The High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) is seeking an experienced electrical engineer to provide research instrument, general facilities, power plant, and utilities engineering support. The electrical engineer plays a critical role in ensuring the maintenance and operation of all IRI transmitters, transmitter shelters, and systems, as well as antenna towers and radio frequency (RF) power electronics. The ideal candidate will have experience in electrical engineering principles, RF engineering, and high-power transmitter maintenance, with a focus on troubleshooting, readiness, and safety.
We're searching for an RF Engineer to support high-power transmitter systems and AC power distribution (up to 480 VAC, 3-phase). You’ll lead RF performance testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance using advanced test equipment, and work with PLCs, fiber optics, and LAN systems to ensure reliable operation.
To thrive in this role requires a strong background in electrical and RF engineering, safety compliance, and project oversight. You should be comfortable working in remote, physically demanding environments, including rooftops, confined spaces, and extreme weather. Strong communication, decision-making, and collaboration skills are key.
If you're a hands-on engineer who thrives in complex, high-stakes settings, we’d love to connect.
The High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) is the world’s most capable high-power, high-frequency (HF) transmitter for studying the ionosphere. The principal instrument is the Ionospheric Research Instrument (IRI), a phased array of 180 HF crossed-dipole antennas spread across 33 acres and capable of radiating 3.6 megawatts into the upper atmosphere and ionosphere. The goal of the research at HAARP is to conduct fundamental studies of the physical processes at work in the uppermost portions of our atmosphere, known as the thermosphere and ionosphere.
The Geophysical Institute’s HAARP site supports the National Science Foundation’s Subauroral Geophysical Observatory (SAGO), a research laboratory dedicated to exploring Earth’s upper atmosphere and geospace environment.
The HAARP program is managed out of the Troth Yeddha’ Campus in Fairbanks and operated at the Gakona site in support of UAF’s mission to be a student-centered, research university.