Observatory Operations Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) seeks a highly motivated and skilled LHO Vacuum Equipment Group Leader to join its team.
This position is an in-person role, located in Hanford, Washington.
LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing the newly discovered gravitational-wave universe. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory's mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational-wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational-wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach.
For more information, please visit the Laboratory website: www.ligo.caltech.edu
Job Summary
LIGO comprises two widely separated antennae for astrophysical gravitational wave research. Each detector operates within a 10 million-liter ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) system, the largest in existence. These each include 8 km of 1.2m-diameter beam tube, interconnecting thirteen 3m-diameter vessels that house the detector apparatus. LIGO detectors operate in the 1e-9 Torr pressure range, relying on a combination of cryogenic, turbomolecular, ion and getter pump technologies, combined with stringent material and operating protocols. The observatory sites are supported by science and engineering research facilities at MIT in Cambridge, MA and at Caltech in Pasadena, CA.
As a senior member of the core Hanford Observatory Operations staff, the selectee will supervise and lead the group tasked with optimizing, maintaining and improving the site vacuum system and its supporting infrastructure.
This is an Essential Reporting position. In the event of an emergency on campus, an employee designated as essential reporting has essential job skills that are needed for response and recovery and is expected to report to Campus as soon as possible.
Essential Job Duties

• Maintain the Observatory vacuum system and support facilities; initiate, plan and execute changes to this system; monitor system performance.
• Plan and oversee equipment procurement and repairs, including budget development, preparing specifications, competitive procurement, contractor selection, contract monitoring, and quality assurance.
• Collaborate with research scientists and engineers to optimize UHV performance of in-vacuo scientific apparatus, and to minimize risks of contamination.
• Collaborate in research into UHV techniques, system design, and potential future vacuum upgrades. Contribute to vacuum R&D for next-generation gravitational wave detectors at the Cosmic Explorer Beamtubed Experiment, a new research facility under construction at LIGO Hanford that will test UHV beam tubes and other components for the upcoming Cosmic Explorer gravitational wave detector.
• Establish and maintain procedures to ensure that vacuum equipment is monitored, protected and maintained.
• Serve as a standing member of the LIGO Laboratory's Vacuum Review Board (with periodic rotations as Chair).
• Serve as a consulting member on Design Review, Technical Review or other Laboratory committees and panels as may be required.
• Support and/or manage competitive procurements (i.e. materials and equipment, vendor and/or contractor selection, contract development, acquisition planning, etc.)
• Initiate or collaborate in writing research papers and technical presentations.
• Develop and oversee UHV material preparation and test facilities, such as cleaning plants, bake ovens and test chambers, which prepare and qualify scientific components for installation in UHV systems.
• Collaborate with other discipline leads on scheduling.
• Serve as a line supervisor for members of the Hanford vacuum group and potentially others who work in related functions.
• Perform other duties as may be required and assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical or Systems Engineering; Physics; Material Science; or a related scientific or engineering field, or 10 years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• 8 or more years of vacuum-related engineering or scientific research work experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in operation, analysis, and performance characterization of high- or ultra-high vacuum systems.
• Knowledge and experience in selection and application of UHV-compatible materials.
• Hands-on experience in precision leak-hunting.
• Proficiency in application and interpretation of spectra from residual gas analyzers.
• Experience in application of helium mass-spectrometer leak detection (MSLD) apparatus.
• Demonstrated people-management experience and mentoring skills.
• Effective English-language written and verbal communication skills and habits.
• Level-headed professionalism and excellent interpersonal and team skills.
• Ability to lift at least 20 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience related to industrial automation as applied to large-scale vacuum systems.
• Hands-on experience and skill in building, improving and maintaining high- or ultra- high vacuum systems.
• Experience related to fluid, cryogen, pressure, flow rate, and gas sensors and instrumentation.
• Experience operating or maintaining large research, university, national laboratory or industrial facilities.
• Computer-aided design (CAD) proficiency (SolidWorks™ preferred).

Required Documents

• Cover letter summarizing your interest in LIGO Lab and relevant experience.
• Resume.

Hiring Range
$134,000 - $168,100 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.