Able to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Experience with satellite communications, RF/microwave systems, electronics, or communications equipment.
Experience operating electronic test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and power meters.
Hands-on experience with electronics assembly, soldering, cable fabrication, troubleshooting, or repair.
Experience with mechanical CAD, machining, 3D printing, or other prototyping and fabrication techniques.
Experience collecting, processing, analyzing, or documenting engineering test data.
Experience maintaining or operating complex technical systems, test facilities, antennas, or ground-station equipment.
Experience operating boom lifts, climbing structures, or performing rigging activities.

Responsibilities

Operate satellite communications and tracking systems during scheduled spacecraft passes and engineering test activities.
Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair ground-station systems, including antennas and positioning systems, RF equipment, electronics, computers, cabling, and associated infrastructure.
Configure and operate RF, communications, and data-acquisition equipment to support spacecraft contacts, system checkout, and engineering tests.
Collect and post-process data from satellite passes and tests, document anomalies and results, and contribute to engineering test reports.
Work alongside engineers to develop, integrate, test, and implement upgrades and new satellite communications capabilities.
Climb antenna structures and work at heights of 80 feet or more, as needed, to support maintenance, repairs, and upgrades.
Perform mechanical CAD and drafting for ground-station, prototype, test, and flight hardware.
Fabricate mechanical hardware, enclosures, antenna components, and test fixtures using CNC/metal milling equipment, circuit-board milling equipment, 3D printers, and other prototyping tools.
Assemble, modify, integrate, and troubleshoot electrical and mechanical hardware, including electronics, cables, and ground support equipment.
Maintain RF laboratory, test, and prototyping equipment, including calibration, inventory, organization, and readiness for use.
Use and develop proficiency with RF/microwave and electronic test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, power meters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and related communications equipment.