RF & Microwave Engineer
We Are:
Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and at locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, and the South Pole.
We are strategic risk takers, innovators, and collaborators. We are engineers, scientists, technicians, administrative professionals. We are 1,800 employees advancing knowledge for the benefit of humankind. Fermilab has been at the forefront of particle physics for more than 40 years. We build world-leading accelerators and detectors to conduct some of the most advanced particle physics experiments possible. We collect and analyze the data from those experiments with some of the most powerful computers in the world. We conduct this research on a 6,800-acre prairie, 35 miles outside Chicago, a treasure that has been designated a National Environmental Research Park.
Open Date: May 26, 2022
Close Date: June 24, 2022
You Will:
Fermilab seeks a highly motivated RF & Microwave Engineer in the Accelerator Division RF Department’s Low-Level RF group to support expanding project needs for a new 800 MeV superconducting linear accelerator. The selected candidate will work in a design team environment under the supervision of a more senior engineer or scientist. The candidate will work with state-of-the-art digital low-level RF control systems that drive normal room temperature copper accelerating cavities and superconducting niobium cavities. Activities will include:
- Perform highly complex RF & Microwave circuit designs.
- Analog and Digital Signal Processing (DSP).
- Testing and installation of complex signal processing at the system level for precision vector field control of RF accelerating cavities, both copper and superconducting.
- Opportunity to contribute or participate in technical seminars and professional conferences.
- Access to state-of-the-art equipment, technical literature and tools needed to excel at work.
- Some supervisory responsibilities.
- Candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with signals and systems directly affecting accelerator performance as well as have opportunities for hands-on learning of particle accelerator systems.
- Contribute effectively within a diverse workforce, and uphold Fermilab’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Abide by all environment, safety, and health regulations.
We Are Looking For:
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution or equivalent scientific education.
- Master of Science degree in electrical engineering or a related engineering field is preferred.
- 8+ years of RF & Microwave engineering work experience.
- A strong background in RF & Microwave circuitry, digital signal processing, and simulation concepts is required.
- Working knowledge of active and passive RF & Microwave component designs over wide frequency ranges (30 MHz to 4 GHz) with high dynamic range and requiring ultra-low noise for precision RF vector control of RF cavity gradients.
- Experience with RF & Microwave testing using Vector Network Analyzer, Spectrum Analyzer, Signal Synthesizer, and power meters required.
- Circuit design experience specifying, implementing, and optimizing circuitry that includes low noise oscillators & amplifiers, filters, phase locked loops, RF switches, and base band circuits.
- Software development in LabView desirable.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Collaborate with technical staff to verify system functionality and performance utilizing strong oral and written communication skills in English.
- Proficient computer skills for performing engineering analysis, writing reports, and creating presentations
- Experience with real-time operating systems highly desirable.
- Must be able to see the big picture, ability to identify issues and pay attention to details while performing problem solving analysis on a flexible range of project tasks.
Physical Activity and Work Conditions:
The position is normally scheduled for a daytime shift, though occasional off-shift machine studies and/or emergency call-ins shall be required as knowledge and skills develop.
HUMAN FACTORS: Mental Concentration, Sitting, Standing, Tight Work Schedule, Visually Demanding
CHEMICAL FACTORS: Solvents
FRA encourages all employees to be fully vaccinated and boosted to prevent transmission of COVID-19 and to mitigate against severe illness from infection. Upon employment with FRA, all employees must state their vaccination status. Please note that all vaccination and testing requirements are subject to change. Testing of unvaccinated employees may be required for Fermilab site access, depending on community transmission levels.
Fermilab is an Equal Opportunity Employer and believes a diverse and inclusive environment based on mutual respect is essential to our mission. Fermilab is committed to recruiting and developing the most hardworking people and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, country of birth, geography/postal code, disability, marital status, parental or gestational status, or other non-merit factor.