Microwave / Transmitter Operations Engineer

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

Job summary

Peraton in Monrovia, CA seeks a Microwave / Transmitter Operations Engineer to support DSN Operations and Maintenance with JPL and NASA. This role focuses on sustaining engineering and maintenance of microwave systems on large antennas, with data trend analysis and cross-team collaboration.

The job also covers failure analysis, hardware transfer from development to operations, and site testing across Goldstone and overseas complexes, with periodic nights/weekends and travel expectations.

Qualifications

• 2 years with BS/BA; 0 years with MS/MA; 6 years with no degree.
• Exhibit clear communications and presentation skills.
• Can produce clear, convincing presentations based on analysis of numerical information.
• Able to work in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Climb 100' to 200' structures via ladders and stairs.
• Must pass NCIC background check; US Citizenship required.
• CA Real ID driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and troubleshoot antenna-site issues.
• Maintain online transmitter and microwave data.
• Coordinate vendor and JPL support for repairs.
• Generate reports for Peraton and JPL management.
• Research and justify new parts for obsolescence replacement.
• Advocate for reliable, maintainable infrastructure.
• Participate in design reviews and transfer hardware to operations.
• Negotiate spare parts and maintain antenna spares.
• Perform acceptance testing at JPL or field sites; travel as needed.
• Travel twice monthly to Goldstone; annual overseas trips.

Skills

Clear communication

Presentation skills

Multi-cultural environment

Physical ability 50lbs

Climb towers (100'-200')

Background check clearance

Education

BS/BA

MS/MA not required

No degree

Job description

Microwave / Transmitter Operations Engineer

US-CA-Monrovia

Seeking an Microwave / Transmitter Operations Engineer to support our Deep Space Network (DSN) Operations and Maintenance O&M contract with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and NASA in Monrovia, CA.

The Deep Space Network is NASA's international array of giant radio antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions, plus a few that orbit Earth. The DSN also provides radar and radio astronomy observations that improve our understanding of the solar system and the larger universe.

Under general direction/guidance from the Antenna Engineering Supervisor, the ideal candidate be responsible for sustaining engineering and maintenance support of microwave communication and support equipment utilized on JPL / NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) large fully-steerable reflector antennas.

The selected candidate will also be expected to perform failure analyses, trend performance data, interface with the JPL transmitter and microwave engineers to sustain existing field systems and participate in the implementation of new and obsolescence replacement equipment.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and troubleshoot issues / problems that the personnel at the antenna sites are experiencing.
• Maintain on-line transmitter and microwave configuration and performance data.
• Maintain netwide cognizance of performance issues and coordinate vendor repair and JPL support as needed.
• Generate reports and prepare and provide verbal presentations to Peraton and JPL management
• Research, recommend, and justify new parts or equipment for obsolete or soon-to-be-obsolete parts or equipment and phase-out plans.
• Advocate for the installed infrastructure on the behalf of the maintenance staffs and the antenna operators, for ease of use, reliability and maintainability.
• Participate in design reviews and facilitate the transfer of new hardware from development engineering to operations, including processing the shipment for delivery to the appropriate antenna location.
• Be responsible for negotiating adequate sparing of new deliveries and the oversight of adequate spares at each antenna location
• Conduct acceptance testing on hardware in the subsystems assigned. Some of this testing is performed at JPL (Pasadena, CA), while other testing is performed on the antennas at the tracking stations in Goldstone, California; Canberra, Australia and Madrid, Spain including possible required activities during nights and weekends.
• It is anticipated that there will be twice a month travel to Goldstone for one day activities, 6 times a year overnight and one or two 1-4 week trips to each of the two overseas complexes each year.
• Additional duties will be assigned, as required.

Seeking an Operations Engineer to support our Deep Space Network (DSN) Operations and Maintenance O&M contract with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and NASA in Monrovia, CA.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 2 years with BS/BA; 0 years with MS/MA; 6 years with no degree
• Exhibit clear communications and presentation skills.
• Can produce clear, convincing presentations based on analysis of numerical information.
• Are able to work well in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Can climb 100' to 200' structures via ladders and stairs.
• Ability to undergo a trusted background check and pass a National Criminal Information Check (NCIC). In order to obtain a clearance, you need to be a US Citizen and show proof of citizenship.
• Must possess and retain a valid California Real ID driver's license.

Desired Qualifications

• Possess prior experience supporting field installations with maintenance and troubleshooting and performing sparing analyses.
• Fundamental knowledge of satellite communications.
• 3 to 5 years progressive experience with microwave transmitters, low-noise amplifiers and power amplifiers, associated refrigeration and cooling equipment, and automated instrument measurement systems.

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

$66,000 - $106,000. 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.