Associate Ground System Engineer / Ground System Engineer - (Alice Springs Australia)

Strategic Space Systems Division (SSSD) is an industry-leading provider for launch systems capabilities serving national security, military, civil and commercial customers. We are built on a heritage of providing innovative, affordable and reliable aerospace and defense products that our customers rely on to achieve mission success. Join the Space revolution and make the impossible, possible.

Northrop Grumman SSSD is seeking an Associate Ground System Engineer / Ground System Engineer to become a member of the Ground Terminal and Infrastructure Department, working as part of a motivated, diverse, and technically talented group located at a field site in Alice Springs, AU.

This position can be filled at a level 1 or 2

This role requires a two (2) year commitment and the ability to successfully pass a physical and psychological exam. Shifts are typically from 7:30am to 4:00PM Monday - Friday with only the odd occasions of off hours or long hours needed for special activities. A comprehensive overseas compensation package is offered with this position including relocation assistance.

Role Description

The Ground Hardware Engineer provides operation, maintenance, and repair for the ground terminal architecture at a customer's site as a part of a highly skilled and specialized team, insuring the availability of critical mission system. You will leverage your background experience and skills to provide time-critical observation, assessment, repair, and monitoring of complex communications systems and data links providing sustained operation. Furthermore, you will articulate your recommendations to the customer to inform decisions on mission critical infrastructure and equipment.

• Provide daily activities and after-hours 24/7 response for the technical operations, maintenance, and repair of end-to-end communications capabilities

• Partakes in the operation, maintenance, and repair of communications systems and components for ground to space communication links

• Craft and execute preventative maintenance plans for large antenna platforms and associated equipment

• Apply technical knowledge of electronics principles to determine equipment malfunctions and apply skills to restore mission critical operations at the system, sub-system, line replaceable unit, and board level

• Operate, maintain, repair/replace, and install various types of electrical equipment and devices related to all aspects of satellite communications to include: antennas, servo systems, transmitters, receivers, mixers, switches, modems, upconverters/downconverters, amplifiers, network analyzers, noise figure analyzers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscope, power meters, signal generators, fiber optic transmitters/receivers, waveguides, coaxial cable, and associated wiring and peripherals

• Apply comprehensive technical knowledge to solve complex problems by interpreting manufacturer's manuals or similar documents with the support of senior engineers

• Support development teams generating the next stages of mission execution infrastructure and systems culminating in integration, operation, and maintenance of these systems

• Utilize sound technical writing to document equipment failures, prepare status reports, and assist in developing concepts of operations (CONOPs) and improvements to the operations of communication systems

• Provide technical guidance to programmatic processes for future enhancements and system upgrades attend meetings with government employees and other contractor teams

• Demonstrate understanding and initiative in daily activities and carry a professional attitude towards customers and colleagues at all times

• Position may require planned and emergency travel throughout the year to various locations within the region

• Perform other related duties as required

• Provide COMSEC support, as required

• The successful candidate must also be able to satisfy the following physical demands:

  • Ability to work on elevated structures at heights of ~100 feet

  • Ability to climb stairs (~300 stairs/day)

  • Ability to lift and carry ~45lbs

  • Ability to work in narrow and confined spaces

Basic Qualifications for Level 1:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline plus 0 years of experience; OR 4 years of experience in lieu of degree

• Familiarity with SATCOM systems

• Familiarity with the operation, maintenance and repair of RF Communication systems

• Familiarity with system level test experience working with antenna/ground hardware

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance, SCI access and complete/pass a counterintelligence polygraph examination prior to start date

Basic Qualifications for Level 2:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline plus 2 years of experience; OR Master’s Degree plus 0 years of experience; OR 6 years of experience in lieu of degree

• SATCOM systems experience

• Possess and demonstrates direct work related experience with the operation, maintenance and repair of RF Communication systems

• Possess system level test experience working with antenna/ground hardware

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance, SCI access and complete/pass a counterintelligence polygraph examination prior to start date

Preferred Qualifications

• Active, in scope DoD Top Secret Clearance / SCI Access with a counterintelligence (CI) polygraph examination

• Experience with HVAC Units and power distribution equipment

• Previous experience working on location and/or in the field to support the Department of Defense and/or the Intelligence Community is highly desirable

• Practical EW/RF systems knowledge gained through design, construction, and or tactical communications system experience; experience in military settings is a plus

• Ham radio experience/license beneficial

• COMSEC Experience beneficial

• Fork lift and Elevated work platform license/experience