RF/Microwave Operations Engineer
About The Position
Peraton is seeking an RF/Microwave Operations Engineer to support its DSN Operations & Maintenance contract with NASA/JPL. Under general direction and guidance from the Antenna Engineering Supervisor, this role provides sustaining engineering and maintenance support for microwave communication and support equipment used on JPL/NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) large fully steerable reflector antennas. The position includes troubleshooting, failure analysis, performance and configuration recordkeeping, vendor and engineering coordination, obsolescence planning, hardware transition and acceptance testing, spares management, and presenting recommendations to Peraton and JPL management. Travel includes regular trips to Goldstone and occasional trips to overseas complexes. Some testing may require night or weekend work.
Requirements
- Experience requirement varies by education: 2 years with a BS/BA, 0 years with an MS/MA, or 6 years with no degree.
- Hands-on experience with RF/microwave equipment, transmitters, or communications systems.
- Knowledge of satellite communications.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to build clear presentations from technical and numerical data.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and climb 100–200-foot structures using ladders and stairs.
- U.S. citizenship and ability to pass a background check and NCIC check.
- Valid California REAL ID driver's license.
Nice To Haves
- 3–5 years of experience with microwave transmitters, low-noise amplifiers, power amplifiers, and associated cooling or refrigeration equipment.
- Experience with automated instrument measurement systems.
- Field installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting experience, including sparing analysis.
- Relevant experience as a satellite ground station engineer, broadcast transmitter engineer, radar or RF technician, or military veteran with RF, satcom, or electronics experience.
Responsibilities
- Troubleshoot transmitter and microwave issues reported by antenna site personnel.
- Perform failure analysis and analyze performance trends across the network.
- Maintain transmitter and microwave configuration and performance records.
- Coordinate vendor repairs and JPL engineering support.
- Research, recommend, and justify replacements for obsolete parts and equipment, and develop phase-out plans.
- Participate in design reviews and help transition new hardware from development into operations, including shipment to antenna sites.
- Manage spares planning for new deliveries and oversee spares levels at each complex.
- Conduct acceptance testing at JPL in Pasadena and on antennas at tracking stations.
- Present findings and recommendations to Peraton and JPL management.
- Advocate for maintainers and operators on reliability, usability, and maintainability.
Benefits
- Medical benefits
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Health savings account
- Short- and long-term disability
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Parental leave
- 401(k)
- Paid time off (PTO) for vacation
- Company-paid holidays
- Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
