Electrical Engineer

Lowell Observatory; Flagstaff (AZ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Flexible Paid Time Off

Retirement plan

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Job summary

Lowell Observatory is seeking an Electrical Engineer in Flagstaff, AZ, to design, build, and maintain electronic systems for their telescopes. The role requires excellent problem-solving skills and knowledge of both analog and digital technologies. Candidates must possess a relevant degree and five years' experience in technical environments. Benefits include paid holidays, retirement plans, and comprehensive health coverage. The position combines scientific innovation with practical engineering solutions, contributing significantly to astronomical research.

Qualifications

• Self-motivated and able to complete tasks on schedule.
• Experience in maintenance and/or construction of astronomical telescope facilities.
• Ability to read and create engineering drawings, data sheets, and schematics.

Responsibilities

• Design, procure, test, install, and maintain electronic components for telescopes.
• Testing and troubleshooting electronics and control systems.
• Support installation and debug of equipment at the telescope site.

Skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering technology or BS in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MS Office software

LabVIEW

Job description

Electrical Engineer

The Electrical Engineer (EE) position is part of Lowell Observatory's Technology Department. The Electrical Engineer designs and builds telescope, subsystem, and facility electronics hardware; and supports installation and test of such hardware. Work is performed primarily at the Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT) site. This position reports to the LDT Engineering Manager.

Responsibilities

The Electrical Engineer shall design, procure, test, install, and maintain electronic components, equipment and control systems for Lowell Observatory telescopes. The primary duties shall include testing and troubleshooting electronics and control systems and design of printed circuit boards. Other expected design tasks include layout of cables and cabinets, component sizing and selection, and creation of design documentation. Procurement activities include component selection, soliciting and reviewing bids, and inspection and verification of incoming components. The EE shall participate in assembly and testing of equipment to verify function and performance and assist with installation and debug of equipment at the telescope site. Maintenance activities include preventative maintenance and inspections, trouble shooting, and generating operations and maintenance procedures. The EE shall occasionally support night operations in a technical support capacity and when required, provide systems training to telescope operators.

Qualifications

• The Electrical Engineer must be self-motivated with attention to detail and able to complete tasks on schedule.
• They must possess excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• They must be willing to take on new tasks and duties as needed.

Education and Experience

• The Electrical Engineer shall possess a degree in Electrical Engineering technology, BS in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent training, and a minimum of five years relevant experience; advanced degree is a plus.
• Experience should include maintenance and/or construction of astronomical telescope facilities or other complex technical facilities. Experience should span a broad range of technologies; from low voltage analog to logic-level digital, to 480 volt three-phase power.
• They should be familiar with sensors such as charge-coupled devices, resistance temperature detectors, encoders and load cells, and motor controllers including stepper drives, brushless direct-current amplifiers, and three-phase variable frequency drives.
• Knowledge of astronomical instrumentation is a plus.
• They should be proficient with MS Office software package, schematic capture, and schematic layout.
• Ability to read and create engineering drawings, data sheets, schematics, and wiring diagrams required.
• Experience should include taking circuits from requirements to completion of simple printed circuit boards, cabling, cabinets, and facility wiring.
• Familiarity with National Instruments LabVIEW software is desired.

Working Conditions

The Electrical Engineer works largely at the LDT, located roughly 45 miles southeast of Flagstaff, AZ at an altitude of approximately 7800 feet elevation. Environmental conditions can be unpredictable with temperature ranges varying between -20 and +90 F. Inclement winter weather conditions can also be expected which will require travel to/from the telescope in occasionally snowy, icy, and/or rainy conditions; willingness and ability to drive safely in inclement conditions is required.

This position requires a moderate degree of standing, walking, bending, handling, reaching, grasping, driving, and repetitive motions. The role includes operating small and heavy machinery and equipment. Duties may also require driving vehicles, including at night. Requires the ability to occasionally lift and manipulate heavy objects (60 lbs or more).

Status: Full Time, Regular 40 hrs/week

Compensation Type: Salary

Compensation: $85K - $110K, Depends on Experience

Benefit Eligible: Yes

FLSA Classification: Salary, Exempt

Location: Lowell Discovery Telescope, near Happy Jack, AZ

Benefits Overview

Full Time - Lowell Observatory provides 11 scheduled paid holidays, 3 weeks of sick pay, and a Flexible Paid Time Off policy, giving you the flexibility to rest and recharge. Benefits include Retirement, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability coverage. The company covers the majority of employee medical, life, and long-term disability premiums, as well as 50% of dependent medical coverage. After six months of employment, employees are eligible for up to a 5% match on retirement plan contributions.

Employment is subject to passing a background check

Lowell Observatory is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. Lowell Observatory has always been, and always will be, committed to diversity and inclusion. We seek individuals from all backgrounds to join our teams, and we encourage our employees to bring their authentic, original, and best selves to work.

Employment with Lowell Observatory is on an “at will” basis. At-will employment means that the relationship may be terminated at any time, with or without cause, reason or advance notice, by either you or the Observatory for any reason not expressly prohibited by law. Please note that the teams and conditions of your employment, including but not limited to compensation, benefits, duties, and policies, are subject to change at the discretion of Lowell Observatory based on business needs or changes in applicable laws and regulations.

Lowell Observatory is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources office for assistance.