Research Engineer

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Job Summary

The selected applicant will be based at OVRO, a world-class facility operated by Caltech for research in radio astronomy, located near Bishop in central California. They will join a team of skilled scientists and engineers who manage a range of facilities operating from meter- to millimeter-wavelengths, and observations extending from nearby exoplanets to the early universe. The successful candidate will coordinate closely with scientists and engineers to develop, maintain and improve current and proposed radio astronomy systems for a wide variety of science goals. The range of technologies used, including RF and microwave, analog, digital, mechanical and cryogenics, presents challenges that require critical problem-solving abilities and presents opportunities for learning new skills. The majority of the work will be at OVRO, but the employee will be expected to spend time at the selected site for DSA-2000 in Nevada as required.

The Observatory is in the Eastern Sierra, which affords an excellent environment for outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and skiing. Clear night skies offer exceptional viewing for amateur astronomers.

Essential Job Duties

This research engineer will work as part of the OVRO engineering staff on the DSA-2000 and OVRO-LWA projects. Their work will include:

• Managing the long-term monitoring of the radio frequency interference environment of the proposed site for the DSA-2000.
• Commissioning and testing of the DSA-2000 5-antenna test array signal path.
• Design and testing of elements of the DSA-2000 analog signal chain.
• Support and maintenance of the analog signal chain of the OVRO-LWA telescope.

Basic Qualifications

• A Master’s or higher degree in radio astronomy, engineering, or a related discipline.
• Work or class experience with practical electrical or electronic circuits.
• Familiarity with electrical and electronic data sheets.
• Knowledge of engineering programming in any of C++, Python, UNIX, MATLAB, Mathcad, or similar.
• Ability to work with diverse groups of engineers, scientists, and technicians locally and remotely.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant knowledge in any of the areas of microwaves and RF, analog electronics, digital electronics, power systems.
• Familiarity with electrical and electronic test equipment and procedures.
• Familiarity with design software, such as schematic capture, PCB layout, mechanical design, etc.
• Experience designing and debugging analog and/or RF circuits.
• Knowledge of reliability analysis and testing.
• Experience with three-phase power systems.
• Knowledge of HVAC or cryogenic systems.
• Familiarity with electrical wiring codes.

Required Documents 

• Resume
• Cover letter
• List of 3 references