Electronics Engineer

California Institute of Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 97,000 - 136,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plans

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

The California Institute of Technology is looking for an Electrical Engineer or Physicist for the Caltech Optical Observatories in Pasadena. This role involves designing and optimizing imaging sensors and working with a multidisciplinary team on cutting-edge astronomical instruments.

Applicants should possess a Bachelor's in electrical engineering or physics and have 4+ years of relevant experience. The successful candidate will receive a competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of related experience or equivalent.
• Proficiency in mixed hardware/software systems.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize imaging sensors.
• Develop specifications and test plans.
• Collaborate with detector team on astronomical observations.
• Write documentation and reports.

Skills

Analog circuit design

Data analysis software

Statistical analysis techniques

Signal transmission

Programming in C++

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or physics

M.S. degree in electrical engineering, physics, or computer science

Tools

UNIX

Python

Matlab

FPGAs

DSP programming

Job description

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

Caltech Optical Observatories (COO) is seeking a talented Electrical Engineer or Physicist interested in scientific imaging technologies to join an enthusiastic and creative electronics team within the multidisciplinary Optical/Infrared (OIR) Instrumentation group. While fostering a community of respect, learning, and individual growth, the OIR group designs, fabricates, and commissions astronomical instrumentation systems for ground-based observatories such as Palomar, Gemini, Keck, as well as developing telescopes in space and the Antarctic. The candidate will contribute to conceptualization, design, procurement, characterization, optimization, integration, and commissioning of state-of-the-art detector systems that advance the frontiers of human knowledge in astronomy, cosmology, and planetary science.

Essential Job Duties

• Design, engineering, and optimization of imaging sensors and their operating modes, typically working in wavelengths from 120 nm to 5 m.
• Design, develop, and implement detector interface and control electronics, real-time low-noise data acquisition systems, and development of experimental setups.
• Develop sophisticated engineering specifications and test plans for detector systems.
• Develop measurement techniques and improve existing procedures and systems to obtain more accurate results.
• Develop or refine sophisticated models of image sensor behavior.
• Develop/modify software/firmware for interfacing and controlling detectors in the context of specialized astronomical instruments.
• Collaborate with an experienced detector team to investigate and/or mitigate the physical sources of errors in astronomical observations involving precision photometry, astrometry, or point spread function shape measurement.
• Thermal design of detector assemblies in cryogenic/vacuum systems.
• Troubleshooting and life cycle support for camera systems deployed at Caltech observatories.
• Design electronic interfaces, test-signal generators, illumination systems, and environmental controls.
• Write research reports, journal articles, engineering design documentation, and user manuals.
• Collaborate with COO's multidisciplinary engineering team to develop new strategies, approaches, methods, and techniques for obtaining unprecedented astronomical data.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or physics, and 4+ years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Fluency with modern electronics design and data analysis software, statistical analysis techniques, and experiment design.
• Experience in the integration of mixed hardware/software systems for demanding performance applications. Ability to perform independent system design, integration, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and capture requirements and to document designs and interfaces.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills are essential.
• Must work collaboratively within multi-disciplinary technical and scientific teams.
• Proficiency in a significant number of the following technical areas: low noise analog circuit design, servo design and tuning, grounding and RI shielding, packaging of low noise electronics, high speed analog and digital signal transmission, gate array programming, state machine design, schematic capture, circuit simulation, PCB layout, and/or operation of cryogenic vacuum systems.
• Occasional travel and work assignments at high altitudes and in low-light environments; successful pre-employment physical, including vision screening.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. degree in electrical engineering, physics, or computer science and 6+ years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated success in executing in-depth analysis of experimental data, the ability to systematically develop physical models of subtle or elusive phenomena, and optimization of the performance of image sensors and their electronics.
• Familiarity with designs for infrared or optical image sensors, sensor characterization, performance optimization, and calibration methods.
• Digital logic design and implementation using FPGAs.
• Experience in DSP programming and interfacing.
• Programming in C++, UNIX, Python, Matlab, and familiarity with image processing tools.

The Successful Candidate Will:

• Collaborate and Build Trust: Work effectively across teams and with stakeholders, building strong, trust-based relationships that support shared goals and customer needs.
• Communicate with Clarity: Share information clearly and appropriately for different audiences; mentor others and contribute to a transparent, collaborative team culture.
• Apply Expertise and Judgment: Use up-to-date technical knowledge and sound decision-making to solve complex problems, considering both performance and budget impact.
• Adapt and Prioritize: Stay flexible in the face of changing needs, and organize work efficiently to align with project and organizational goals.
• Commit to Continuous Learning: Seek out and apply new knowledge to improve outcomes, drive innovation, and support long-term growth.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Hiring Range

$97,000 - $136,900 Per Year

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.

EEO Statement

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

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.