Engineering Technician – Satellite Ground Station & RF Systems

About the role

Do you want to work in a dynamic, hands-on environment, operating and maintaining satellite ground-station systems used to track and communicate with spacecraft from Low Earth Orbit to deep space? Are you interested in RF systems, electronics, troubleshooting, and building and testing hardware for space applications where reliability and performance are critical to mission success? Do you consider yourself a highly motivated, organized, responsive, and versatile team player? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking an Engineering Technician to join the Space Exploration Sector’s RF Engineering Group (SER). You will play a hands-on role in the operation, maintenance, and continued development of our satellite communications ground station, supporting real-time spacecraft contacts and engineering test activities. You will operate ground-station equipment during scheduled satellite tracking passes; maintain and troubleshoot antenna, RF, electronics, and computer systems; and help keep the station ready to support missions. You will also collect and post-process data, document results, and work alongside engineers to diagnose problems and develop upgrades and new capabilities.

Beyond ground-station operations, you will help turn engineering concepts into hardware by supporting the design, fabrication, assembly, integration, and test of prototype and flight hardware using mechanical CAD, machining, 3D printing, electronics assembly, and RF test equipment. This position offers broad hands-on experience across satellite communications operations, RF/microwave systems, electronics, mechanical fabrication, and space-flight hardware development.

Responsibilities

• Operate satellite communications and tracking systems during scheduled spacecraft passes and engineering test activities.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair ground-station systems, including antennas and positioning systems, RF equipment, electronics, computers, cabling, and associated infrastructure.
• Configure and operate RF, communications, and data-acquisition equipment to support spacecraft contacts, system checkout, and engineering tests.
• Collect and post-process data from satellite passes and tests, document anomalies and results, and contribute to engineering test reports.
• Work alongside engineers to develop, integrate, test, and implement upgrades and new satellite communications capabilities.
• Climb antenna structures and work at heights of 80 feet or more, as needed, to support maintenance, repairs, and upgrades.
• Perform mechanical CAD and drafting for ground-station, prototype, test, and flight hardware.
• Fabricate mechanical hardware, enclosures, antenna components, and test fixtures using CNC/metal milling equipment, circuit-board milling equipment, 3D printers, and other prototyping tools.
• Assemble, modify, integrate, and troubleshoot electrical and mechanical hardware, including electronics, cables, and ground support equipment.
• Maintain RF laboratory, test, and prototyping equipment, including calibration, inventory, organization, and readiness for use.
• Use and develop proficiency with RF/microwave and electronic test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, power meters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and related communications equipment.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in electronics, engineering technology, mechanical technology, mechatronics, machining, or a related technical field; or a high school diploma with equivalent relevant experience.
• 1+ years of relevant experience with electrical, electronic, mechanical, communications, or other technical systems.
• Demonstrated hands-on electrical and/or mechanical aptitude, with the ability to assemble, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair technical equipment.
• Initiative, strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to learn new technical systems and work independently or as part of an engineering team.
• Willing and able to accommodate flexible work hours for short periods to support testing activities, satellite tracking passes, and occasional off-hours maintenance or troubleshooting, and to participate in an on-call rotation supporting a 24x7x365 operational facility.
• Willing and able to travel to off-site locations, lift equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, wear required safety harnesses and associated fall-protection equipment that may add additional weight, and work at heights of 80 feet or more.
• Able to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by start date and ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with satellite communications, RF/microwave systems, electronics, or communications equipment.
• Experience operating electronic test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and power meters.
• Hands-on experience with electronics assembly, soldering, cable fabrication, troubleshooting, or repair.
• Experience with mechanical CAD, machining, 3D printing, or other prototyping and fabrication techniques.
• Experience collecting, processing, analyzing, or documenting engineering test data.
• Experience maintaining or operating complex technical systems, test facilities, antennas, or ground-station equipment.
• Experience operating boom lifts, climbing structures, or performing rigging activities.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area.

Pay

Hourly range: $20.55 – $42.20

Benefits

• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Flexible spending accounts
• Education assistance
• Training and development