Facilities Engineer

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.

LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) seeks a highly motivated and skilled Facilities Engineer to join its team. LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing the newly discovered gravitational-wave universe. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory’s mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational-wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational-wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach.

For more information, please visit the Laboratory website at www.ligo.caltech.edu

This position is located in Richland, WA.

Life at LIGO Hanford Observatory as a Caltech Employee:
LIGO’s observatory in the shrub-steppe of Eastern Washington is an approximately 20-minute commute from Richland, WA., where it is located on the edge of the Department of Energy Hanford Site. Caltech employs a staff of 49 at the Hanford observatory. Caltech has an extraordinary science impact across many fields. Its small size creates a community where innovation and collaboration are the norm. Caltech manages the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for NASA, the leading US center for the robotic exploration of the Solar System. Caltech also operates large-scale research facilities such as the Palomar and Keck Observatories.

The Tri-Cities (Richland, Kennewick, Pasco) is a rapidly developing community set in the heart of wine-country in southeast Washington state, where the Columbia, Yakima, and Snake rivers meet. The rivers and nearby Cascade and Blue mountain ranges provide ample outdoor recreation opportunities from water-skiing to fishing to hiking. The region is known for its contributions to science and technology in the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the DOE Hanford Site.

People choose to work at LIGO for many reasons, often with fulfilling, long-term careers. LIGO is a family-friendly laboratory and strives to ensure everyone is able to achieve the work-life balance they desire. Employees have access to a wide range of benefits including a child-care assistance program. Caltech’s benefits program offers a quality, competitive benefits package that is affordable for you and the Institute. The program provides a strong base of coverage for you and your dependents, and the ability to choose the plan and the level of coverage that best meet your needs. We also offer a 403(b) defined contribution plan to eligible staff as well as a Voluntary Retirement Savings (TDA) Plan.

Caltech HR diversity page: https://hr.caltech.edu/careers/2commitment-diversity

Caltech and LIGO Laboratory’s goal is to build a world-class, diverse workforce and support an inclusive environment that encourages professional development and offers top-notch benefits. Our talented staff, who work at the Caltech campus, or one of our Observatories, come from a variety of fields. Positions include scientists, engineers, information technology staff, outreach professionals, managers, writers, business professionals, and administrative staff. We are deeply committed to encouraging people of all backgrounds to apply for these opportunities. Our experience has demonstrated that the broader the styles, characteristics, backgrounds, and abilities of our staff—in other words, the more diverse our team is—the greater potential we have for success. Caltech is an equal opportunity employer.

LIGO Laboratory is committed to being a welcoming place for everyone regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.

Job Summary

This position is part of the LIGO Hanford Observatory (LHO) Facilities Group maintenance team, reporting to the Lead Facilities Engineer. Maintenance staff is responsible for daily maintenance and repair of all components of Observatory and Support buildings including HVAC, plumbing, lighting, fixtures, flooring, etc. The Facilities Engineer requires an understanding of and compliance with cleanroom protocols, vacuum procedures and laser safety procedures. The Facilities Engineer will work with LIGO staff and vendors to ensure the Observatory is in compliance with Environmental and Safety requirements, including both Federal and Washington State requirements. The successful candidate will work under general supervision and will be required to use a variety of tools and techniques for facilities maintenance. Work packages include both routine and novel assignments: good judgment is required to properly maintain LIGO buildings and site, and to ensure that they provide a safe environment and house elements in proper working order.
Essential Job Duties:

• Perform support and maintenance functions including, but not limited to, minor plumbing, HVAC, chilled water systems, clean room repairs, vacuum system trouble shooting, and water systems.
• Diagnose and repair various facilities equipment.
• Apply basic skills in mechanical maintenance and select from standard procedures, techniques, tools, materials, and equipment appropriate to accomplish these tasks.
• Rapid troubleshooting of facilities equipment failures, both on-site and on-call.
• Communicate clearly with observatory staff, contractors, and vendors, in both written and verbal form.
• Employ computerized maintenance management interfaces including FAMIS and FRS.
• Machine shop, rigging, crane operation, scissor, aerial lift, and forklift certification required.
• Possess a basic understanding of electrical, HVAC, and fire alarm systems

Basic Qualifications

• Associates Degree or relevant experience as demonstrated through a trades school or apprenticeship.
• 5 years of experience in construction, facilities, and repair.
• Working knowledge of facility construction or repair.
• Working Knowledge of OSHA 10 requirements.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.
• Candidate must possess a driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• 8 years facility maintenance experience.
• Experience working with the Washington State Department of Health for water and waste certification.
• OSHA 30 certification.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter