Scientist, RF

Company: Orbital Sciences Corporation Location: Dulles, VA 20166 Job Category: Engineering Reference Code: A07-450 Scientist, RF Since our founding in 1982, Orbital has pioneered new classes of rockets, satellites and other space systems that have made us one of the world's leading developers and manufacturers of space and missile systems. Our commercial, civil government and military customers depend on our low-orbit, geostationary and planetary spacecraft to help them meet their communications, remote sensing and scientific missions. We also launch exciting new careers every day. Join us in bringing the benefits of space down to Earth! Perform high-level trade studies and analyses of satellite communications systems architectures, including space andground segments, in support of program and new business proposals. Develop RF system performance requirements and flow down to detailed component specifications. Define antenna coverage, preliminary antenna design characteristics, and specification of antennas. Lead and oversee the mechanical and electrical design, integration, test, and in-orbit checkout of satellite communicationsubsystems. Write detailed unit-level and spacecraft-level test plans, procedures, and automated test scripts to ensure functional testingverifies and validates all subsystem performance requirements. Track and trend RF subsystem and component performance parameters through spacecraft assembly, integration, andenvironmental test. Present effectively at customer design reviews. Interaction with the customer, and senior management team in the business group. Perform vendor survey for RF components and support down-selection and contract negotiation. Provide technical subcontract monitoring. Write specifications and engineering reports as a result of advanced studies, special engineering investigations, andsimilar activities. Mentor, guide, and advise less-experienced staff BSEE Required/Advanced Degree preferred. 15+ years experience and demonstrated proficiency in the architecture design, specification, analysis, and test of RF communication systems and components for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) spacecraft. A background in the procurement and manufacturing of RF communication hardware in the space industry is also desired. TS/SCI/SSBI Required Thorough understanding in the fundamentals of RF, microwave circuit, antenna design, and satellite communications.Ability to generate detailed RF link budgets for digital and analog satellite communication systems. Strong knowledge of the functional performance of RF components such as transmitters, receivers, transponders, filters,switches, isolators, and antennas. Experience in the design, development, procurement, integration and test of satellite RF components. Hands-on knowledge and experience with RF test equipment including signal generators, network analyzers, spectrumanalyzers, oscilloscopes, amplifiers, mixers, power meters, directional couplers etc. Ability to troubleshoot RF componentsand subsystems. Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to explain complex problems to external customers and non-engineering managers. Knowledge of a variety of satellite communications systems and ground station networks, including commercial, civil, and military systems. Experience with Cost Account Management and Earned Value Management Systems