Electronics Technician
Reference: 11045
Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals
some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address
fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating
talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part
of the diverse Caltech community.
Job Summary
Caltech Optical Observatories is seeking an electronics Technician to join its
Optical/Infrared Instrumentation Development group to provide high-performance
astronomical instrumentation for premier observatories on the ground, in
Antarctica, and in space. We are seeking a versatile candidate with hands-on
electronics expertise to support new and previously commissioned opto-electro-
mechanical instrumentation. Anticipated assignments include electronic board
assembly, testing and rework, electronics rack layout, assembly and test, and
planning and manufacturing of associated cables and cable harnesses. A
successful applicant will take pride in their workmanship and work environment
and have an interest in developing additional technical skills through
collaborative work on a multidisciplinary engineering team. This position is
based at the Caltech campus with occasional travel to Observatory sites or
local industrial suppliers.
Essential Job Duties
In consultation with electrical engineers, planning and construction of
electronics enclosures, including equipment mounting, cable routing,
connector selection, cable harnesses, strain reliefs, cooling systems,
power distribution, grounding, and shielding.
Fabrication of one-off cable assemblies with an emphasis on robustness.
Fabrication and testing of custom electronics, including through-hole and
hot air soldering and desoldering of discrete and surface-mounted
electronic components.
Testing, troubleshooting, and repairing digital and analog circuits down
to the component level following industry quality processes, standards,
and safety regulations.
Use modern lab test equipment to generate and record electronic signals.
Read and interpret technical diagrams, test procedures, drawings, and data
sheets to test boards and components, and, upon failure, be able to
troubleshoot and correct failures with assistance from electronics
engineers.
Troubleshooting and repair of legacy systems; creating accurate schematics
and diagrams as needed.
Install and maintain laboratory infrastructure systems. Maintain
laboratory organization, and laboratory and cleanroom supplies.
Configuration and performance verification of commercial electronic
equipment.
Implement ultrasonic parts cleaning, cleanroom, and ESD safety protocols.
Contribute to a culture of collaboration and continuous process
improvement.
Observe all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations whenever
business is conducted on behalf of Caltech.
Basic Qualifications
Minimum of four years of hands-on experience in fabrication and testing of
custom cables/and harnesses, PCB assembly/rework using hand soldering
tools.
Excellent manual dexterity for the manipulation of discrete electronics
components and manual assembly.
Ability to select appropriate methods and materials to perform electronics
repair/rework. Ability to install/replace both through-hole and surface-
mounted components on printed circuit boards, and to perform repair of
damaged PCB traces.
Demonstrated ability to lay out and fabricate electronics, cables, and
cable harnesses employing a range of connector and cable technologies
typically found in scientific instruments.
Sound understanding of basic electronic components and circuit theory.
Familiarity with common circuit functions.
Ability to comprehend equipment maintenance/repair instructions.
Capability to perform complex assignments and follow work instructions
independently and within collaborative team environments.
Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.
Excellent time management skills with the ability to work independently
and as a team contributor.
Ability to adapt to a changing work environment and organizational
demands.
Occasional travel and work at high altitudes (up to 14,000 ft.) are
required, including both daytime and nighttime schedules. The Electronics
Technician will need to drive to observatories to work on instruments,
which may include transporting components.
Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain it throughout the
course of employment.
Must have the ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
Preferred Qualifications
Minimum of four years working in a closely related field, plus at least
two years of academic or vocational training in electronics or physics.
Familiarity with electronic rack types, equipment mounting and cooling
schemes, and basic principles of RFI and grounding practices.
Experience with printed circuit board layout tools (Altium preferred,
KiCad, Eagle, OrCAD also welcome).
Experience with microcontroller programming, Unix, Python, Matlab, IDL,
and/or LabView for setting up small lab experiments.
Experience with servo and stepper motors and associated controllers.
Knowledge of Electro-Static Discharge handling training/certification.
IPC-J-Standard 610 training/certification, or NASA 8739
training/certification, or familiarity with the NASA Workmanship
Standards.
Familiarity with clean room maintenance, verification, and safety.
Familiarity with vacuum systems, pumping, leak testing, and cryogenic
cooling.
Required Documents
Resume.
Cover Letter.
Hiring Range
$34.00 - $40.25 Per Hour
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
eeocselfprintposter.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 [email protected].
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
[email protected].
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