EM/RF Engineer IV - Aerospace EMP - 1713
SARA Inc
Summary
The SARA, Inc. Aerospace EMP Survivability and Effects Department, within the High-Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM), is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and imaginative Aerospace EMP (ASEMP) Engineer to support EMP hardening and assessment activities on aircraft and ground-based facilities and transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors.
Job description
Core Responsibilities
- Support aircraft and other aerospace-related or ground-based EMP assessments, including travel to airfields and facilities (CONUS and OCONUS)
- Perform aircraft hardening design efforts
- Perform research, design, development, fabrication, testing, and documentation of multidisciplinary engineering tasks on multiple projects and programs
- Write detailed technical reports and maintain comprehensive project documentation
- Perform hands-on testing and troubleshooting using knowledge of standard and advanced test and data acquisition equipment
- Execute other tasks in coordination with customers and their contractors, technical leaders, program managers, executive leadership, or department managers
- Interface with technical program managers to provide technical input as needed
- Moderate to significant travel may be required (up to 30% a year)
Key Competencies
- Proficient in the use of oscilloscopes, multimeters, and other electrical measurement instruments for troubleshooting and analysis
- Demonstratable knowledge of voltage/current transformers, the fundamentals of their operation, and their applications in electrical systems
- Skilled in operating benchtop lab equipment, including function generators, power supplies, and related instruments
- Experienced in data acquisition techniques including equipment setup, data collection, and subsequent analysis and interpretation
- Knowledge of voltage and current measurement devices including (some or all): High-Voltage probes, differential probes, clamp-on current probes, hall effect sensors, and Rogowski coils
- Knowledge of diagnostic techniques such as differential measurements, Fourier analysis, transient response, parasitic effects, aliasing, frequency response, and impedance
- Appliable knowledge of ground reference, ground impedance, and grounding loops
- Adept at interpreting and comprehending complex circuit schematics, one-line diagrams, and related electrical documentation
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Highly adaptable with the ability to thrive in dynamic, fast-paced team-oriented environments
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Electromagnetics, including RF or EMI/EMC, Aerospace Engineering, or Pulsed Power
- 8 – 10 years of relevant experience
- Software front end/back-end development for controlling lab electronic test equipment
- Demonstrated understanding of fundamental power systems concepts, including transmission line theory, transformer operations, and three-phase power principles
- Active Top Secret security clearance
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or relevant field
- 5 – 7 years of experience in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Electromagnetics (including RF or EMI/EMC), or Pulsed Power Test experience involving spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, pulsers, and other EMI/EMC devices
- Basic programming experience (e.g. Matlab, VBA, SQL, LabVIEW, and/or Python) for data analysis and test automation
- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, solve problems strategically
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance
- May require moderate physical effort, involving standing, sitting, and use of hands while performing duties, to include carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Disability & Life Insurance
- Generous PTO Program
- Tuition & Certification Reimbursement
- Flexible Work Schedules
- Discretionary Employee Bonuses
- 401(k) Match/Profit Sharing
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan
Company overview
Scientific Applications & Research Associates (SARA), Inc. is a specialized defense technology company founded in 1989 that develops innovative solutions for national security and defense applications. With over 35 years of experience, SARA specializes in directed and detected wave energy technologies spanning EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse), ELF (Extremely Low Frequency), laser light, HPM (High-Power Microwave), and acoustics. The company's core expertise includes RF/EMP engineering, threat warning systems, pulsed power technologies, and advanced sensing solutions. SARA serves defense and homeland security sectors with customized products such as RF sensors, hostile fire warning systems, measurement and analysis systems, pulsers, and RF shielding solutions. Their engineering team provides comprehensive testing services, rapid prototyping, and EM modeling capabilities, with the ability to deploy globally within US ITAR restrictions. As an employee-owned company with 201-500 employees, SARA maintains headquarters in Cypress, California, with additional operations in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The company prides itself on partnering closely with customers to develop practical, cost-effective solutions for force protection, renewable energy, UAVs, small robotics, and specialized testing challenges.