Astronomical Instrument Engineer

Draper; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper in Cambridge, MA is seeking an Astronomical Instrument Engineer with a strong background in optics, optomechanics, and astronomy-based data analysis. The role involves designing, modeling, testing, and deploying astronomical observing instruments, plus hands-on lab and field work.

The candidate will contribute to simulation, CAD modeling, and data reduction, with opportunities to advance on complex technology programs requiring security clearance.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Applied Physics, Electrical or Computer Engineering.
• 3–5 years of hardware instrument engineering or related experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain government security clearance; Secret clearance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Apply technical knowledge to instrument engineering projects and learn new skills as needed.
• Analyze requirements and develop precision instruments with minimal guidance.
• Design experiments and hardware to prove viable and optimal concepts.
• Collaborate with engineers to develop prototype and production hardware to meet application needs.
• Integrate precision instruments into larger systems to meet performance metrics.
• Develop fabrication processes for custom instrument hardware.
• Prepare and present technical documents, reports, and test results for management.
• Provide training related to devices to employees, subcontractors, or customers.

Skills

MATLAB

CAD

FEA

Instrumentation design

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering / Applied Physics / Electrical / Computer Engineering

Masters or PhD preferred

Tools

CAD software

FEM software

Job description

Astronomical Instrument Engineer### Astronomical Instrument EngineerApply: Onsite Required: Cambridge, MA: Full time: Posted Today: JR003113**Overview:**Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.**Job Description Summary:**Draper is conducting a nationwide search for a scientist/engineer with a background in astronomy, optical engineering, optomechanics, or astrophysics and hands-on technical experience with optics-based celestial imaging instruments and astronomy-based data reduction and analysis. The successful applicant can expect to be a part of complex technology development efforts, with important responsibilities including: design, modeling, testing, and use of astronomical observing instruments, celestial sighting demonstrations, lab- and field-based optical instrumentation activities, modeling and simulation (e.g., ray tracing, CAD modeling, etc.), and data reduction and analysis. In addition, the ability to quickly learn on-the-job skills is expected.**Job Description:****Duties/Responsibilities** • Applies technical knowledge to domains related to their area of expertise, and seeks out new technical skills to support program needs. • Analyzes requirements and develops appropriate precision instruments with minimal guidance. • Designs experiments and experimental hardware to prove which design concepts are viable and optimal. • Collaborates with other engineers to design and develop prototype and production hardware to meet the application needs. • Collaborates with other groups to integrate precision instruments into larger systems, delivering on performance metrics. • Develops initial processes for the fabrication of custom designed instruments. • Drafts and presents formal technical documents, reports, and testing results to manager for approval. • Provides training related to devices to employees, sub-contractors and/or customers. • Performs basic independent research and seeks assistance when needed for solving problems. • Contributes content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance. • Performs other duties as assigned. **Skills/Abilities** • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Understanding of the design, development, and application of a wide variety of instruments. • Understanding of the processes used in the fabrication of precision instrument hardware. • Thorough understanding of applied math and physics. • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. • Proficient with general modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, computer-aided design (CAD) software, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software, and/or other design & analysis tools relevant to your discipline. **Education** Requires a bachelors degree in Mechanical, Applied Physics, Electrical or Computer Engineering required; Masters or PhD degree preferred. **Experience** Requires 3-5 years of experience in Hardware Instrument Engineering or related.**Additional Job Description:**Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Secret clearance is preferred.