Engineer, Field Service - Range Communication Systems

at  Arcata Associates Inc

DESCRIPTION/JOB SUMMARY

The Range Communications Systems FSE is accountable to the Range Communications Work Group Lead (WGL) for the overall support of in-scope work in WBS 160. This includes design and sustaining engineering, operations and maintenance of all associated technical and administrative support to ensure timely completion of work while meeting or exceeding quality standards. The FSE is responsible for understanding the general RF&ESS Statement of Work (SOW) and the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and specifically understanding the WBS160 sections of the SOW and PWS. The FSE is responsible for understanding the WBS160 section of the RF&ESS Score Card. This position receives technical guidance from the Range Communications WGL. Work is reviewed for compliance with accepted practices.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Computer system literacy. Ability to effectively use word processing and spreadsheet
• software programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Visio and Outlook.
• Ability use test equipment such as: Spectrum Analyzer, O-Scope, Multimeter, Power Meter and other test equipment.
• Technical familiarity with the equipment operated and maintained at the Armstrong Flight Research Center desired.
• Ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Government Secret Security Clearance.
• Ability to pass a heavy equipment physical exam required to operate motorized equipment
• such as forklifts, bucket lifts and platform personnel lifts.
• Ability to effectively work in a technically diverse workforce.
• Ability to effectively present technical information to various audiences ranging from the customer to the RF&ESS senior management tea.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license.
• In-depth knowledge of: operations, including scheduling, procurement and quality assurance systems and Range communications systems Frequency (RF) theory.
• Ability to: Comprehend electronic formulas, drawings and schematics. Analyze and troubleshoot electronics systems and sub-systems to the component level. Work under the pressure of a real-time mission environment.
• Train and evaluate the work of all levels of employees.
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
• Establish and maintain successful work relationships with those contacted in the performance of this position.
• Analyze data, resolve problems and make decisions independently,
• Ability to work in a team environment, work under deadlines.
• Use a computer to input and retrieve information and data, perform work in an ISO compliant/certified environment.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills to work with all levels; to include conflict resolution and mentoring.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

A minimum of eight years of related work experience which shall include range operations in aircraft and/or spacecraft testing.
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REQUIRED EDUCATION

Associate degree in Electronics Technology or a similar field. In lieu of the Associates Degree, High School graduate or High School equivalency and completion of formal training in an accredited commercial or military electronics school.
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• Provides technical direction and performs technical tasks for all activities within WBS160.
• At the direction of the WGL assigns work to the employees in the section and recommends training as required.
• Review and approve employee’s timecards if the WGL is not available.
• Assist WGL with interviewing candidates for open positions.
• Implements quality procedures and work instructions.
• Directly interfaces with and is responsible for effective communications with the NASA
• Technical Monitors, Performance Monitors, Test Information Engineers (TIE), Range
• System Engineers (RSE), Range Control Officers (RCO), Code 610 and 620
• MC Branch Chiefs. Works closely with the Technical Monitor, Performance Monitor and
• Range Control Officers to coordinate and prioritize task and mission requirements. When
• required, interfaces with external customers including AFTC and Human Space Flight personnel and personnel from other NASA Centers.
• Coordinates and manages the System Operations and Maintenance Plan (SOMP) for the
• equipment assigned to the WBS160, including preventive and corrective maintenance.
• Comply with DATR Configuration Change Board (CCB) processes including.
• Configuration Change Request (CCR), System Test Report (STR) and Discrepancy Reports (DR). Performs development and sustaining engineering on RF systems, servo mechanical systems, digital and analog communications systems, and data networks.
• Responsible for tracking, documenting, and evaluating functional performance against
• RF&ESS WBS160 metrics. Inform the WGL of any metric points deductions associated with WBS160.
• Proposes new processes based on innovations or in response to negative trends observed during project tracking analysis.
• Manage and provide sustainment and test engineering support.
• Perform other related duties as required by management to include supporting other work centers during surges. This may include cross training into other function areas to meet overall contract performance objectives.
• As required, may be delegated to fill in as the Work Group Lead.