Engineering Aide (Electronics), IS-0802- 3

Smithsonian Institution

Cambridge (MA)

On-site

USD 24,011 - 31,202

Part time

14 days+

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Job summary

A prominent research institution in Cambridge seeks an Electrical Engineering Aide to support systems engineering across various projects. Responsibilities include assisting in instrument assembly and testing and automating tasks using LabVIEW and Python. Candidates should have completed relevant post-secondary coursework and demonstrate basic engineering knowledge. This is a temporary, entry-level position offering competitive hourly compensation.

Qualifications

Must have at least 6 semester hours in engineering, physics, drafting, surveying, or mathematics.
Education from outside the U.S. must be equivalent to U.S. higher education.

Responsibilities

Assist in assembly and testing of HelioSwarm Faraday cup instruments.
Install electrical harnessing for the custom Thermal Vacuum chamber.
Monitor LabVIEW/Python temperature logging code.
Automate tasks using LabVIEW/Python for test activities.

Skills

Basic understanding of electrical engineering

Knowledge of engineering procedures

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Visio

Education

Successful completion of 1 year of post-secondary study in related fields

Job description

Engineering Aide (Electronics), IS-0802-3 – Smithsonian Institution

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $17.43 - $22.65 / hour

Application Deadline: 15 September 2025

Opening date: 08/15/2025 | Closing date: 09/15/2025

Series/Grade: 0802/03

Type of position: Trust Temporary (Non-Federal), Not To Exceed 1 year

Division: Central Engineering

Area of consideration: This position is open to all eligible candidates.

Overview

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out with Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support.

Summary: This is the position of Electrical Engineering Aide, Central Engineering Department, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of the position is to provide systems engineering support to various projects.

Major duties

Assist engineering staff with the assembly and testing of HelioSwarm Faraday cup instruments.
Assist with the installation of the electrical harnessing and systems for the custom Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) chamber thermocouple system.
Assist with monitoring LabVIEW/Python temperature monitoring and logging code for operations.
Assist with automation tasks using LabVIEW/Python for:

Monitoring and logging of voltages and currents during test activities
Operating power supplies for test setup – including suppressor voltage, high voltage, and analog system power
Control of Ion Gun using Kimball Physics LabVIEW driver
Development of motion control software for faraday cup positioning in the chamber (Rotary and X-Y positioning)

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

Grade 3: Successful completion of 1 year of post-secondary study that included at least 6 semester hours in engineering, physics, drafting, surveying, physical science, or mathematics, or related fields.

For information on the qualification requirements for IS-0802 Engineering Aide, please refer to the General Schedule Qualification Standards 0800 (Engineering/Technical Series):

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/engineering-technical-series-0802/

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Basic understanding of electrical engineering.
Knowledge of and ability to apply basic engineering procedures or operations.
Basic knowledge of engineering concepts as obtained through secondary school or undergraduate coursework.
Basic knowledge of software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Visio.

Education from outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to U.S. higher education and documented in the application package if applicable.

Other information:

False statements may result in rejection or termination after employment begins.
Resumes should describe related paid and non-paid work experience, with start/end dates and average weekly hours.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Contact hr@cfa.harvard.edu for accommodations. Review Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures for details.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To review EEO program information, please visit: https://www.si.edu/oeo; SAO is an equal opportunity employer. See: http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/

Seniority level