Astronomical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Job Summary
Caltech Optical Observatories (COO) is seeking a talented Electrical Engineer or Physicist interested in scientific imaging technologies to join an enthusiastic and creative electronics team within the multidisciplinary Optical/Infrared (OIR) Instrumentation group. While fostering a community of respect, learning, and individual growth, the OIR group designs, fabricates, and commissions astronomical instrumentation systems for ground-based observatories such as Palomar, Gemini, Keck, as well as developing telescopes in space and the Antarctic. The candidate will contribute to conceptualization, design, procurement, characterization, optimization, integration, and commissioning of state-of-the-art detector systems that advance the frontiers of human knowledge in astronomy, cosmology, and planetary science.
Previous and anticipated projects conducted by the COO detector team include deployment of ultraviolet, optical, and near-infrared detectors in large-format mosaics requiring rapid readout, spectrograph detector systems demanding exquisite noise performance, and fast-frame-rate detectors for adaptive optics (wavefront sensing in both optical and NIR). Our group is currently developing large-format charge-quantizing CCDs that do not suffer from the unacceptable readout time of previous implementations. Additionally, the COO team conducts basic research into phenomena affecting the feasibility or design of future space missions and large telescopes, including how device physics limits measurement accuracy. To this end, COO has developed novel device characterization and calibration methods to mitigate these sources of systematic errors.
Essential Job Duties

• Design, engineering, and optimization of imaging sensors and their operating modes, typically working in wavelengths from 120 nm to 5 µm.
• Design, develop, and implement detector interface and control electronics, real-time low-noise data acquisition systems, and development of experimental setups.
• Develop sophisticated engineering specifications and test plans for detector systems.
• Develop measurement techniques and improve existing procedures and systems to obtain more accurate results.
• Develop or refine sophisticated models of image sensor behavior.
• Develop/modify software/firmware for interfacing and controlling detectors in the context of specialized astronomical instruments.
• Collaborate with an experienced detector team to investigate and/or mitigate the physical sources of errors in astronomical observations involving precision photometry, astrometry, or point spread function shape measurement.
• Thermal design of detector assemblies in cryogenic/vacuum systems.
• Troubleshooting and life cycle support for camera systems deployed at Caltech observatories.
• Design electronic interfaces, test-signal generators, illumination systems, and environmental controls.
• Write research reports, journal articles, engineering design documentation, and user manuals.
• Collaborate with COO's multidisciplinary engineering team to develop new strategies, approaches, methods, and techniques for obtaining unprecedented astronomical data.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or physics, and 4+ years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Fluency with modern electronics design and data analysis software, statistical analysis techniques, and experiment design.
• Experience in the integration of mixed hardware/software systems for demanding performance applications. Ability to perform independent system design, integration, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and capture requirements and to document designs and interfaces.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills are essential.
• Must work collaboratively within multi-disciplinary technical and scientific teams.
• Proficiency in a significant number of the following technical areas: low noise analog circuit design, servo design and tuning, grounding and RI shielding, packaging of low noise electronics, high speed analog and digital signal transmission, gate array programming, state machine design, schematic capture, circuit simulation, PCB layout, and/or operation of cryogenic vacuum systems.
• Occasional travel and work assignments at high altitudes and in low-light environments; successful pre-employment physical, including vision screening.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. degree in electrical engineering, physics, or computer science and 6+ years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated success in executing in-depth analysis of experimental data, the ability to systematically develop physical models of subtle or elusive phenomena, and optimization of the performance of image sensors and their electronics.
• Familiarity with designs for infrared or optical image sensors, sensor characterization, performance optimization, and calibration methods.
• Digital logic design and implementation using FPGAs.
• Experience in DSP programming and interfacing.
• Programming in C++, UNIX, Python, Matlab, and familiarity with image processing tools.

The Successful Candidate Will:

• Collaborate and Build Trust: Work effectively across teams and with stakeholders, building strong, trust-based relationships that support shared goals and customer needs.
• Communicate with Clarity: Share information clearly and appropriately for different audiences; mentor others and contribute to a transparent, collaborative team culture.
• Apply Expertise and Judgment: Use up-to-date technical knowledge and sound decision-making to solve complex problems, considering both performance and budget impact.
• Adapt and Prioritize: Stay flexible in the face of changing needs, and organize work efficiently to align with project and organizational goals.
• Commit to Continuous Learning: Seek out and apply new knowledge to improve outcomes, drive innovation, and support long-term growth.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Hiring Range
$97,000 - $136,900 Per Year
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.
Disability Accommodations
Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.
If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.
Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.