Space Exploration Ionization Radiation Electronics Engineer

Job Description

CACI is looking for an Ionization Radiation Electronics Engineer to support Radiation Survivability test and analysis associated with NASA Exploration Extravehicular Activity (xEVA) systems including the next generation space suit, the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston Texas.

Candidates should have background in electrical engineering and/or semiconductor physics, and an understanding of the space ionization radiation environment and effects on electronic components.

What You’ll Get to Do:

Job responsibilities consist of the full range of tasks required for successful Ionizing Radiation Hardness Assurance (RHA) of space electronic hardware as part of the JSC Avionics Radiation Team. This includes but is not limited to:

• Study xEVA Projects electrical design, functionality, performance requirements, and other ionizing-radiation-relevant details.

• Interpret and decompose radiation requirements such as pertaining to total dose and Single Event Effects (SEE) susceptibility.

• Interpret and perform shielding and environment analyses and formulate derived requirements.

• Analyze and interpret radiation characterization data including for applicability and completeness.

• Perform SEE rate calculations using tools-of-the-trade such as CREME96.

• Design, plan, instrument, prepare, execute, and report on radiation testing of electronic parts / hardware in coordination with xEVA Project electronic engineers.

• Coordinate test logistics with heavy ion and proton test facilities.

• Collaborate with-, support- and provide radiation guidance to Projects including Electrical, Electronic, and Electromagnetic (EEE) parts radiation performance, circuit SEE impact analysis, radiation test planning, circuit and other mitigation strategies, etc.

• Support xEVA Projects as Lead Radiation Engineer including activities such as:

  • Present radiation status at design reviews and other program activities.

  • Assemble and defend rationale in support of decisional activities such as Non-Standard Part Approval Requests (NSPARs), waivers, etc.

  • Own radiation requirement verification, tests, analyses, and schedules.

More About the Role:

This experienced electronics engineer / physicist will be a self-motivated, capable person with strong verbal and written communication skills. In addition to outstanding technical expertise, the individual must possess strong customer relationship skills, a positive team-player attitude, and be flexible and willing to take on new assignments and responsibilities as they arise. Finally, the most qualified candidate will be an articulate speaker able to communicate complex technical issues with both circuit design engineers and radiation engineers. Must share our passion for our Nation's Space Program and share in the excitement of developing deep space exploration technologies.

This work takes place at NASA/JSC in Houston, TX, a highly stimulating and dynamic environment that is critical in human space flight and the space exploration initiative.

You’ll Bring These Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident for access to USG Facilities.

• BS degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering, or a related field from an accredited engineering school with a minimum of 5-10 years of directly applicable fundamental semiconductor physics and electronic circuits experience. Greater experience is highly valued and welcomed.

• Radiation survivability test and analysis experience is strongly desired.

• Ideal candidates will possess experience in many of the specific areas below:

  • Knowledge of the space ionization radiation environment.

  • Knowledge of electronic semiconductor device physics and space ionizing radiation effects on electronic components, e.g., Single Event Effect (SEE), Total Ionizing Dose (TID), Displacement Damage Dose (DDD).

  • Familiarity with heavy ion and proton test facilities.

  • Familiarity with space radiation analysis software such as CREME96, SPENVIS, IRENE.

  • Familiarity with fundamental semiconductor physics and understanding of electronic circuits.

  • Working knowledge of semiconductor electronic, electro-mechanical, and electro-optical piece-parts functionality.

  • Familiarity with electronic testing and instrumentation including power supplies, multi-meters, oscilloscopes, data acquisition.

  • Ability to reduce and present test data. Inquiring and analytic mind able to handle ambiguities inherent to stochastic and deterministic effects analysis.

  • Interest and ability to perform in a dynamic engineering field, and absorb science and technical publication data into daily practice and process development.

  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of the team.

  • Strong background in Electronic Engineering including knowledge of EEE parts, technologies, and manufacturing processes.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team of electronics engineers and ionization radiation physicists.

• Must be available for travel and occasional non-standard work schedule to support remote radiation testing.

• MS Office: Project, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, OneNote, and Outlook.

• Must be flexible, open to new challenges in a dynamic environment, and possess strong technical expertise combined with strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities with little supervision.

• Must be a highly responsible, team-oriented individual with strong work ethic.

• Must have highly developed coordination and organization skills.

These Qualifications Would be Nice to Have:

• M.S. in Physics or Electrical Engineering or a related field.

• Experience greater than the minimum of 5-10 years is highly valued, i.e., the greater the experience level, the better.

• Experience with circuit simulation / transient analysis.

• Familiarity with NASA EEE and Electro-optical Parts processes.

• Knowledge of NASA or aerospace EEE parts standards is a plus.

• We’ve been named a Best Place to Work by the Washington Post.

• Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives.

• We offer competitive benefits and learning and development opportunities.

• We are mission-oriented and ever vigilant in aligning our solutions with the nation’s highest priorities.

• For over 55 years, the principles of CACI’s unique, character-based culture have been the driving force behind our success.

Job Location

US-Houston-TX-HOUSTON

CACI employs a diverse range of talent to create an environment that fuels innovation and fosters continuous improvement and success. At CACI, you will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact by providing information solutions and services in support of national security missions and government transformation for Intelligence, Defense, and Federal Civilian customers. CACI is proud to provide dynamic careers for employees worldwide. CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.