Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.
The SARA High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and imaginative Hardware / Electronics Engineer to support research and development activities and transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors in Colorado Springs, CO. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-standing programs and new programs supporting our customers. Our small group will allow the candidate to experience, contribute, and collaborate in a multidisciplinary nature from conception all the way through to operation.
Core Responsibilities:
- Multi-Disciplinary Hardware & Electronics Design, from concept inception to hardware delivery:
- System concepts, requirements, and architecture development
- Schematic capture
- Physical PCB layout
- Choreographing manufacturing and assembly
- Testing, characterization, and delivery of PCB systems
- Execution of the design process for an array of R&D purposes, including implementation, maintenance, and improvement of electrical systems
- High-power solid-state switching systems and devices
- Pioneer of high voltage system design and improvements
- Complex power generation
- Gate-drive circuits
- Snubber circuits
- Protection circuits
- Microcontroller based control systems
- FPGA based systems
- Data acquisition systems
- Device physics understanding of common components
- Developing and operating SPICE simulations of complex electrical architectures
- Testing of new products, developing systems to gather digital and analog data
- Participate in firmware and hardware testing of high voltage systems
- Develop ongoing quality control testing procedures to be incorporated into the regular design process
- Write detailed technical reports
- Comprehensive design documentation
- Design review documentation (PDR, CDR, TRR)
- Customer facing interactions and presentations
- Complex design specifications and characteristics
- Support highly technical engineering and scientific teams on field test activities when necessary
- Provide technical mentoring to support team development
Key Competencies:
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Excellent decision making and leadership capabilities
- Adaptability to work in a fluid, fast-paced team environment
- Ability to comprehend and design to full scale system integration
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering
- 10+ years’ design experience
- Experience using basic data acquisition equipment including multimeters, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, voltage probes, current probes, and spectrum analyzers
- Experience with data processing software including Excel, MATLAB, and Mathcad
- Experience with analog and digital circuit design and layout
- Experience with software including DipTrace, OrCAD, P-SPICE, and LTSPICE
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills
- Willingness to occasionally travel to brief customers or participate in development testing
- May require moderate physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
- Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated, moderate physical hazards may exist
- US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD Top Secret security clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering
- 12+ years’ experience in designing one or more of the following:
- Power Electronics
- Pulsed Power
- High Power Solid-State Switching
- Power Conditioning
- DC/DC & AC/DC Power Conversion
- High Voltage (1s to 100s of kilovolts)
- Protection Circuits
- High-Speed Communication Circuits
- Digital and Analog Controls
- Power Magnetics
- Gate Drives
- I/O Interface Circuits
- Control Hardware
- Electromagnetics
- Microelectronics
- Fiber Optics
- Active DoD Top Secret or DoE Q clearance
SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:
- Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
- A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
- Tuition & certification reimbursement
- Flexible work schedules
- Discretionary Employee bonuses
- 401(k) match/profit sharing
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Pay Range:
Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $110,000 to $180,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees.
Application Deadline: September 22, 2024
EEO Commitment
We’re an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer that empowers– no matter their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, or related medical conditions), national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.
