Lead Electronics Technician – Observatory Systems

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, 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.