Microwave / Transmitter Operations Engineer

Program Overview

Provide critical communications and tracking for multiple spacecraft from three complexes located globally, and operates year round 24 hours/7days to provide continuous contact with the spacecraft. The program fulfills NASA goals by supporting NASA deep space mission set, including NASA-funded missions and collaborative international missions.

About The Role

Seeking an Microwave / Transmitter Operations Engineer to support our Deep Space Network (DSN) Operations and Maintenance O&M contract with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and NASA in Monrovia, CA.

The Deep Space Network is NASA’s international array of giant radio antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions, plus a few that orbit Earth. The DSN also provides radar and radio astronomy observations that improve our understanding of the solar system and the larger universe.

Under general direction/guidance from the Antenna Engineering Supervisor, the ideal candidate be responsible for sustaining engineering and maintenance support of microwave communication and support equipment utilized on JPL / NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) large fully-steerable reflector antennas.

The selected candidate will also be expected to perform failure analyses, trend performance data, interface with the JPL transmitter and microwave engineers to sustain existing field systems and participate in the implementation of new and obsolescence replacement equipment.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze and troubleshoot issues / problems that the personnel at the antenna sites are experiencing.
• Maintain on-line transmitter and microwave configuration and performance data.
• Maintain netwide cognizance of performance issues and coordinate vendor repair and JPL support as needed.
• Generate reports and prepare and provide verbal presentations to Peraton and JPL management
• Research, recommend, and justify new parts or equipment for obsolete or soon-to-be-obsolete parts or equipment and phase-out plans.
• Advocate for the installed infrastructure on the behalf of the maintenance staffs and the antenna operators, for ease of use, reliability and maintainability.
• Participate in design reviews and facilitate the transfer of new hardware from development engineering to operations, including processing the shipment for delivery to the appropriate antenna location.
• Be responsible for negotiating adequate sparing of new deliveries and the oversight of adequate spares at each antenna location
• Conduct acceptance testing on hardware in the subsystems assigned. Some of this testing is performed at JPL (Pasadena, CA), while other testing is performed on the antennas at the tracking stations in Goldstone, California; Canberra, Australia and Madrid, Spain including possible required activities during nights and weekends.
• It is anticipated that there will be twice a month travel to Goldstone for one day activities, 6 times a year overnight and one or two 1-4 week trips to each of the two overseas complexes each year.
• Additional duties will be assigned, as required.

  Seeking an Operations Engineer to support our Deep Space Network (DSN) Operations and Maintenance O&M contract with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and NASA in Monrovia, CA.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 2 years with BS/BA; 0 years with MS/MA; 6 years with no degree
• Exhibit clear communications and presentation skills.
• Can produce clear, convincing presentations based on analysis of numerical information.
• Are able to work well in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Can climb 100' to 200' structures via ladders and stairs.
• Ability to undergo a trusted background check and pass a National Criminal Information Check (NCIC). In order to obtain a clearance, you need to be a US Citizen and show proof of citizenship .
• Must possess and retain a valid California Real ID driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications

• Possess prior experience supporting field installations with maintenance and troubleshooting and performing sparing analyses.
• Fundamental knowledge of satellite communications.
• 3 to 5 years progressive experience with microwave transmitters, low-noise amplifiers and power amplifiers, associated refrigeration and cooling equipment, and automated instrument measurement systems.

Details

Target Salary Range: $66,000 - $106,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

Benefits Statement: Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at

Application Statements: The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in the role and the Company. During the review of your application, you may be required to participate in an on-camera interview, as well as participate in a process to verify your identity. Use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools of any kind during Peraton interviews is strictly prohibited unless the candidate has obtained prior written authorization. All interview responses must be the candidate’s own.

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.