Part-Time Electrical Engineer

University of Colorado; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 96,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking an experienced engineer to augment our spaceflight electronics team. This hourly position supports a variety of technology development programs, including rocket missions and small satellites.

You will work with scientists and engineers to design electronics for space environments, develop subsystems, perform part selection, and create test hardware and documentation.

Qualifications

• Experience in designing electronics for space environments (radiation, thermal, vibration).
• Expertise with high-reliability electronics design and spaceflight standards.
• Proficiency with schematic capture tools such as OrCAD or Altium.

Responsibilities

• Support scientists and full-time engineering team through development of space instrument electronics.
• Consult with instrument scientists and engineers to translate measurement objectives into hardware requirements.
• Develop electronic subsystems for detector readout, power distribution, data processing, and instrument control.
• Perform PCB part selection and derating to meet environmental requirements.
• Develop and build test hardware and ground support equipment (GSE).
• Design and develop documentation for the assembly and test of printed wire board assemblies (PWBA).
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Spaceflight electronics

High-reliability design

Schematic capture (OrCAD/Altium)

Tools

OrCAD/Altium

Job description

LASP's Electrical Engineering Department develops flight and ground electronics for scientific instruments and spacecraft across planetary, lunar, heliophysics, astrophysics, and Earth-science missions. Engineers work across mission classes and collaborate with systems, software, mechanical, thermal, science, quality, parts, radiation, manufacturing, and program-management teams.

This is an hourly position where you will be used to augment LASP's full time professional staff's capacity by supporting a variety of our technology development programs including rocket missions, technology demonstrators, and small satellites.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Founded a decade before NASA, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder is revolutionizing human understanding of the cosmos. LASP is deeply committed to inspiring and educating the next generation of space explorers. From enabling the first exploratory rocket measurements of Earth's upper atmosphere to trailblazing observations of every planet in the solar system, LASP is at the forefront of solar, planetary and space physics research, space-weather monitoring, and the search for evidence of habitable worlds.

LASP advances scientific discovery and inspires the next generation through research, innovation, and education in space sciences. We employ over 700 scientists, engineers, support personnel, and students that work closely to cultivate creative ideas and explore novel solutions to make the impossible possible.

LASP is dedicated to building and maintaining a unique synergism of expertise in space science, engineering, and spacecraft operations. Through research projects, LASP participates actively in the training of the future leaders of space research and helps the University of Colorado to educate students with valued technical and scientific skills. Development and use of innovative technologies and continuing participation in new research initiatives ensures a strong leadership role for LASP into the future. LASP is proud of our work environment that supports employee creativity and productivity and offers opportunities for a broad range of experiences. Further information about LASP can be found here: https://lasp.colorado.edu/home/.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Support scientists and full-time engineering team through the development of next generation space instrument electronics
• Consult with instrument scientists and engineers to convert measurement objectives into hardware design requirements
• Develop electronic subsystems for detector readout, power distribution, data processing, and instrument control
• Perform EEE part selection and derating to meet project environmental requirements
• Develop and build test GSE
• Design and develop documentation for the assembly and test of printed wire board assemblies (PWBA)
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Should Know

• This position will regularly handle export controlled and other CUI level information.
• Due to the nature of spaceflight hardware development, presence on-site is regularly required during system test and debugging phases

What We Can Offer

Hourly Rate: $70 - $91

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Minimum 20 years experience in space flight and other high reliability electronics design
• Knowledge of LASP production system process and standards
• Experience designing electronics for space environments (radiation, thermal, vibration, etc)
• Expert knowledge of PxWB design techniques including materials, stack ups, and features such as impedance controlled traces and high bandwidth data bus design
• High proficiency using schematic capture tools like OrCAD or Altium
• Expert level understanding of electrical subsystem integration, command and control topologies, and space science instrument architectures
• Experience using typical electrical lab test equipment such as oscilloscopes, function generators, power supplies
• Due to requirements to access export-controlled data and information, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), or other protected individuals (i.e., persons designated as an asylee, refugee, or temporary resident under amnesty provisions) may apply.

What You Will Need

• Expert level proficiency in either digital or analog electronics design with working apprentice level knowledge of the other
• Experience designing with BGA and CCGA FPGAs, DDR3/4 memory, and NAND and MRAM storage devices
• Experience debugging high speed and bi-directional data busses
• Experience managing subcontractor efforts for PWB fabrication and electronics assembly
• Motivation to work collaboratively on one or more interdisciplinary teams
• Willingness to work in laboratory/ ESD controlled settings
• Experience in assembly and rework of PWBAs and ability to perform high-quality electrical rework independently.
• A self-starter and self-motivated attitude inspired by exploration and pursuit of new discovery.