Electronics Engineer – Space & Ground Instrumentation

Smithsonian Institution; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 119,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory seeks an Electronics Engineer to design and oversee electrical systems for cutting-edge instrumentation. You will collaborate with scientists to define requirements, translate them into hardware, and manage cost and schedules for hardware development.

Responsibilities include hands-on build and test support, documentation, and liaison with contractors, with travel to sites and partner facilities as needed.

Qualifications

• Professional engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program.
• One year of specialized experience at or above the grade 12 level.
• Knowledge of electrical schematic/board layout CAD/CAM,
• Experience with analog design techniques and SPICE; FPGA-based design.

Responsibilities

• Architect and oversee development of electrical systems for advanced instrumentation.
• Define electrical requirements with scientists and translate into hardware.
• Prepare and manage cost and schedule estimates for hardware design and fabrication.
• Document work in memoranda, reports, and procedures; present to scientists/engineers.
• Provide hands-on build/test support and coordinate with hardware contractors.
• Travel domestically and internationally to telescope sites and vendor facilities.

Skills

Electrical engineering

System architecture

Schematic/board CAD/CAM

SPICE/analog design

FPGA design

Excellent communication

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Professional engineering licensure

Tools

Electrical CAD/CAM tools

SPICE

FPGA design tools

Job description

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory seeks an Electronics Engineer to design and oversee electrical systems for cutting-edge instrumentation. You will collaborate with scientists to define requirements, translate them into hardware, and manage cost and schedules for hardware development.

Responsibilities include hands-on build and test support, documentation, and liaison with contractors, with travel to sites and partner facilities as needed.