Peraton is seeking a Test Engineer to join our team in Monrovia, California to support our Deep Space Network (DSN) program with JPL and NASA.

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. The antennas of the Deep Space Network are the indispensable link to explorers venturing beyond the moon. They provide the crucial connection for commanding our spacecraft and receiving their never before seen images and scientific information on Earth, propelling our understanding of the universe, our solar system and ultimately, our place within it.

The Compatibility Test Engineer is responsible for performing in all three Deep Space Network (DSN) test facilities, including customer and support facility interfaces. The DSN test facilities are comprised of the Development and Test Facility (DTF-21), Compatibility Test Trailer (CTT-22) and Merritt Island Test Facility (MIL-71) at Kennedy Space Center. The qualified candidate is also responsible for compatibility testing of spacecraft (or spacecraft subsystems) prior to launch, resolution of issues associated with the installation, maintenance, investigation, test evaluation and operation of all subsystems in the DSN test facilities. Assignments are complex in nature. In most cases, assignments require integrating a broad range of inputs into job performance; including supervisor inputs, task and project requirements and a range of multi-discipline theories and concepts. The qualified candidate must be able to work Day and Swing Shifts, and travel to remote testing locations when required. 

Responsibilities:

• Conducts and/or supports Compatibility and Re-Verification Testing of spacecraft or spacecraft subsystems prior to launch
• Develops Compatibility Test Procedures for spacecraft or spacecraft subsystem testing
• Responds to problems using state of the art techniques by analysis and diagnosis
• Recommends innovations and solutions from available tools and resources
• Conducts research study necessary for improvement or reconfiguration of systems or subsystems equipment after evaluation of available information
• Investigates and makes decisions relative to problems in equipment performance, customer requirements and relations
• Adheres to all pertinent policies and specifications
• Develops or completes sections of installation, maintenance, operation, troubleshooting, and repair procedures that reflect the latest concepts of information design for presentation as traditional training and/or technical documentation in accordance with technical specifications, program requirements and quality standards
• Typically develops new methods to apply to problems
• Assignments are usually broad in scope with a focus on multi-systems
• Identifies and resolves complex problems involving technical issues across multi-disciplines
• Applies advanced theories, principles and concepts; demonstrates creativity and ingenuity
• Contributes to the development of new principles and concepts
• Applies innovative solutions using available tools and resources
• Supports customers during development and test phases
• Loads and configures software as appropriate
• Maintains and calibrates station equipment to ensure readiness to support test activities
• Removes, installs, and troubleshoots station equipment using provided test equipment
• Evaluates performance of station hardware
• Processes and Installs DSN Modification Information and Deployment Authorization Software (MIDAS) Packages
• Maintains calibration of station equipment

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience with BA/BS degree in a technical or engineering field; 3 years of experience with MS/MA or minimum of 8 years of experience with no degree.

• Must be able to work Day and Swing Shifts, and travel to remote testing locations when required. 

• Must able to obtain 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Able to understand the operation and functionality of the Deep Space Network, its hardware, software and processes and procedures.
• Able to read and understand technical documents that describe the DSN, its processes and procedures
• Familiar with digital equipment, radio frequency equipment, spacecraft configurations and operations
• Possess basic computer skills and have knowledge to operate Microsoft Office suite; read and respond to e-mail daily.
• Able to write test procedures.