Vacuum Engineer for Next-Gen Gravitational Wave Lab

Caltech; Hanford (WA); On-site; USD 134,000 - 168,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltech is seeking an experienced vacuum engineer to join the LIGO Hanford Observatory team. The role focuses on ultra-high vacuum systems, chemistry and solid state physics as applied to UHV beamtubes, with involvement in design, modelling, and demonstrations for the CE research program at LHO in Washington State.

The position is a staff role assigned to the CEBEX project for a three-year term, with potential integration into the LIGO team after the assignment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in vacuum science or vacuum engineering.
• BS in Physics, Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical or Systems Engineering; Material Science; or a related field.
• 3-5 years experience in developing system requirements and performance objectives for bids/quotes.
• Experience with surface science methods (SEM-EDS, XPS, Auger, SIMS, FTIR).
• 3-5 years post-education with high-level software such as ANSYS or COMSOL.
• Experience with MATLAB, Mathematica, or Python and Office 365.

Responsibilities

• Design & modelling the 120m demonstration tube and integrate into assembly using SolidWorks and PDM Vault.
• Oversee modelling work and mentor junior team members.
• Coordinate with internal/external partners to deliver integrated solutions.
• Fabrication oversight, installation, commissioning and operation of the CEBEX system.
• Write statements of work, manage procurement, and coordinate schedule updates and reporting.
• Characterize material samples and operate UHV systems (XPS, SEY); prepare reports and present results.

Skills

Vacuum engineering

ANSYS/COMSOL

MATLAB/Python

3D modeling

Education

BS in Physics, Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical or Systems Engineering; Material Science

Tools

SolidWorks

MATLAB

Python

LabVIEW

ANSYS

COMSOL

Job description

Caltech is seeking an experienced vacuum engineer to join the LIGO Hanford Observatory team. The role focuses on ultra-high vacuum systems, chemistry and solid state physics as applied to UHV beamtubes, with involvement in design, modelling, and demonstrations for the CE research program at LHO in Washington State.

The position is a staff role assigned to the CEBEX project for a three-year term, with potential integration into the LIGO team after the assignment.