RF Satellite Communications Engineer / Space Communications Programs

Peraton is seeking an RF Satellite Communications Engineer in Las Cruces, New Mexico at the National Aeronautics (NASA) White Sands Complex (WSC) to support the Space Network operations. The selected individual will support NASA programs that integrate with state-of-the-art RF satellite communications systems and technologies. Assignments will include a variety of engineering tasks such as development of requirements, generation of engineering documentation and deployment of systems that meet specified requirements.

Peraton is the prime contractor for NASA at the White Sands Complex (WSC) near Las Cruces, New Mexico. Operating here are two functionally identical satellite ground terminals: The White Sands Ground Terminal, and the Second TDRSS Ground Terminal. These ground terminals ensure uninterrupted communications between various ground stations, NASA's orbiting fleet of Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS), customer spacecraft (satellites), and the computer systems that support such spacecraft. WSC serves as an interface for distributing satellite data to control centers and scientists who then use the daily influx of data to expand our ever-growing knowledge of the Earth and the universe.

RESPONSIBILITIES

In this position, you will be an integral part of a world class team that ensures NASA space-ground communications are reliable and meet mission requirements. Assignments will include a variety of engineering tasks such as system performance analyses using modeling tools and simulation techniques.

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Develop and evaluate system requirements.
• Perform communications analyses including link budget assessments.
• Develop engineering documentation for the installation of new and/or modification of existing electronic systems that meet defined requirements.
• Ensure that technical, budget and schedule requirements are met through new or modified designs.
• Oversee system modifications to ensure implementation is executed according to design documentation.
• Develop and execute test plans and procedures.
• Maintain system documentation to accurately reflect the configuration baseline.
• Provide troubleshooting assistance in isolating and correcting unusual hardware problems.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Degree in electrical engineering, physics, computer science, engineering, mathematics, or other related technical field and related experience as follows: 2 years with AA/AS degree; in lieu of degree, 4 years related experience is allowable.
• 2+ years of experience in the following areas:
  • Satellite ground system or other RF communications engineering
  • RF wireless communications systems definition and analysis, including link analyses.
  • RF satellite communications systems parameters and their impact on RF link performance
• The ability to create technical documents and deliver presentations clearly and concisely.
• Security clearance - this position requires the candidate to be able to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance and to maintain the clearance thereafter. In order to obtain a clearance you need to be a US Citizen and show proof of citizenship. An interim secret clearance is acceptable to start.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Prior experience with:
  • setting up antenna transmit and receive tests with a boresight or satellite to verify system characteristics and performance requirements such as phase noise, phase nonlinearity, SNR, C/No, EIRP, G/T, VSWR, gain slope/flatness, spurious outputs, implementation loss
  • using test equipment such as spectrum and network analyzers and signal generators
  • network, such as configuring device network information and establishing remote connectivity to devices.
• Ability to:
  • perform antenna system component level testing such as waveguide, LNAs, HPAs, antenna control and tracking, etc.
  • troubleshoot RF anomalies and signal interference
  • generate and interpret detailed technical drawings in Visio or AutoCAD
  • trouble-shooting antenna systems out in the field
  • support engineering reviews throughout the systems engineering life cycle and present project information.
  • demonstrate basic knowledge of the major components of a satellite communication system
  • trouble-shooting antenna systems out in the field
  • support engineering reviews throughout the systems engineering life cycle and present project information
  • interfacing with vendors to inquire about and procure hardware
• Familiarity with
  • RF over fiber and fiber link installations
  • NTIA regulations for satellite communications
  • IT security device hardening procedures for vulnerability remediation
  • NASA, the NASA Space Relay, DoD, or other agency systems engineering processes.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

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