Electronics Engineer, AST - Telecommunications (Direct Hire)

Full Job Description

The Wireless & Communication Systems Branch is seeking a qualified individual to serve as a Wireless Engineer.

You will be responsible for the design, development, and integration of radio frequency identification based wireless systems, performing radio frequency hardware design, wireless performance assessment, system-level integration, and multidisciplinary coordination to ensure reliable operation and successful certification of radio frequency identification technologies for mission use.

In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below.

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work.

The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement.

To qualify for GS-11, you must have: a) You must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level: Radio frequency circuit design tasks such as schematic capture, power amplifier or low noise amplifier design, matching-networks, and hands-on bench testing using network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.

Supporting testing or integration activities involving common wireless protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, LTE/5G, Bluetooth), including basic physical and medium access control layer measurements or over-the-air data capture and analysis.

Developing link budgets for wireless systems to determine whether available link margin is sufficient for the required data rates and expected operating conditions.

OR b) Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D.

or equivalent) in an appropriate field OR c) Completed 3 full academic years of graduate education in an appropriate field OR d) Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b) and c) above To qualify for GS-12, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level: Designing and developing radio frequency identification and wireless systems, including wireless system-on-chip integration, RF system simulation, prototyping, and validating system performance against defined requirements.

Developing and executing test plans for radio frequency identification and wireless subsystems, performing structured verification testing, and preparing reports that support formal certification activities.

Applying statistical, machine-learning, or artificial intelligence techniques to analyze wireless system datasets and identify improvements to system performance, reliability, or robustness.

To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level: Leading the design, development, integration, and testing of radio frequency identification based and advanced wireless systems for human spaceflight, including radio frequency hardware design, system-on-chip integration, radio frequency simulation, prototyping, and full performance validation across spacecraft and ground architectures.

Conducting end-to-end radio frequency and wireless communication performance assessments, including antenna behavior, propagation modeling, link-margin analysis, and interference evaluation, and resolving technical issues across multidisciplinary teams to ensure reliable system operation within program constraints.

Developing and executing verification strategies and applying statistical, machine-learning, or artificial intelligence techniques to analyze large wireless datasets to optimize system performance, and drive design improvements across integrated spacecraft and ground systems.

Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience.

Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job.

NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses.

Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process. Major Duties:

• Duties described below are at the highest grade advertised. Duties assigned at lower grade levels will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee.
• Design, develop, integrate, and test Radio Frequency Identification based wireless systems for human spaceflight programs.
• Perform radio frequency and wireless hardware design activities including schematic capture, radio frequency circuit simulation, prototyping, and performance validation.
• Conduct radio frequency and wireless communication performance assessments including antenna behavior, propagation effects, link budget analysis, and interference evaluation to ensure reliable system operation.
• Develop and execute test plans for Radio Frequency Identification and wireless subsystems and prepare verification reports to support certification activities.
• Integrate Radio Frequency Identification hardware and software with spacecraft and ground systems and resolve technical issues that arise during development.
• Coordinate engineering activities across multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful Radio Frequency Identification system implementation within program constraints.
• Apply statistical, machine learning, and artificial intelligence techniques to analyze large wireless datasets and improve system performance and reliability.