n this lead RF Engineering position you will be responsible for the sustaining engineering (meaning operations, maintenance, system improvements and major upgrades) of three RF sources (60-120 MHz - 2MW each) used to heat plasma (ionized gas) on a fusion research device. These multistage transmitter systems utilize high power tetrode vacuum tubes powered by 3 phase 12.47kVAC power. You will work on complex equipment problems associated with the technology of multi-megawatt RF systems. This is a full time, exempt position that reports to PPPL RF Heating Systems Manager and is assigned full time to the RF Operations Collaboration Team located at General Atomics, San Diego, California. Aspects of this job include: 1. Design of high and low power RF circuits in the frequency range of 10-800 MHz 2. Design of matching networks using double stubs and lumped elements in high Q circuits, with 6 and 9 diameter gas filled rigid coaxial transmission line. 3. Engineering of high power RF transmitter optimization and reliability improvements. 4. 3 phase AC power supply system troubleshooting, maintenance, and upgrade engineering as required. 5. Use of P-Spice, schematics capture and electromagnetic design software to solve circuit and RF designs. 6. Use of Network and spectrum analyzers, power meters, oscilloscopes, power and hand tools as required. 7. Documentation of equipment, configurations installation and procedures for reference required. 8. Daily operations support, occasional off-shift work. 9. Participation in project planning, design discussions, task organization and scheduling meetings. 10. Report writing, occasional paper writing and conference attendance. 11. Participation in training and development programs to maintain and enhance job-related skills. 12. Training in basic electrical safety, arc flash safety and ionizing radiation safety.
Requirements:
Bachelors degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering with RF courses or equivalent RF experience with 6 or more years work experience in the design of RF equipment, components, and circuitry. Possession of Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) certification (CBTE or CBNT), Radio Amateurs Extra Class license or similar credentials is a plus. Should be proficient in understanding the design of matching networks and discrete RF power amplifiers experience in high power RF vacuum tube amplifiers is very valuable. Knowledge of the Microsoft Office software is required; knowledge of electrical design tools is required; experience using computer-based electrical engineering analysis tools as well as schematic entry and PC-board layout tools is required Experience using computer hardware and software used in digital control technologies such as Lab View programming. Mechanical aptitude and hand tool use both electrical and mechanical is preferred. Some climbing, high voltage equipment access and equipment manipulation required. Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbal and written forms required.
