EM/RF Test Engineer IV

SARA; Cypress (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

PTO and holidays

Tuition & certification reimbursement

Flexible work schedules

Discretionary Employee bonuses

401(k) match/profit sharing

ESOP

Job summary

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) in Cypress, CA seeks an Aerospace EMP (ASEMP) Engineer to support EMP hardening and assessment on aircraft and ground facilities. Grow by collaborating with engineers, physicists, and technicians across multiple programs for DoD/DoE missions.

The role offers opportunities to design, test, report findings, and travel up to 30% annually while working in a multidisciplinary team within the HPEM division.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or relevant field.
• 5–7 years of experience in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Electromagnetics (including RF or EMI/EMC), or Pulsed Power.
• Test experience with spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, pulsers, and EMI/EMC devices.
• Basic programming experience (e.g. Matlab, VBA, SQL, LabVIEW, and/or Python) for data analysis and test automation.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, solve problems strategically.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.
• May require 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.

Responsibilities

• Support aircraft and aerospace EMP assessments; travel to airfields and facilities.
• Perform aircraft hardening design efforts.
• Develop, test, and document multidisciplinary engineering tasks on multiple projects.
• Write detailed technical reports and maintain project documentation.
• Hands-on testing and troubleshooting with standard lab equipment.
• Coordinate tasks with customers, contractors, leaders, and program managers.
• Interface with program managers for technical input as needed.
• Travel up to 30% per year.

Skills

Oscilloscope use

Multimeter use

Data acquisition

Troubleshooting

Circuit analysis

Grounding concepts

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Technical writing

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Physics or Engineering

Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Spectrum Analyzer

Network Analyzer

Signal Generator

Pulsers

EMI/EMC devices

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 Aerospace EMP (ASEMP) Engineerto support EMP hardening and assessment activities on aircraft and ground-based facilities and transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors, all out of our Cypress, CA location. 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
• Perform hands-on testing and troubleshooting using knowledge of standard and advanced test and data acquisition equipment
• Execute other tasks in coordination with customers and their contractors, technical leaders, program managers, executive leadership, or department managers
• Interface with technical program managers to provide technical input as needed
• 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, power supplies, and related instruments
• Experienced in data acquisition techniques including equipment setup, data collection, and subsequent analysis and interpretation
• Knowledge of voltage and current measurement devices including (some or all): High-Voltage probes, differential probes, clamp-on current probes, hall effect sensors, and Rogowski coils
• Knowledge of diagnostic techniques such as differential measurements, Fourier analysis, transient response, parasitic effects, aliasing, frequency response, and impedance
• Appliable knowledge of ground reference, ground impedance, and grounding loops
• Adept at interpreting and comprehending complex circuit schematics, one-line diagrams, and related electrical documentation
• 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
• 5 7 years of experience in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Electromagnetics (including RF or EMI/EMC), or Pulsed Power
• Test experience involving spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, pulsers, and other EMI/EMC devices
• Basic programming experience (e.g. Matlab, VBA, SQL, LabVIEW, and/or Python) for data analysis and test automation
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, solve problems strategically
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance
• May require 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
• 8 10 years of relevant experience
• 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 $95,000 to $145,000 (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.

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