Job DetailsResponsibilities:The
JPL Communications and Instruments Division perform scientific investigations, advanced technology research, engineering developments and system implementations encompassing space telecommunications, tracking and active remote sensing using electromagnetic waves.
The
Flight Communications and Tracking Section provides cost-effective space communications systems, software defined radios, high power RF amplifiers, and power supplies that support primary telecom subsystems and major radar and radiometer science payloads. The section also provides Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) flight equipment, radiometric science instruments, high stability frequency standards and clocks and seismometers for NASA/JPL missions. In addition to flight hardware expertise, the section specializes in collection of and processing of worldwide, fixed site, GNSS data that is processed into clock, atmospheric, and ionospheric GNSS correction metrics. The section also develops high stability frequency references and clocks for flight and ground applications.
The Flight Communications & Tracking Section at JPL is looking for a
RFMicrowave Engineer III to join their
Frequency and Timing Systems Group. The Group provides the Deep Space Network (DSN) with precision atomic frequency and time references and distribution systems and operates state-of-the-art microwave and optical metrology references and test capabilities in the Frequency Standards Test Laboratory. As a member of this Group, you will have an opportunity to be involved with a diverse engineering team working in the development and implementation of advanced state-of-the-art frequency and timing systems (FTS).
Tasks may include but are not limited to:- Develop unique ultralow noise and power efficient microwave oscillators and synthesizers; reliable resonant drivers for ion traps and discharge lamps; ultralow noise power efficient analog electronics for JPLs trapped ion frequency standards with the goal to reduce size and improve performance of the clocks if compared with the recently flown Deep Space Atomic Clocks
- Support development and maintenance of RF and microwave assemblies for the Deep Space Network Frequency and Time Subsystem (FTS) on a Cognizant Engineer level. Those include S-Ka bands Comb Generation Assemblies that produce thousands of equally-spaced ultra stable microwave harmonics used for the calibration of frequencies of the spacecraft tracking as well as radio astronomy signals.
- Develop, design, assemble and test electronic drivers for the following: high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) compact and power efficient atomic clocks, unique low noise optical and radio frequency systems, and compact rugged metrology devices and microwave photonic oscillators.
Qualifications:- Bachelors in Electrical and Electronics Engineering with Microwave engineering focus with a minimum of 6 years of related experience, Masters in a related discipline with a minimum of 4 years of related experience, PhD in a related discipline with a minimum of 2 years of related experience.
- Expertise in the development of radiofrequency resonant tank circuits, and low noise analog electronics.
- Wide-ranging hands-on experience and advanced knowledge of low noise and precision circuits.
- Familiarity of atomic clock principles.
- Experience with developing hardware from concept to prototype to engineering model to field deployed/flight model stage with the goal to operate the hardware over multiple years in the relevant environment.
- Experience with electrical and electronic design tools such as Altium and HFSS.
- Ability to assemble (both hands-on assembly and ability to work with assembly houses) and troubleshoot advanced microwave boards for impedance mismatches, parasitics, grounding issues, layout effects, and packaging imperfectness using vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes with high bandwidth probes, phase noise measurement systems.
Preferred Skills:- Computer and analytical skills necessary for microwave circuit design (AWR Microwave Office, ADS, PSpice, HFSS)
- Experience with development, building and testing of circuits suitable for driving and controlling state-of-the-art frequency references and state of the art measurement techniques including cross-correlation phase noise analysis, frequency discrimination, heterodyne measurements, timing jitter and time error measurements.
- Familiarity with basics of quantum physics and spectroscopy, both fundamental and technical noise sources as well as error sources pertaining to clocks and oscillators as well as control theory and oscillator stabilization techniques.
- Significant experience with printed circuit board programs (OrCAD, Altium Designer), and experience with taking circuit analysis through design, build and test.
- Software and hardware-related experience of development of analog-digital mixed circuitry using micro-processors and FPGAs, high-resolution ADCs, and digital phase detectors
- Familiarity with computer-based data acquisition and instrumentation
- Strong communication skills both written and verbal.
JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee's start date.
For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks
The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.
The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.
$146,744 - $173,472
