External Job Posting Title Controls Operations Engineer

Peraton; Monrovia, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton is seeking a Controls Operations Engineer to support the Deep Space Network in Monrovia, CA. You will work with engineers to maintain and troubleshoot control systems across DSN facilities, interfacing with field technicians and vendors to ensure reliable mission data delivery.

The role involves planning, design reviews, cost estimates, and technical direction for the subsystem at JPL, with occasional travel for commissioning and testing.

Qualifications

• US citizenship with proof and ability to pass background checks.
• Experience with at least one general‑purpose programming language (C/C++, Python, Assembly).
• Hands‑on with electrical and electro‑mechanical components and control systems.
• Familiarity with Building Management Systems such as Automated Logic or Johnson Metasys.

Responsibilities

• Support repair and replacement projects and lead smaller projects as needed.
• Diagnose ladder logic, debug PLC programs, and troubleshoot HMI/GUI issues.
• Read and document wiring diagrams and schematics, including as‑built changes.
• Provide guidance on fiber optic, fire, security, and facilities controllers.
• Interface with vendors on replacement solutions and cost trade‑offs.
• Serve as test engineer during commissioning of new controls projects.
• Maintain configuration records and track automation improvements across DSN.
• Identify spares and monitor obsolescence; evaluate field bulletins and logs.
• Assist DSN Engineering Change Management with ECOs and Discrepancy Reports.
• Support site admins with cybersecurity requirements per assembly.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Assembly

Ladder logic

PLC programming

I2C/Modbus/CAN/BACnet

Network fundamentals

Education

BS/BA or equivalent

Tools

Automated Logic

Johnson Metasys

Job description

Responsibilities

Peraton is seeking a Controls Operations Engineer in the Monrovia, CA office to support our Deep Space Network (DSN) and Maintenance M&O contract with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and NASA. The Deep Space Network is NASA's international array of giant radio antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions, plus a few that orbit the Earth. The DSN also provides radar and radio astronomy observations that improve our understanding of the solar system and larger universe.

The antennas of the Deep Space Network are the indispensable link to explorers venturing beyond Earth. They provide the crucial connection for commanding our spacecraft and receiving their never-before-seen images and scientific information on Earth, propelling our understanding of the universe, our solar system and ultimately, our place within it.

The Controls Operations Engineer sustains and supports the controller assemblies in the Facilities and Antenna Subsystems at NASA's Deep Space Communications Complexes in California, Spain, and Australia. These assemblies span electrical, mechanical (HVAC), water, security, cybersecurity, and fire systems, and provide the infrastructure that delivers critical mission data to the Signal Processing Centers.

You will work alongside discipline operations and development engineers to maintain, update, and troubleshoot these systems, and will support planning, design review, analysis, cost estimating, and technical direction for the subsystem in support of DDOSO (Office 925) at JPL.

What you'll do:

• Support the Cognizant Development Engineer on repair and replacement projects, take the technical lead on smaller projects (including research and subcontractor coordination), and serve as a reviewer for the Controls Design Engineer on new projects.
• Diagnose ladder logic, debug PLC programs, and troubleshoot HMI/GUI issues.
• Troubleshoot unknowns during modification projects; read, mark up, and document wiring diagrams and schematics, including as-built changes.
• Provide technical guidance to operations and maintenance personnel, field technicians, and consultants on fiber optic, fire, security, surveillance video, and other facilities controllers.
• Interface with vendors and manufacturers on replacement solutions and build cost-benefit trade-off studies.
• Serve as test engineer during commissioning of new controls projects (occasional travel required).
• Maintain configuration records and operational data, and track automation improvements across the DSN.
• Identify spares and product obsolescence, monitor Field Service Bulletins and change logs, and forecast end-of-life support.
• Support the DSN Engineering Change Management Board: developing, evaluating, and costing ECRs; preparing and delivering ECOs and Modkits; and resolving and closing Discrepancy Reports.
• Assist site administrators with cybersecurity requirements as needed per assembly.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• 0 years with BS/BA; 4 years no degree
• US citizenship with proof, and the ability to pass a trusted background check and a National Criminal Information Check (NCIC).
• Experience with at least one general-purpose programming language (C, C++, Python, Assembly, etc.).
• Hands-on experience with linear electrical components (resistors, capacitors, relays) and electro-mechanical components (actuators, AC/DC motors, VFDs/VSDs, motor controllers).
• Experience with serial and parallel communication protocols (I2C, Modbus, CAN bus, BACnet).
• Working knowledge of ladder logic and PLC programming, analog and discrete I/O, sensor equipment (pressure, flow, voltage, current), and computer networking.
• Familiarity with Building Management Systems such as Automated Logic (ALC) or Johnson Metasys.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on a current Windows operating system.

Desired Qualifications:

• HVAC component knowledge (fans, compressors, chillers, dampers, actuators, flowmeters) and the ability to follow a sequence of operations to identify issues.
• Understanding of power distribution, generation, and protection, including medium voltage, UPSs, and protection devices.
• Understanding of non-linear components (transistors, diodes, SCRs, AC-DC/DC-AC converters and inverters).
• Experience with DDC and DCS, industry codes and standards, maintenance reports, and trending analysis.
• EIT certification or PE license; PMP certification.
• Project and task management experience.
• Conversational Spanish.
• Strong written and verbal communication, comfort working independently with minimal direction, and a habit of tracking down answers and the people who have them.

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range

$51,000 - $82,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

EEO

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.