Astronomical Instrument Engineer

Inuplands; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper in Cambridge, MA is seeking an Astronomical Instrument Engineer to design, model, test and deploy optics-based celestial imaging instruments. You will work on lab- and field-based instrumentation, perform ray tracing, CAD modeling, and data reduction, and collaborate across engineering teams to realize robust hardware.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, applied physics, electrical or computer engineering and 3–5 years of hardware-instrument experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Applied Physics, Electrical or Computer Engineering.
• 3–5 years of hardware instrument engineering experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain government security clearance (Secret preferred).

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.

Skills

Verbal comm

Written comm

Instrument design

Optics

Math/Physics

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Modeling tools

CAD/FEA

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Applied Physics, Electrical or Computer Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

CAD

FEA

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.Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.**Job Location - City:**Cambridge**Job Location - State:**Massachusetts**Job Location - Postal Code:**02139-3563The US base salary range for this full-time position is$75,000.00 - $156,000.00*Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations.* *Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.*Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.