General Dynamics Mission Systems has an immediate opening for an Advanced Radome / RF Testing Engineer (Adv Test Engr). This position provides an opportunity to further advance the cutting-edge technology that supports some of our nation’s core defense/intelligence services and systems. General Dynamics Mission Systems employees work closely with esteemed customers to develop solutions that allow them to carry out high-stakes national security missions.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES AND TASKS:

• Workflow:
  • Assign test execution to range personnel.
  • Monitor / track personnel performance.
  • Monitor / track operational status of all production test ranges.
  • Monitor / track status of all units in-flow (by s/n).
  • Disseminate production part and test range status information on a regular basis, and as driven by events.
• Customer Interface.
  • Support customer communications and bring in engineering and program management to address testing issues arising on programs.
  • Support action planning to trouble-shoot and correct issues arising during production testing.
• Support Test System Maintenance:
  • Assign technicians to troubleshoot problems as they occur.
  • Participate in trouble shooting when necessary.
  • Maintain summary configuration information for all production test systems (basic system diagram, key equipment list, etc.).
  • Monitor / track calibration status for all test instrumentation relevant to production testing.
  • Monitor / track FCC licensing status for all outdoor test ranges.
  • Create documentation as needed to support FCC licensing.
  • Forecast / report developing near-term and long-term maintenance and performance issues.
• Support Test System Development, Including Upgrades to Existing Ranges and Creation of New Test Ranges:
  • Work with engineering team to develop and evaluate candidate test system configurations.
  • Research/identify candidate equipment and components/suppliers relevant to candidate test system configurations.
  • Plan / support planning for test and evaluation of candidate test system configurations.
  • Create and/or support creation of test procedures for production testing and test range validation.
  • Train technicians on the use of new test systems.
  • Train new-hire technicians on the use of existing test systems.
• Production Test Evaluation:
  • Perform evaluation of test data and create test reports on specific production programs that are not covered by production personnel.
  • Maintain a list of key test parameters that have been identified as drivers for each production program (e.g., image lobe level on program "X").
  • Monitor / track the key test parameters and identify trends to support prevention and diagnosis of production issues.

KNOLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Electromagnetics – Familiarity and/or Ability to Develop Capability in the Following:
  • Maxwell's equations
  • Frequency-domain vs. time-domain description of field quantities; Fourier analysis
  • Basic concepts and applications - polarization, duality, source representation, etc.
  • Reflection and transmission at a material interface (e.g., metal, radome wall, absorber)
• Antennas and Propagation:
  • Antenna types and principles of operation, slot, patch, waveguide, reflector (dish), MSA, ESA, AESA
  • Propagation - plane waves, spherical waves, attenuation, ground bounce and other reflections
  • Nearfield vs. farfield – parallax, reactive coupling, phase front curvature
• Radar:
  • RCS - radar basic concepts; radar range equation and spectrum of interest
  • RCS reduction concepts
  • Performance parameters and how they are affected by the radome - transmission, beam deflection, image lobes, etc.
  • Radar antenna types - sequential lobing, monopulse
• Communication Systems:
  • Types of communication systems
  • Performance parameters and how they are affected by the radome - transmission, induced cross-pol, beam deflection, dispersion, etc.
• Radomes:
  • Fundamental principles of operation
  • Design types - solid wall, sandwich: A, B, C, etc.
  • Materials and their electrical characteristics
  • Performance parameters - transmission, reflection, beam deflection, cross-pol, dispersion, etc.
  • Lightning effects and protection techniques and their impact on radome performance
• Radome Test Systems:
  • Basic test methodologies and test range configurations - compact range, nearfield range, farfield range
  • Indoor vs. outdoor ranges - pros and cons of each
  • Other RF test systems - XY nearfield scan, imaging radar, etc.
  • Primary failure mechanisms in radome test systems; how to diagnose them
• RF Components and Instrumentation:
  • Cables and connectors - types of coax/connector combinations, frequency limitations
  • Waveguide - rectangular, circular, standard sizes, frequency limitations, etc.
  • Passive microwave circuit components - attenuator, phase shifter, combiners, 90-deg hybrid, 180-deg hybrid, magic T, etc.
  • Antennas - small probes, reflectors, ESA, slot, patch, etc.
• Mechanical and Logistical Aspects of Radome Test Systems and Test Process:
  • Test fixture types
  • Antenna gimbals
  • Null seekers
  • Elementary servo and control theory
  • Anechoic chamber design
  • Radome handling
  • Data storage
  • Security compliance
• Technical Communication:
  • Clear and concise writing skills
  • Practical skill levels in "Office" tools - "Word", "Excel", "PowerPoint", etc

• An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
• Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security
• Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
• Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
• See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

• Marion is nestled in the Virginia Highlands, abounding in beautiful countryside. State parks in all directions, it is an outdoor paradise for anyone who enjoys camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, hunting, and/or just the simple pleasure of being outside amongst natural beauty. The Appalachian Trail runs through town and Mt. Rogers is an easy daytrip.
• Big city attractions are at a comfortable distance. Blacksburg, VA, Charlotte, NC, Knoxville, TN, and Bristol Motor Speedway are all within a two-to-three-hour drive.
• The small size of Marion yields shortened commute times. In-town commutes average around ten to fifteen minutes. Nearby towns, such as, Abingdon and Wytheville provide increased housing options while maintaining a benign commute of less than an hour.

We offer highly competitive benefits and a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. To see more about our benefits, visit https://gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

General Dynamics is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that is committed to hiring a diverse and talented workforce. EOE/Disability/Veteran