Electronics Technician Lead

California-Institute-of-Technology; California; On-site; USD 49,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltech, located at Palomar Observatory, is seeking an Electronics Lab Technician to set up, test, and repair electronic systems for telescopes. You will schedule activities, document progress, and perform preventive maintenance while coordinating with management and night staff.

The role requires lifting up to 25 lbs, driving observatory vehicles to sites, and strong electrical/electronics skills in a scientific environment. A background check and valid license are required.

Qualifications

• Two to four years of technical experience, including at least one year at an optical observatory.
• Working knowledge of analog and digital electronics and electrical systems.
• Basic computer skills, including hardware maintenance.
• Understands how to read schematic diagrams.
• Skilled in electronic construction techniques for cabling, wiring, and replacement of components.
• Skilled in the safe and efficient use of hand and power tools such as drill press, saws, and hole punches.
• Can demonstrate ability to use electronic test instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, DVM, and logic analyzers.
• Able to safely work at elevated or confined spaces.
• Able to work at site elevation of 6000 ft.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs.
• Successful completion of background check and physical exam.
• Must have a valid driver's license at the time of hire and maintain it throughout the course of employment.

Responsibilities

• Install, set up, and verify instruments on telescopes, requiring the ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs.
• Plan and schedule Electronic Lab technician activities and projects, including instrument setups.
• Document and report to management on task progress and accuracy.
• Plan, schedule, and distribute lab preventive maintenance work orders (PMs).
• Perform cryogenic maintenance, such as cryogen transfer and vacuum insulation maintenance using turbo pumps.
• Ensure dewar fills and outgassing rates are logged daily for trend analysis.
• Review and update electronic technician procedures, inventory, and logging documents.
• Troubleshoot observatory electronic systems and complex installations.
• Fabricate and repair copper-based and fiber optic cables.
• Maintain cleanliness of labs, storage areas, and observation floors.
• Establish inventory and stock levels for parts.
• Ensure safety procedures and gear are used by technicians.
• Assist the electronics group supervisor in planning and priorities.
• Report on group task progress and performance regularly.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Technical experience

Electronics and electrical systems

Schematic reading

Lab maintenance

Electronic test instruments

Safety & compliance

Ability to lift 25 lbs

Background check & physical

Tools

Schematic capture software

Oscilloscopes

Digital multimeter (DVM)

Logic analyzers

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

This full-time, benefited position is located at Palomar Observatory and reports directly to the Electronics Group supervisor. Working independently or alongside other members of the observatory crew, the technician sets up, tests, and, when necessary, troubleshoots and repairs electronic systems. Additional responsibilities include scheduling instrument installs, setups, and removals, and organizing the electronic technicians' daily, weekly, and long-term work, including preventive maintenance work orders. The role requires effective communication with observatory management, staff, and the scientific customer base.

• Install, set up, and verify instruments on telescopes, requiring the ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs. Ensure instruments are installed correctly and in a timely manner for handoff to night support staff. These duties also include remote telescope startup and shutdown tasks, which will require driving observatory vehicles to various sites around the observatory.
• Given inputs from telescope schedules, task lists, customers, and management, plan and schedule Electronic Lab technician activities and projects, including instrument setups.
• Document and report to management on task progress and accuracy.
• Plan, schedule, and distribute lab preventive maintenance work orders (PMs), and maintain PM completion statistics records.
• Perform cryogenic maintenance, such as cryogen transfer and vacuum insulation maintenance using turbo pumps on scientific instrumentation.
• Ensure dewar fills and outgassing rates are logged daily and retained in online format for trend analysis.
• Review and update electronic technician procedures, inventory, and logging documents, including online task scheduling and planning tools.
• Troubleshoot observatory electronic systems, as well as complex computer, network, and systems installations.
• Fabricate and repair both copper-based and fiber optic cables.
• Ensure electronic technician lab, storage areas, and observation floors are clean and orderly.
• Establish an inventory of tools and equipment, and maintain/track stock levels to ensure parts are available.
• Ensure electronic technicians follow proper safety procedures and are properly equipped with safety gear.
• Assist the electronic group supervisor in group short- and long-term strategic planning; provide input on priorities for Electronic Lab activities.
• Report on group task progress and performance regularly.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Two to four years of technical experience, including at least one year at an optical observatory.
• Working knowledge of analog and digital electronics and electrical systems.
• Basic computer skills, including hardware maintenance.
• Understands how to read schematic diagrams.
• Skilled in electronic construction techniques for cabling, wiring, and replacement of components.
• Skilled in the safe and efficient use of hand and power tools such as drill press, saws, and hole punches.
• Can demonstrate ability to use electronic test instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, DVM, and logic analyzers.
• Able to safely work at elevated or confined spaces.
• Able to work at site elevation of 6000 ft.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs.
• Successful completion of background check and physical exam.
• Must have a valid driver's license at the time of hire and maintain it throughout the course of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Skilled in the use of vacuum systems and safe cryogenic procedures.
• Copper, fiber, and wireless network setup and maintenance experience.
• Computer literate and knows how to use schematic capture software.
• Experience with scientific electronic systems.

Required Documents

• Resume.

Hiring Range

$35.75 - $41.75 Per Hour

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

Caltech is an equal opportunity employer and, as a federal contractor, takes affirmative action to employ qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail] .

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail] .