Summer Research Assistant

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 is an occasional position located on campus under the supervision of members of the electronics group. The successful candidate will assist with tasks related to software and hardware integration and testing of Cryoscope, a cryogenically cooled wide field telescope, in preparation for deployment in Antarctica in late 2024. The successful candidate will help with assembly and testing of electrical and mechanical parts in low temperature environments simulating Antarctic conditions to validate correct power sequencing and thermal control, writing robust software that collates sensor data and precisely controls the temperature of various subsystems.

Essential Job Duties

Work under the direction of members of the electronics group to both characterize sensor systems and write robust software for this remote telescope. May also clean small parts and prepare them for installation into the system.  

Basic Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar.
• High competence with Python or C/C++ programming languages.

Preferred Qualifications

• Willingness to read and follow detailed instructions, the diligence to make careful measurements, to work patiently to solve problems, and to document the work done.  
• Competency in report writing is desirable, so good scores in courses requiring essay writing or manifestation of effective communication skills will be considered a plus.  
• Familiarity with databases, SQL and Grafana
• Familiarity with using version control and doxygen.
• Familiarity with circuit design and sensor integration.
• Familiarity with writing libraries in Python.
• Familiarity with Linux.  
• A commitment to work full-time for 10 weeks or more. 

Required Documents

• Resume.