DSN Radio Astronomy RF/PLC Engineer — Field & Lead

Peraton; Fort Irwin (CA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton is hiring a Radio Astronomy Radar Group (RARG) Engineer to support the Deep Space Network—an array of giant radio antennas that links Earth to interplanetary spacecraft and delivers images and data. You will operate, maintain, and repair uplink/downlink systems for DSN’s largest antennas and lead the PLC-based Configuration Control group.

Responsibilities include diagnosing RF/PLC/transmitter issues, implementing engineering changes, logging actions in DRMS/MAXIMO, and providing training

Qualifications

• 2 years with BS/BA; 0 years with MS/MA; 6 years with no degree
• Experience working with telemetry receiving systems
• Experience working with PLCs and high‑power transmitters
• Working knowledge of ladder logic, PLC programming tools, and UNIX
• Comfort working safely around high‑voltage equipment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, self‑motivation, and a collaborative mindset
• U.S. citizenship, with the ability to pass a trusted background check and NCIC screening
• A valid California Real ID driver’s license
• Nice to have familiarity with RSLogix 500, RSNetworx, or RSLinx
• Familiarity with System Performance Test (SPT) equipment
• LabView experience
• Windows and UNIX environments separately
• The Physical Side: hands‑on, in‑the‑field work
• Climbing antennas up to 300 ft
• Outdoor work in extreme weather
• Confined spaces
• Extended shifts and on-call duties

Responsibilities

• Diagnose issues and perform or direct repairs on RF, PLC, and transmitter systems
• Lead implementation of Engineering Changes and provide feedback to Operations Engineers
• Log corrective actions and analyses in DRMS and MAXIMO
• Provide operational support and technical guidance, including training and oversight of hourly personnel
• Communicate with internal teams and external customers
• Write clear reports on tracking results and job activities

Skills

Telemetry systems

PLC programming

Ladder logic

UNIX

Safety around high voltage

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree required

Tools

RSLogix 500

RSNetworx

RSLinx

LabVIEW

Job description

Peraton is hiring a Radio Astronomy Radar Group (RARG) Engineer to support the Deep Space Network—an array of giant radio antennas that links Earth to interplanetary spacecraft and delivers images and data. You will operate, maintain, and repair uplink/downlink systems for DSN’s largest antennas and lead the PLC-based Configuration Control group.

Responsibilities include diagnosing RF/PLC/transmitter issues, implementing engineering changes, logging actions in DRMS/MAXIMO, and providing training