High-Power Transmitter Test Facility (HPTTF) Engineer

Peraton is seeking a High-Power Transmitter Test Facility (HPTTF) Engineer supporting the Deep Space Network DSN) in Fort Irwin, CA with JPL/NASA.

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. The antennas of the Deep Space Network are the indispensable link to explorers venturing beyond the moon. They provide the crucial connection for commanding our spacecraft and receiving their never-before-seen images and scientific information on Earth, propelling our understanding of the universe, our solar system and ultimately, our place within it.

The successful candidate will lead the DSS-13 High Power Transmitter Test Facility in designing, developing, and testing high-power microwave transmitters, subsystems, and components.  Support the unique requirements of the Goldstone Solar System Radar, including 250 kW X-band klystrons. Support maintenance and repair of the DSS-13 prototype 80 kW X-band transmitter.  HPTTF complements and supports these assets and other systems as required.

Responsibilities:

• Participates in development and maintenance activities and performs R&D for the DSS13 HPTTF.
• Maintains cognizance of the high-power, 500kW R&D transmitter system.
• Reviews transmitter status, determine the needs for upgrade or modification, and performs installations.
• Engineer, design, fabricate, and test R&D transmitter system equipment or other supporting hardware.
• Support high-power transmitter operations at DSS-14 (GSSR).
• Apply wide application of engineering theories, principles, and concepts to operational planning and all aspects of subsystem goals.
• Provides coordination with other groups to accomplish tasks outside normal areas of responsibility.
• Evaluates and analyzes current work methods related to subsystem operation and maintenance to foster continuous improvement.
• Conducts meetings, technical presentations, and prepares and submits special reports..
• Develops metrics to track subsystem performance, costs, schedule, and other necessary data.
• Participate in the creation and updating of subsystem documentation.
• Participate in the engineering economic analysis of proposed subsystem improvements.
• Participate in master planning efforts to identify, review, and analyze subsystem upgrades to meet new requirements and/or environmental regulations.
• Develop and implement an effective subsystem sparing program.
• Develop and implement an effective subsystem condition assessment and remediation program.
• Support the Engineering Change Management Board in the review of design development, evaluation, and costing of engineering change requests and change orders.
• Regularly evaluates current practices with a specific focus on safety.

Required Qualifications:

• 5 years with BS/BA; 3 years with MS/MA; 0 years with PhD
• 9 years of experience is acceptable in lieu of a degree
• You must be able to obtain a trusted background check and pass a National Criminal Information Check (NCIC). To obtain clearance, you need to be a US Citizen and show proof of citizenship
• You must possess and retain a valid Driver’s License (Real ID)