Electronics Engineer, FRB Instrumentation

California-Institute-of-Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltech's Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO) seeks an electronics engineer to develop an instrument for fast radio burst detection in the microwave domain, repurposing 3.5 m antennas with upgrades. The project collaborates with Cornell, University of Chicago, and Caltech PIs, offering a chance to advance astronomical instrumentation within a diverse team.

You will review antenna systems, plan implementation, work with staff to commission hardware, and report to the Site Director.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of analog and digital electronic design and debugging.
• Ability to plan and execute complex hardware projects.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting and leadership abilities.
• Experience with electromechanical systems is preferred.
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass DMV checks.

Responsibilities

• Plan and detail tasks, and build test setups as required.
• Evaluate the current state of the instrument and subsystems.
• Test and refurbish or replace cryogenic systems for receivers.
• Test receiver electronics and repair as needed.
• Verify drive interlocks, emergency switches, and cooling systems.
• Oversee installation of power and fiber to antennas and optical pointing.

Skills

Analog and digital design

Troubleshooting

Plan and execute hardware projects

Lead a small team

Electromechanical systems experience

Education

Four-year degree or higher in Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics, or related field

Job description

Caltech's Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO) seeks an electronics engineer to develop an instrument for fast radio burst detection in the microwave domain, repurposing 3.5 m antennas with upgrades. The project collaborates with Cornell, University of Chicago, and Caltech PIs, offering a chance to advance astronomical instrumentation within a diverse team.

You will review antenna systems, plan implementation, work with staff to commission hardware, and report to the Site Director.