Electronics Engineer

Summary

This position serves as an Electronics Engineer who applies a depth of knowledge and understanding of the theories, concepts, and principles of electronic circuits, radio frequency propagation, and equipment to test and analyze radio frequencies and equipment.

This position is critical to the safe and efficient operation of the National Airspace System (NAS).

Duties

The Electronics Engineer applies experience and comprehensive knowledge with the theories, concepts and principles of electronic circuits, circuit elements and equipment in order to plan, test, analyze and report on radio frequencies.

Plans and accomplishes highly complex and challenging projects / programs and other work activities under the minimal direction of a manager, project / program manager, team leader, or more experienced engineer.

Interprets communication, navigation and surveillance system radio frequency and spectrum requirements to prepare and execute complex radio frequency tests and to analyze the more complex aeronautical frequency bands.

Operates test equipment and tools such as spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and network analyzers to conduct complex radio frequency measurements.

Conducts complex Electromagnetic Interference and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) studies and tests to verify that transmitters and other components do not interfere with others' proper operation.

Applies extensive skill using technical software and programs such as LabWindows, LabView, and Microsoft Visual Studio to develop innovative and complex automated radio frequency electronic test scenarios.

Skill in applying direction-finding techniques.

Investigates systems problems and resolves all but unique technical problems related to radio frequency propagation and simulation / modeling techniques.

Develops and incorporates technological improvements in radio direction finding throughout the ATO. Identifies, evaluates and resolves complex problems and / or issues in existing and proposed facilities and systems.

He / she prepares reviews and approves reports for internal and external distribution. Using comprehensive knowledge of Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) investigations, he / she analyzes innovative off-the-shelf RFI detecting hardware such as DF antenna arrays and portable direction finders.

Applies knowledge of radio frequency engineering policies and manuals to analyze complex radio frequencies. Assesses the effect of using new or higher bands and frequencies on complex radio systems and procedures.

Collaborates with other teams within the agency to evaluate and recommend solutions to frequency assignments issues and effect on NAS Operations.

Provides recommendations to management and Service Area Frequency Management Officers (FMO) on frequency assignment issues on NAS systems.

Provides guidance to lower-level staff to resolve difficult technical issues.

Contacts are both internal and external to the Spectrum Engineering Services Group and other government agencies. Contacts may also include engineers, technicians, support personnel, management, contractors from other government agencies and domestic civil aviation organizations and industries.

Contacts may also include Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Defense (DoD), Congress, State and local government, FCC, NTIA, and the General Public.

Often represents the agency as a senior technical authority on complex projects and programs related to DF techniques and radio frequency testing.

Plays a lead role in drafting, reviewing, and editing reports or contractual documents for final approval prior to external distribution.

Presents briefings to obtain consensus / approval on policies. Coordinates significant technical matters with representatives of external organizations.

Develops plans, techniques, and policies to address current or anticipated problems and issues. Works with senior management to solve problems.

Work is reviewed rarely, typically though status reports and at project completion, to ensure technical compliance and alignment with the requirements of the project or other work activity.

Work activities typically impact directly on the objectives of one or more lines of business and may impact on the objectives of the FAA.

Results of the work enables spectrum engineering users to accomplish mission goals and requirements.