Radio Astronomy Radar Group (RARG) Engineer
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
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.