Assistant Electronics Technician

California Institute of Technology; Palomar Mountain (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

California Institute of Technology is seeking an Assistant Electronics Technician at Palomar Observatory. The role involves installation, testing, and repair of electronic systems for scientific instrumentation and computing systems, under supervision of the Electronics Group supervisor.

Responsibilities include instrument setup on telescopes, basic wiring, cryogenic maintenance, documentation, and coordination with night staff. Flexible schedule with weekends/holidays required.

Qualifications

• Ability to work with basic electronics components and systems.
• Comfort with lifting and handling equipment on telescopes.
• Willingness to work weekends/holidays as needed.
• Experience with cryogenic handling and cryogenic systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Install and verify instruments on telescopes.
• Assist with basic wiring and soldering per Instructions.
• Plan, document, monitor, and report on instrument setups and tasks.
• Perform cryogenic maintenance including vacuum maintenance and turbo pumps.
• Update procedures, inventory, and logs.
• Troubleshoot electronic systems and network components.
• Maintain clean lab and observing areas.
• Perform other duties including snow abatement.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Electronics interest

Safety in elevated spaces

Lift 25 lbs

Driver's license

Background check

Physical exam

Education

Some college coursework

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Digital multi-meter

Logic analyzers

Schematic capture software

Job description

Assistant Electronics Technician

Job Category: Fulltime Regular

Exempt Overtime Eligible: Overtime Eligible

Benefits Eligible: Benefit Based

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

Position is full-time, benefited, and located at Palomar Observatory. Position works under the direct supervision of the observatory Electronics Group supervisor. Position will work alone or with other members of the observatory crew to install, test, and, when necessary, learn to repair electronic systems. Duties include, but are not limited to, instrument installs, setups, and removals. Duties will also include cryogenic handling, troubleshooting, and repair of basic electronics systems, including scientific instrumentation, computing systems, and other observatory electronic systems. Position is expected to communicate effectively with the observatory's management, staff, and scientific customer base. Work schedule to be flexible and include weekend/holiday work.

Essential Job Duties

• Install, set up, and verify instruments on telescopes, which require lifting equipment and driving observatory vehicles to various sites across the observatory. Ensure instruments are installed correctly and promptly for handoff to the night support staff.
• Perform tasks at the direction of the Electrical Engineers and/or Observatory Electrician to include basic wiring and soldering.
• Given inputs from the existing telescope schedules, customers, and management, help plan, document, monitor, and report the status of activities and projects, including instrument setups and tasks.
• Perform cryogenic maintenance, such as cryogen transfer and vacuum maintenance using turbo pumps on scientific instrumentation.
• Review and update electronic technician procedures, inventory, and logging documents.
• Participate in the troubleshooting of all observatory electronic systems, including instrumentation, computer hardware, network, and electrical systems, which requires driving observatory vehicles to various sites across the observatory.
• Help ensure the electronic technician lab, storage areas, and observing floors are clean and orderly.
• Other duties as assigned, including snow abatement on domes and at the observatory.

Basic Qualifications

• Basic computer skills, including hardware maintenance.
• Basic understanding and interest in electronics.
• Able to safely work in elevated or confined spaces.
• Able to work at a site elevation of 6000'.
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
• Must have a valid driver's license at the time of hire and maintain it throughout the course of employment.
• Successful completion of background check and physical exam.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3-5 years of electronic technician experience.
• Ability to use electronic test instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, DVM, and logic analyzers.
• Working knowledge of analog and digital electronics and electrical systems.
• Skilled in electronic construction techniques for cabling, wiring, and replacement of components.
• Some college coursework is preferred.
• Understands how to read schematic diagrams.
• Skilled in the use of vacuum systems and safe cryogenic procedures.
• Copper, fiber, and wireless network setup and maintenance experience.
• Computer-literate and knows how to use schematic capture software.
• Observatory electronics experience.
• Experience with scientific electronic systems.

Required Documents

• Resume.
• Cover Letter.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.