Staff Electrical Engineer

24-Jan-2022

Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

55857BR

Job Summary

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) seeks an Electrical Engineer to join an unprecedented team of accomplished scientists and technologists to study the communication of sperm whales. Project CETI (CEtacean Translation Initiative) aims to provide the first-ever blueprint of another animal’s language. Over the next four years, Project CETI will seek to understand sperm whales on a level never achieved before. Using advanced machine learning and state-of-the-art non-invasive robotics, the team aims to communicate with these majestic creatures. The candidate will work with a team of engineers, computer scientists, and biologists to drive the innovation, evolution, and maintenance of a broad set of electromechanical systems used for data collection. Reporting to the Harvard Microrobotics Lab faculty PI and collaborating closely with other SEAS staff and faculty, the Staff Electrical Engineer will develop functional and technical requirements with an engineering and biology team and interpret these into system specifications and prototypes. Their work will support the lab’s research and technology translation efforts.

The Staff Electrical Engineer will work on campus full-time at our new Science and Engineering Complex (SEC) in Allston, MA. This is a one-year term position with the possibility of renewal. Please submit a cover letter with your resume.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Design and prototype circuits for data acquisition, signal conditioning, power management, and control of various robotic assets.
• Test and debug these and other circuits for lab and field use.
• Assist with preparations for field deployments of various sensor and robot technologies.
• Assist with preparations for and implementation of demonstrations of various robot technologies.
• Work with other members of the research group regarding analysis and documentation of sensing, power, and control circuits.
• Develop and test firmware for various embedded systems used in robotic prototypes.

Basic Qualifications

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• This position requires a minimum of two years’ work experience with circuit design, prototyping, and analysis. Internships, co-ops or other positions in the field of electrical engineering may count towards years of experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• MS preferred.
• Experience with circuit design, prototyping, and analysis required.
• Familiarity with analog and digital electronic design principles.
• Experience with PCB design and layout software (e.g., Eagle, Altium, KiCad).
• Experience using standard benchtop lab instruments (e.g., multimeters, power supplies, oscilloscopes) to analyze and debug electronic circuits.
• Experience developing and programming embedded computing systems (ideally, both off-the-shelf devices such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi, and custom microcontroller circuits).
• Familiarity with wireless communications protocols and circuits (e.g., Bluetooth, Zigbee).
• Experience designing interfaces for various sensors and actuators (e.g., DC, brushless, and stepper motors; encoders, range finding sensors, optical sensors).

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a lab environment.

Additional Information

• Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.
• This is a one-year term position with the possibility of renewal.
• This position will require working on campus full-time at our Science and Engineering Complex in Allston, MA.
• The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences does not provide visa sponsorship for administrative and staff positions.
• Harvard will require COVID vaccination for all Harvard community members who will have any on-campus presence. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement and exceptions may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/ .

Commitment to Diversity
SEAS is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment. Some of our core values include respect for all, serving the greater good, and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

About SEAS
The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences serves as the connector and integrator of Harvard’s teaching and research efforts in engineering, applied sciences, and technology. Our core tenets are educating broad-minded students; interdisciplinary research; integration across disciplines; and balancing theory, experimentation and practice to create an unmatched environment for learning and exploration. Through collaboration with researchers from all parts of Harvard, other universities, and industry, we bring discovery and innovation directly to bear on improving human life and society. For more information about us, please visit www.seas.harvard.edu.

Location

USA - MA - Allston

Department

SEAS Research Staff

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.