The employee is responsible for providing specialized electronics technical support and assistance to the SMA in the testing, troubleshooting, and documentation of electronic, electrical, and electromechanical systems, with emphasis on present and future microwave and digital systems.
One year of full-time experience at the GS-11 level that is close or similar to the work of this job. The experience includes activities such as technical support for state of the art analog and digital systems, operating high-speed digital oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers, and good hands-on Radio Frequency (RF) and digital electronics skills to isolate and repair faults in high frequency transmission systems and multi-layered boards with a wide range of ICs such as FPGAs, ASICs, and DSPs. Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management web site: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/electronics-technical-series-0856/ Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Duties: Maintain and repair the SMA microwave transmission systems and digital spectrometer electronics. Fabricate complex electronic and mechanical assemblies consisting of chassis, cables, connectors (MS, D, IDC, SMA, N, and other styles), power supplies, junction boxes, terminal strips, and multi-layer circuit boards from schematics and developed design specifications. Perform test procedures to calibrate, measure, and document RF and digital control systems performance. Adapts software to assess analog and digital subsystems stability and sensitivity. Operate antennas and subsystems for engineering tests and for scientific observations when necessary, including assisting operators in priming and operating the SMA. Oversee IF/LO laboratory in Hilo. Tracks and ensures spare analog and digital modules, associated equipment are operational. Ensures routine laboratory supplies are ordered as needed. Perform other related duties as assigned. Participate in meetings as required.