Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking a Principal Engineer Electrical - Level 3 to join our NH&S team in Chandler, AZ.
The Principal Engineer Electrical - Level 3 supports program analyses and testing of Ionizing radiation effects on electronics systems. Examples include x-ray and/or electromagnetic radiation. Will support technical planning, system integration, verification and validation, cost and risk, and supportability and effectiveness analyses for analyzed systems.
Essential Functions/Key Responsibilities
- Supports the Physicists in conducting research into phases of atomic and molecular, nuclear, solid state, thermal, and other physical phenomena. Develops theories and laws based on observed results of experiments and predicts phenomena based on theoretical considerations in areas of application such as acoustics, electricity and magnetism, electronics, heat, light, mechanics, radiation, optics, and lasers.
- Working to identify susceptible piece-parts in a given system to varying ionizing radiation effects (total ionizing dose, prompt dose-rate, neutron degradation damage, and single event effects from protons, heavy-ions, and neutrons) based on part type (e.g. microprocessor, capacitor, etc) and part technology (e.g. CMOS, bipolar, etc).
- Perform test/response data research on identified susceptible piece-parts or parts of similar type/technology to determine where testing is or is not needed given a program’s specific radiation requirements.
- Identify susceptible piece-parts in a given system to varying ionizing radiation effects (total ionizing dose, prompt dose-rate, neutron degradation damage, and single event effects from protons, heavy-ions, and neutrons) based on part type (e.g. microprocessor, capacitor, etc) and part technology (e.g. CMOS, bipolar, etc). Should be familiar with device fabrication processes, technologies, and susceptibilities associated with said ionizing radiation forms.
- Perform ionizing radiation testing on electronic piece parts using flash x-ray, cyclotrons, linear accelerators (LINAC), Co-60 and neutron sources. Design and/or develop test fixtures for individual device testing. Perform device characterization in-situ or on specialized device test fixturing.
- Ability to prepare test plans and procedures for EEE parts testing in ionizing radiation environments (candidates preferentially sought for dose rate, SEE and neutron environments, with secondary for total dose environments).
- Design and/or develop test fixtures and software for individual device testing. Perform device characterization in-situ or on specialized device test fixturing. Experienced In hardware and software debugging.
- Design and implement mitigation techniques at the piece-part/circuit card/box level for ionizing radiation effects including photocurrent management, circumvention strategies and event detection/state management/recovery, and SEE functional and catastrophic failure modes.
Basic Qualifications
- Active Secret Security clearance
- Bachelor’s degree with 5 years experience, or 3 years with a masters, or 0 years with a PhD.
- U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain required security clearance prior to start.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work collaboratively in team environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Exposure to radiation analysis and test (MIL-STD-883)
- Computational FTDT methods
- Electromagnetic testing (MIL-STD-464/MIL-STD-461)
- Familiarity with nuclear weapon effects
- Experience in testing/analysis of natural space radiation environment (TID; MIL-STD-883, SEE; JESD57/ASTM F1192)
- EEE part selection for aerospace systems
- X-ray/gamma/beta/ion transport analysis
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