Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.
The SARA EMP Survivability and Effects Department, within the High-Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM), is looking for an exceptionally talented, motivated, and capable EM/RF Test Engineer. The HPEM team is at the forefront of radiated and conducted energy delivery systems from prime power to applications. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to grow and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-standing programs and new programs supporting the DoD, DoE, and their contractors. The candidate selected will perform various RF/EM test and measurement tasks for products, systems, components, or modifications as part of an innovative and dynamic engineering team in Colorado Springs, CO. SARA’s EMP Survivability and Effects team supports the testing and evaluation of the nation’s most critical assets, including C4I fixed-ground based installation, C4I mobile systems, airborne platforms and military surface ships. Our small group will allow the candidate to experience, contribute, and collaborate in a multidisciplinary nature from conception all the way through to operation on projects that provide a direct benefit to our nation’s defense while increasing our warfighter’s capabilities.
This role includes various EM/RF test and measurement tasks for products, systems, components, or in-situ modifications to systems. The candidate selected will:
Assist in field test and lab test preparation, execution, and post-test activities in support of MIL-STD-188-125-1A/2, MIL-STD-3023, and MIL-STD-4023 High-Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) testing, including Shielding Effectiveness (SE) measurements, pulsed current injection (PCI), and continuous-wave immersion (CWI)
Assist with various lab duties, including testbed design, setup and fabrication, operation of high voltage equipment, and organization and maintenance of test equipment
Be available for moderate to significant (20% to 40+%) travel
Be internally motivated, dedicated, and driven to apply the knowledge and problem solving skills they’ve learned over their schooling and career
Core Responsibilities:
Conduct test activities associated with MIL-STD-188-125-1A/2, MIL-STD-3023, and MIL-STD-4023 HEMP testing, including shielding effectiveness measurements, pulsed current injection, and continuous wave immersion
Implement wideband time-domain and frequency-domain diagnostics and perform measurements on power systems, R&D efforts in high voltage, pulsed power, and high-power microwaves in harsh EM environments
Engage in a variety of programming activities such as writing software for instrument control, data acquisition or data analysis
Interact with peers and other engineering groups to define and author test procedures and plans, analyze and document test results, and recommend improvements based on empirical results
Construct, maintain, and test electrical and mechanical systems, components, equipment, etc.
Assist with testing, troubleshooting, and modification of electronic systems using measuring and diagnostic tools, including vector network analyzers (VNA), high powered RF amplifiers, broadband fiber-optic receivers/transmitters, high current/high-voltage pulsers, oscilloscopes/digitizers, current transformers, digital multimeters, etc.
Perform research, design, development, fabrication, testing, and documentation of multidisciplinary engineering tasks on multiple projects and programs
Perform RF/EM Test Engineer duties that include extended work hours (10+ hrs/day) on deployments ranging from 1 week to 4+ weeks – CONUS or OCONUS
Perform other duties and projects as assigned
Requirements:
0-5 years of experience with a BS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Pulsed Power, Applied Mathematics or Applied Electromagnetics
US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and retain a TS Security Clearance
Must be available for up to 40% travel (CONUS and OCONUS) in support of testing or other customer requirements
Have and maintain a valid driver’s license
Detail-oriented
Able to apply knowledge of basic electrical/high-voltage safety practices
Self-motivated, willing to develop new skills, and able to take on a wide variety of tasks
Able to effectively multi-task and handle changing work assignments, schedules, and priorities
Able to maintain focus and attention to detail during extended work hours while traveling
Interact effectively with all levels of staff, the public, and outside vendors
Working Conditions:
Indoor and outdoor work environments, including office and laboratory spaces
Working with ladders, lifts (scissor, boom, etc.), generally high places
Working with high voltage and high current
May vary in cleanliness, lighting, temperature, and ventilation based on testing activity
May require ear, eye, and head protection
May require moderate physical effort, involving frequent standing and moving of equipment, including lifting more than 50 pounds
Preferred Qualifications:
5+ years of experience with a BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Pulsed Power, Applied Mathematics or Applied Electromagnetics with working knowledge of EMI/EMC, lightning testing, high-powered microwave (HPM) or EMP engineering
Experience in a fast paces R&D environment
Proficient in MS Office applications
Programming exposure to LabVIEW, MATLAB, PSPICE or EMTP-ATP circuit simulation codes, and/or Python
Working knowledge of EM simulation and modeling (2D and 3D) techniques
Familiar with vector network analyzers (VNA), RF signal generators, antennas, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes/digitizers, power meters, multimeters, and inductive current monitors
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Active TS/SCI Security Clearance
SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:
Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
Tuition & certification reimbursement
Flexible work schedules
Employee bonuses
401(k) match/profit sharing
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Salary Range: $70,000 - $120,000 (DOE)
Application Deadline: May 20, 2024
U.S. citizenship is required for most positions. (www.SARA.com)
SARA, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SARA, Inc. is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SARA Inc.’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (719) 302-3117.
