Electrical Engineer

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Job Summary

Caltech Optical Observatories is seeking an Electrical Engineer or Physicist to join a small but expanding electronics team within the Instrumentation Development group. COO provides high-performance astronomical instrumentation for premier observatories on the ground, in Antarctica, and in space. We are seeking a professional with versatile analog and digital electronics expertise to support new and previously commissioned instrumentation, working under the mentorship of recognized experts in the field. The candidate must have a master’s in electrical engineering or science and at least 2 years of relevant experience. 

Anticipated projects include the deployment of control electronics and detector systems in large-format imagers and spectrographs detecting very low signals from ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths. Our group additionally conducts basic research into how detector physics imposes limitations on the quality of astronomical measurements, both to motivate performance improvements and improve calibrations. 

Essential Job Duties

• Analog and digital design and integration, with emphasis on microvolt signal acquisition.
• High-speed analog (<30 MHz) and digital signal transmission (< 250 MHz)
• Grounding and packaging of low-noise electronics.
• Gate array programming and state machine design.
• Design of electronic interfaces, test-signal generators, illumination systems, and environmental controls for instruments deployed on telescopes and laboratory research.
• Setup of signal routing and thermal management of electronics cabinets for operation over a wide temperature range.
• Schematic capture, circuit simulation, and PCB layout (preferably in Altium)
• Evaluation and optimization of imaging sensor performance, creation and ongoing development of detector control electronics, real-time data acquisition systems, and development of experimental setups. Competency in Python and
• C++ coding will be an asset.
• Detector control system hardware configuration and optimization.
• Image analysis to construct accurate models of device behavior.
• Operation and testing of cryogenic / vacuum systems.
• Experiment design to investigate the engineering limits to astronomical observations such as precision photometry, astrometry, and point spread function shape measurement.
• Troubleshooting and lifecycle support for deployed astronomical instruments.

Basic Qualifications

• Master's degree in electrical engineering, physics, and/or computer science with 2+ years of related experience.
• Emphasis will be placed on initiative and ability to solve problems in one-off designs, across the design, integration, deployment, and subsequent operation.
• The successful applicant will be an excellent communicator, highly motivated to pursue world-class experimental work in a multidisciplinary environment, and will engage intellectually in sensor characterization, performance optimization, and test algorithm development. 
• A key qualification is the proven ability to integrate mixed hardware/software systems in applications with demanding data quality requirements.
• The applicant must be enthusiastic to work within a multidisciplinary team and be a good verbal communicator.
• Competency in writing well-structured design documents and technical reports (in English). 
• Successful pre-employment physical, DMV, and background checks.
• Occasional travel and work at high altitudes (up to 14,000 ft.) is required, including both daytime and nighttime schedules.
• Requires DMV check and successful pre-employment physical, including vision screening.  
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with astronomical instrumentation is desirable but not required.
• Experience with DSP or FPGA programming.
• Analog and digital circuit simulation tools.
• C++, Unix, Python, Matlab, Simulink, IDL or IRAF, and LabView. 
• Stepper and servo motors and drive system setup and test.
• Thermal analysis including conductive, convective, and radiative heat transport.
• Experience analyzing and tuning dynamic performance of feedback loops. 

This position is based at the Caltech campus with occasional travel to Observatory sites, industrial suppliers, and technical conferences. 

Required Documents

• Resume