EM/RF Test Engineer I

SARA; Cypress (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

PTO program

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible work schedules

Bonuses

401(k) match/profit sharing

ESOP

Job summary

SARA in Cypress, CA is seeking an EM/RF Engineer to support EMP hardening and assessment activities on aircraft and ground facilities. You will work onsite with a multidisciplinary team to advance technologies for DoD and DoE contractors.

Responsibilities include testing, design, development, data analysis, reporting, and maintaining test records. Up to 30% travel may be required; US citizenship and ability to obtain DoD clearance are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Electrical or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 0–2 years of electrical engineering experience.
• Travel up to 30% for testing and customer requirements.
• US Citizen with ability to obtain DoD clearance.
• Hands-on testing with EMI/EMC lab equipment.

Responsibilities

• Support EMP assessments on aircraft and facilities.
• Perform aircraft hardening design efforts.
• Develop tests, fabrication, and documentation for projects.
• Write detailed technical reports and maintain project documentation.
• Operate data acquisition systems and test equipment.
• Ensure data integrity and records.
• Analyze test data to identify trends and issues.
• Travel up to 30% as required.

Skills

Oscilloscope use

Multimeter use

EMI/EMC testing

Data analysis

LabVIEW basics

Python basics

MATLAB basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics / Electrical / Aerospace

Master's degree in EM/Physics (preferred)

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Network analyzers

Signal generators

Pulsers

LabVIEW

Python

MATLAB

Job description

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 Engineer to 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 aircraft hardening design efforts
• 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)

Key Competencies:

• 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
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• 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
• A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
• Tuition & certification reimbursement
• Flexible work schedules
• 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.