ASEMP Section Head - Military veterans preferred

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of commercial and government organizations.  We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions — that work.

The SARA, Inc. EMP Survivability and Effects Department, within the High-Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM), is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and imaginative Engineering Manager – Aerospace EMP, also known as Aerospace EMP (ASEMP) Section Head (Engineer or Physicist) to lead EMP hardening and assessment activities on aircraft and missile activities and transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors from our Cypress, CA location.  The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn alongside talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on both long-standing and new programs that support our customers and their missions.  Our small group will allow the candidate to experience, contribute, and collaborate in a multidisciplinary nature, from initial conception to operation.

The Engineering Manager – Aerospace EMP, also known as ASEMP Section Head (Engineer or Physicist), will manage a technically diverse, highly skilled group of engineers and physicists in support of the EMP Survivability and Effects Department.  As first-line manager, the ASEMP Section Head will directly interface with department, division, and technical program management to facilitate program and project coordination, deliver operational and technical management, and allocate resources for specific tasking.  The section head will also act as a technical cornerstone to mentor and train junior engineers and physicists.  The section head will cultivate an environment dedicated to learning, providing opportunities and advancement to the department while offering technical and management support for meeting the needs of customers. Additionally, the ASEMP Section Head will lead research, design, development, technical documentation, customer interactions, and business development strategies for multiple projects and programs. 

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead and perform aircraft, missile, and other aerospace-related EMP assessments, including travel to airfields and facilities (CONUS and OCONUS)
• Lead and perform aircraft hardening design efforts
• Monitor and approve timecards and Paid Time Off (PTO) requests for direct reports
• Monitor and coordinate tasks for assigned team members within the ASEMP section as necessary
• Provide mid-year (as necessary)/end-of-year performance overviews for members within the section and report to the department head
• Maintain and coordinate team morale and comradery (schedule/organize team events)
• Provide strategic development of section and personnel skillsets to address current and future contracted scopes
• Recruit and hire new employees as necessary
• Perform research, design, development, fabrication, testing, and documentation of multidisciplinary engineering tasks on multiple projects and programs
• Write detailed technical reports and maintain comprehensive project documentation
• Perform hands-on testing and troubleshooting using knowledge of standard and advanced test and data acquisition equipment
• Execute other tasks in coordination with customers and their contractors, technical leaders, program managers, executive leadership, or department managers
• Manage and interface with technical program managers to provide technical input and personnel resources as needed
• Moderate to significant travel may be required (up to 30% a year)

Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience with a BS or 3+ years of experience with an MS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Electromagnetics, including RF or EMI/EMC, Aerospace Engineering, or Pulsed Power
• 3+ years of experience with team leadership and collaboration, with demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, delegate with poise, solve problems strategically, and motivate empathetically
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Demonstrated ability to organize, coordinate, and execute moderately sized programs with teams while maintaining cost and schedule proficiency, customer expectations, and contract obligations
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance
• Moderate physical effort, involving standing, sitting, and use of hands while performing duties, to include carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
• Working environment is indoors, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, and well-lit and well-ventilated. Moderate physical hazards may exist

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience with a BS or 8+ years of experience with an MS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Electromagnetics, including RF or EMI/EMC, Aerospace Engineering, or Pulsed Power
• 5+ years of experience with team leadership and collaboration with demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, delegate with poise, solve problems strategically, and motivate empathetically
• Active Top Secret security clearance

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
• A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
• Tuition & certification reimbursement
• Flexible work schedules
• Discretionary Employee bonuses
• 401(k) match/profit sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $90,000 to $150,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees.  Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.