EM / RF Engineer I – Aerospace EMP - 1643

SCIENTIFIC APPLICATIONS & RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC. (SARA); Cypress (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Bonus program

401(k) match

ESOP

Job summary

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is seeking an EM/RF Engineer to support EMP hardening and assessment activities on aircraft and ground-based facilities at the Cypress, CA site.

The role involves design, testing, and documentation across multiple projects for DoD and DoE customers. Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor’s in Physics/EE/Aerospace and have hands-on EMI/EMC testing experience, with up to 30% travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or relevant field.
• 0 – 2 years of experience in electrical engineering or related work.
• Hands‑on testing and debugging experience involving spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, pulsers, or other EMI/EMC devices.
• Must be available for up to 30% travel in support of testing or other customer requirements.
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support aircraft and other aerospace-related or ground-based EMP assessments, including travel to airfields and facilities (CONUS and OCONUS).
• Perform research, design, development, fabrication, testing, and documentation of multidisciplinary engineering tasks on multiple projects and programs.
• Write detailed technical reports and maintain comprehensive project documentation.
• Operate, monitor, and maintain test equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Analyze test data and observations to identify trends, validity, and potential issues.

Skills

EM/RF engineering

Testing & debugging EMI/EMC

Travel readiness

Security clearance willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physics/EE/Aerospace

Master’s degree in EE/EM fields

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Network analyzers

Spectrum analyzers

Pulsers

Function generators

Power supplies

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Cypress, CA, US

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of commercial and government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions...that work.

The SARA, Inc. Aerospace EMP Survivability and Effects Department, within the High-Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM), is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and imaginative EM/RF Engineerto support EMP hardening and assessment activities on aircraft and ground-based facilities and transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors. This position will work onsite in our Cypress, CA facility. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn alongside talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on both long-standing and new programs that support our customers and their missions. Our small group will allow the candidate to experience, contribute, and collaborate in a multidisciplinary nature, from initial conception to operation.

Core Responsibilities:

• Support aircraft and other aerospace-related or ground-based EMP assessments, including travel to airfields and facilities (CONUS and OCONUS)
• Perform research, design, development, fabrication, testing, and documentation of multidisciplinary engineering tasks on multiple projects and programs
• Write detailed technical reports and maintain comprehensive project documentation
• Operate, monitor, and maintain test equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems
• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and integrity of measurements, data collection, and test records
• Analyze test data and observations to identify trends, validity, and potential issues
• Moderate to significant travel may be required (up to 30% a year)
• Proficient in the use of oscilloscopes, multimeters, and other electrical measurement instruments for troubleshooting and analysis
• Demonstratable knowledge of voltage/current transformers, the fundamentals of their operation, and their applications in electrical systems
• Skilled in operating benchtop lab equipment, including function generators, signal generators, power supplies, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, pulsers and related instruments
• Familiar with process of data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation
• Knowledge of voltage and current measurement devices and their applications
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Highly adaptable with the ability to thrive in dynamic, fast-paced team-oriented environments

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or relevant field
• 0 – 2 years of experience in electrical engineering or related work
• Hands‑on testing and debugging experience involving spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, pulsers, or other EMI/EMC devices
• Self‑motivation and the willingness to develop new skills, take on a wide variety of tasks, work and think independently, and ask questions
• Must be available for up to 30% travel in support of testing or other customer requirements
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance
• Moderate physical effort, involving standing, sitting, and use of hands while performing duties, to include carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
• Working environment is indoors, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, and well‑lit and well‑ventilated. Moderate physical hazards may exist

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Electromagnetics, including RF or EMI/EMC, Aerospace Engineering, or Pulsed Power
• 2 - 4 years of experience in electrical engineering or related work
• Basic programming experience (e.g. Matlab, VBA, SQL, LabVIEW, and/or Python) for data analysis and test automation
• Software front end/back-end development for controlling lab electronic test equipment
• Demonstrated understanding of fundamental power systems concepts, including transmission line theory, transformer operations, and three-phase power principles
• Active Top Secret security clearance

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
• Discretionary Employee bonuses
• 401(k) match/profit sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract‑specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $75,000 to $110,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on‑site, unless indicated otherwise.

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.