Radio Astronomy Radar Group (RARG) Engineer

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

Job summary

Peraton is hiring a Radio Astronomy Radar Group (RARG) Engineer to support the Deep Space Network—an array of giant radio antennas that links Earth to interplanetary spacecraft and delivers images and data. You will operate, maintain, and repair uplink/downlink systems for DSN’s largest antennas and lead the PLC-based Configuration Control group.

Responsibilities include diagnosing RF/PLC/transmitter issues, implementing engineering changes, logging actions in DRMS/MAXIMO, and providing training

Qualifications

• 2 years with BS/BA; 0 years with MS/MA; 6 years with no degree
• Experience working with telemetry receiving systems
• Experience working with PLCs and high‑power transmitters
• Working knowledge of ladder logic, PLC programming tools, and UNIX
• Comfort working safely around high‑voltage equipment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, self‑motivation, and a collaborative mindset
• U.S. citizenship, with the ability to pass a trusted background check and NCIC screening
• A valid California Real ID driver’s license
• Nice to have familiarity with RSLogix 500, RSNetworx, or RSLinx
• Familiarity with System Performance Test (SPT) equipment
• LabView experience
• Windows and UNIX environments separately
• The Physical Side: hands‑on, in‑the‑field work
• Climbing antennas up to 300 ft
• Outdoor work in extreme weather
• Confined spaces
• Extended shifts and on-call duties

Responsibilities

• Diagnose issues and perform or direct repairs on RF, PLC, and transmitter systems
• Lead implementation of Engineering Changes and provide feedback to Operations Engineers
• Log corrective actions and analyses in DRMS and MAXIMO
• Provide operational support and technical guidance, including training and oversight of hourly personnel
• Communicate with internal teams and external customers
• Write clear reports on tracking results and job activities

Skills

Telemetry systems

PLC programming

Ladder logic

UNIX

Safety around high voltage

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree required

Tools

RSLogix 500

RSNetworx

RSLinx

LabVIEW

Job description

Responsibilities

Peraton is hiring a Radio Astronomy Radar Group (RARG) Engineer to support the Deep Space Network — the array of giant radio antennas that links Earth to interplanetary spacecraft and delivers the images and data that expand our understanding of the solar system. Your work will keep that connection alive.

You’ll operate, maintain, and repair the uplink and downlink systems for the DSN’s largest antennas: the 70‑meter DSS 14 dish, the 34‑meter DSS 13 and DSS 26 dishes, and their high‑power transmitters (up to 500 kW). You’ll also lead the PLC‑based Configuration Control group, which manages RF switches and interlocks across the antenna systems, and drive Engineering Changes in close coordination with JPL engineering teams.

What You’ll Do:

• Diagnose issues and perform or direct repairs on RF, PLC, and transmitter systems
• Lead implementation of Engineering Changes and provide feedback to Operations Engineers
• Log corrective actions and analyses in DRMS and MAXIMO
• Provide operational support and technical guidance, including training and oversight of hourly personnel
• Communicate with internal teams and external customers
• Write clear reports on tracking results and job activities

Qualifications

What You’ll Need

• 2 years with BS/BA; 0 years with MS/MA; 6 years with no degree
• Experience working with telemetry receiving systems
• Experience working with PLCs and high‑power transmitters
• Working knowledge of ladder logic, PLC programming tools, and UNIX
• Comfort working safely around high‑voltage equipment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, self‑motivation, and a collaborative mindset
• U.S. citizenship, with the ability to pass a trusted background check and NCIC screening
• A valid California Real ID driver’s license

Nice to Have

• Experience with RSLogix 500, RSNetworx, or RSLinx
• Familiarity with System Performance Test (SPT) equipment
• LabView experience
• Comfort with both Windows and UNIX environments

The Physical Side (This is hands‑on, in‑the‑field work)

You should be comfortable:

• Climbing antennas up to 300 ft
• Working outdoors in extreme heat, cold, or rough weather
• Working in confined spaces
• Standing or sitting at a console for extended periods
• Working extended shifts and providing on‑call support when needed

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

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