The Controls Operations Engineer sustains and supports the controller assemblies in the Facilities and Antenna Subsystems at NASA's Deep Space Communications Complexes in California, Spain, and Australia. These assemblies span electrical, mechanical (HVAC), water, security, cybersecurity, and fire systems, and provide the infrastructure that delivers critical mission data to the Signal Processing Centers.
You will work alongside discipline operations and development engineers to maintain, update, and troubleshoot these systems, and will support planning, design review, analysis, cost estimating, and technical direction for the subsystem in support of DDOSO (Office 925) at JPL.
What you'll do
Support the Cognizant Development Engineer on repair and replacement projects, take the technical lead on smaller projects (including research and subcontractor coordination), and serve as a reviewer for the Controls Design Engineer on new projects.
Diagnose ladder logic, debug PLC programs, and troubleshoot HMI/GUI issues.
Troubleshoot unknowns during modification projects; read, mark up, and document wiring diagrams and schematics, including as-built changes.
Provide technical guidance to operations and maintenance personnel, field technicians, and consultants on fiber optic, fire, security, surveillance video, and other facilities controllers.
Interface with vendors and manufacturers on replacement solutions and build cost-benefit trade-off studies.
Serve as test engineer during commissioning of new controls projects (occasional travel required).
Maintain configuration records and operational data, and track automation improvements across the DSN.
Identify spares and product obsolescence, monitor Field Service Bulletins and change logs, and forecast end-of-life support.
Support the DSN Engineering Change Management Board: developing, evaluating, and costing ECRs; preparing and delivering ECOs and Modkits; and resolving and closing Discrepancy Reports.
Assist site administrators with cybersecurity requirements as needed per assembly.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
0 years with BS/BA; 4 years no degree
US citizenship with proof, and the ability to pass a trusted background check and a National Criminal Information Check (NCIC).
Experience with at least one general-purpose programming language (C, C++, Python, Assembly, etc.).
Hands-on experience with linear electrical components (resistors, capacitors, relays) and electro-mechanical components (actuators, AC/DC motors, VFDs/VSDs, motor controllers).
Experience with serial and parallel communication protocols (I2C, Modbus, CAN bus, BACnet).
Working knowledge of ladder logic and PLC programming, analog and discrete I/O, sensor equipment (pressure, flow, voltage, current), and computer networking.
Familiarity with Building Management Systems such as Automated Logic (ALC) or Johnson Metasys.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on a current Windows operating system.
Desired Qualifications
HVAC component knowledge (fans, compressors, chillers, dampers, actuators, flowmeters) and the ability to follow a sequence of operations to identify issues.
Understanding of power distribution, generation, and protection, including medium voltage, UPSs, and protection devices.
Understanding of non-linear components (transistors, diodes, SCRs, AC-DC/DC-AC converters and inverters).
Experience with DDC and DCS, industry codes and standards, maintenance reports, and trending analysis.
EIT certification or PE license; PMP certification.
Project and task management experience.
Conversational Spanish.
Strong written and verbal communication, comfort working independently with minimal direction, and a habit of tracking down answers and the people who have them.
Target Salary Range $51,000 - $82,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.
Benefits Statement
Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at https://www.careers.peraton.com/benefits.
Application Statements The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in the role and the Company. During the review of your application, you may be required to participate in an on-camera interview, as well as participate in a process to verify your identity. Use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools of any kind during Peraton interviews is strictly prohibited unless the candidate has obtained prior written authorization. All interview responses must be the candidate’s own.
- EEO
- EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.
