Research Engineer

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Job Summary

This position, located at Palomar Mountain in San Diego, CA, is responsible for several observatory functions that are critical to scientists and engineering customers. This position confirms the proper installation and setup of nightly scientific instrumentation on observatory telescopes. This position trains the scientific and engineering customers in the efficient use of astronomical instrumentation.

This position troubleshoots, tests, and repairs critical telescope, scientific instrumentation, and subsystem software and hardware components. This position responds to observatory emergencies and scientific instrumentation failures at any time, day or night. This position is responsible for measuring, cleaning, and maintaining the long-term performance of observatory optics, including telescope mirrors, scientific instrument windows, lenses, and mirrors. This position contributes to the planning, design, and implementation of new observatory sub-systems, such as telescope control systems, testing methods, weather sensing systems, and many other critical observatory mechanisms.

Essential Job Duties

Confirm the proper daily installation and performance of scientific instrumentation on the P200 telescope. Confirm the proper operation of scientific instrumentation on the remotely operated P60 and P48 telescopes as needed.

Design, troubleshoot, and test critical telescope, scientific instrumentation, and subsystem software and hardware components. Develop problem solutions and upgrades to critical systems as needed.

Train and support the astronomical scientist customers in the efficient use of the installed scientific instrumentation.

Troubleshoot and repair problems with scientific instrumentation, telescopes, and other critical observatory systems.

Contribute to all observatory engineering activities, such as the planning, design, and implementation of critical sub-system upgrades.

Respond to problems with telescopes, scientific instrumentation, and other critical systems at any time, day or night.

Develop and analyze observatory optical throughput and reflectivity measurements, to include the testing and cleaning of critical telescope optical components.

Other duties as assigned, which may include telescope operation, snow/ice abatement using observatory vehicle, diagnosis of telescope and/or dome mechanical problems, etc.

Basic Qualifications

An undergraduate degree in a scientific, technology, engineering, or mathematics field required.

Computing and software trouble shooting skills required.

Proficient with Windows and Linux operating systems.

Experience with scripting languages such as Python, MATLAB, and IRAF.

Ability to lift 50 pounds.

Ability to work safely in confined or elevated environments.

Ability to safely work at 5,600 foot altitude.

Must have a valid driver's license at the time of hire and maintain it throughout the course of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Undergraduate degree or higher in astronomy.

2 years or more of experience in observatory and telescope operations.

Advanced computing, programming, and software troubleshooting skills preferred.

Proficient in the C programming language.

Proficient in scripting languages such as Python, Matlab, and IRAF.

Required Documents

Resume.

Hiring Range

$80,000 - $112,700 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.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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.