DEED Laboratory Support - Technical Specialist III/IV - Electronics

At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country's space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

The Digital Electronics and Electromagnetic Department, a core part of the Communication Systems and Agile Processing sub-division, excels in managing the full communications chain-from RF signals to digital bits. Our expertise encompasses everything from modeling and simulation to RF chain analysis/design and software-defined radio systems. We leverage this deep knowledge to develop satellite payloads, advanced signal collection methods, new modulation schemes, testbed environments, and innovative approaches to antenna design, characterization, and measurement.

We are looking for an Electronics Prototyping and Test Technician to join our team and support critical programs that are vital to the success of today's and tomorrow's space architectures. This is a key role that facilitates the effective operation and maintenance of a specialized laboratory, test equipment and test events in support of the United States Space Force and the Intelligence Community.

Work Model: The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at our Chantilly, VA location.

Specific day-to-day activities will vary based on the number and type of active projects, but some things you can expect include:

• Operating and maintaining environmental test equipment including vibration tables, thermal cycle chambers, and thermal vacuum chambers

• Working with a large state-of-the-art tapered RF chamber to support test events and maintain operations

• Using machine tools such as 3D printers, PCB fabrication equipment, CNC machines, drill press, band saw and/or other tools to build subsystems and test setups for RF and digital electronics

• Supporting CubeSat and satellite payload testing by assisting engineers with test plan setup, execution, and equipment monitoring

• Executing administrative laboratory operations including organization, inventory management, equipment maintenance, supply procurement, equipment calibration management

• Proposing, planning, and executing projects to enhance laboratory capabilities and effectiveness

What You Need to be Successful - ATS Level III

Minimum Requirements:

• 5 or more years of experience with an associate's degree or equivalent vocational/military training. Optionally, 7 years or more of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or equivalent

• Experience with common lab equipment such as multi-meters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers

• Effective interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations

• Demonstrated flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational needs

• Proficiency with standard business applications such as Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)

• Experience working within the bounds of laboratory safety protocols

• Clean driving record

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for ATS Level IV:

• 10 years or more of relevant experience

• Comfortable in the setup, use, and configuration of typical lab equipment such as multi-meters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzer, and similar equipment

• Proficiency in soldering, electronics assembly, and wire harness builds with current/past certifications

• Experience managing equipment/inventory control/equipment tracking in lab environment

• Prior experience with mechanical fabrication in support of test fixturing

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Experience leading projects of moderate size and complexity

• Familiarity with Metrology and calibration processes

• Experience with RF systems/components/sub-assembly testing including setup and test equipment configuration

• Prior experience working with shielded RF chambers or antenna test ranges

• Experience using and operating environmental test equipment including thermal chambers, vacuum chambers and vibration table

• Experience with the use of some of the following: drill press, CNC machine, 3D printers, PCB fabrication equipment

• Working understanding of computers and computer networks to support managing a laboratory computer environment

• Experience developing documentation and work instructions consistent with typical lab operations

• Prior use of Atlassian software products such as Confluence and JIRA

• Current Top-Secret clearance