Engineering Aide (Electronics), IS-0802- 3

ZipRecruiter; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution is seeking an Electrical Engineering Aide to provide systems engineering support. The role involves assisting in the assembly and testing of scientific instruments and automation tasks. Candidates should have a basic understanding of electrical engineering and proficiency in software such as Microsoft Word and Excel. This temporary position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of scientific exploration in Cambridge.

Benefits

Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care)

Annual and Sick Leave

Qualifications

• Assist with assembly and testing of HelioSwarm Faraday cup instruments.
• Monitor Labview/Python temperature monitoring code.

Responsibilities

• Assist engineering staff with tasks related to instrumentation.
• Help with automation tasks using Labview/python.

Skills

Basic understanding of electrical engineering

Knowledge of software (Word, Excel, Visio)

Education

1 year of post-secondary study in engineering or related field

Job description

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescriptionOPENING DATE: 08/15/2025
CLOSING DATE: 09/15/2025
SERIES/GRADE: 0802/03
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Temporary (Non-Federal), Not To Exceed 1 year
DIVISION: Central Engineering
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
What are Trust Fund Positions?Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
• Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OVERVIEWINTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.

SUMMARY
This is the position of Electrical Engineering Aide, Central Engineering Department, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of the position is to provide systems engineering support to various projects
MAJOR DUTIES

• Assist engineering staff with the assembly and testing of HelioSwarm Faraday cup instruments.
• Assist with the installation of the electrical harnessing and systems for the custom Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) chamber thermocouple system.
• Assist with monitoring Labview/Python temperature monitoring and logging code for operations
• Assist with automation tasks using Labview/python for:
  • Monitoring and logging of voltages and currents during test activities
  • Assist with operating power supplies for test setup - including suppressor voltage, high voltage, and analog system power.
  • Assist in the control of Ion Gun using Kimball Physics Labview driver
  • Support the development of motion control software for faraday cup positioning in the chamber (Rotary and X-Y positioning)

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTSBasic Requirements:Grade 3: Successful completion of 1 year of post-secondary study that included at least 6 semester hours in any combination of courses such as engineering, engineering or industrial technology, construction, physics, drafting, surveying, physical science, or mathematics.
For information on the qualification requirements for IS-0802 Engineering Aide please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/engineering-technical-series-0802/
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:
● Basic understanding of electrical engineering.● Knowledge of, and skill in applying, basic or commonly used rules, procedures, or operations acquired through classroom or on-the-job training in the field of Engineering.● Basic knowledge of Engineering, as might be obtained through secondary school or undergraduate coursework.● Basic knowledge of software such as: Microsoft Word, Excel, and Visio.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.Join us in "Inspiring through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [e-mail]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures (https://www.si.edu/OEO/IndividualswithDisabilities).The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/