Electronics Technician

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Job Summary

Caltech Optical Observatories is seeking an Electronics Technician to join its Optical/Infrared Instrumentation Development group. COO provides high-performance astronomical instrumentation for ground-based and space-based observatories around the world.

We are seeking a candidate with versatile applied electronics expertise to support new and previously commissioned opto-electro-mechanical instrumentation. Anticipated assignments include implementation and testing of discrete and integrated electronics, electronic board integration and testing, and electronics rack layout and integration, and development of custom cabling and electronic connectors. This position utilizes broad experience, skills, and knowledge and is centered at the Caltech campus in Pasadena, CA though short-term remote assignments to Palomar Observatory near San Diego, CA or Keck Observatory on Maunakea, HI may be required.

This position is based at the Caltech campus with occasional travel to Observatory sites or local industrial suppliers.

Essential Job Duties

• Fabrication and testing of custom electronics, including:
  • Manual fabrication of signal and power cables.
  • Through-hole and hot air soldering and de-soldering of discrete and surface-mounted electronic components.
  • Configuration and verification of commercial electronics components, including a rapid understanding of operations manuals.
  • Test, troubleshoot, and repair complex digital and analog circuits down to the component level following industry quality processes, standards, and safety regulations.
  • Perform grounding and packaging of low-noise electronics.
  • Use modern oscilloscope functions to analyze and interpret waveforms of electronics.
  • Integration of custom electronics racks, including e-rack thermal control subsystems.
• Set up and operate various electronics test equipment including, but not limited to, power meters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, multi-meters, image capture systems, and environmental controls.
• Read and interpret technical diagrams, test procedures, drawings, and publications to test boards and components and, upon failure, be able to troubleshoot and find the root cause and correct the failure.
• Develop accurate schematics of electronic devices and legacy systems.
• Aid in the mechanical assembly and troubleshooting of prototypes and astronomical instruments.
• Implement ultrasonic parts cleaning, and clean room and ESD safety protocols.
• Routinely maintain laboratory supplies, cleanroom supplies, and infrastructure systems. Maintain laboratory organization and cleanliness.
• Occasional travel and work at high altitudes (up to 14,000 ft.) are required, including both daytime and nighttime schedules. The Electronics Technician at times will need to drive to observatories to work on instruments, which may include transporting components.
• Work independently, when necessary, with general guidance from engineering staff.
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration and continuous process improvement.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of Caltech.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of hands-on experience performing PCBA assembly, rework, and repair using hand soldering and de-soldering tools, specification, fabrication, and testing of custom cabling and cable harnesses.
• Ability to consistently produce high-quality electronic work with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent manual dexterity for the manipulation of discrete electronics components and manual assembly.
• Ability to read and understand PCB layout images, component datasheets, and maintenance/repair instructions.
• Knowledge of electronic circuits, cabling, components, and ICs in analog and digital circuits.
• Ability to select appropriate methods and materials to perform electronics repair/rework.
• Ability to install/replace both through-hole and surface-mounted components on printed circuit boards, and to perform repair of damaged PCB traces.
• Capability to perform complex assignments and follow work instructions independently and within collaborative team environments.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to work independently and as a team contributor.
• Ability to adapt to a changing work environment and organizational demands.
• Occasional travel and work at high altitudes (up to 14,000 ft.) is required, including both daytime and nighttime schedules.
• Successful pre-employment physical, DMV, and background checks.
• Must possess a valid Driver's License and maintain it throughout the course of employment.
• Must have the ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with a broad range of cable and panel connector types, and best practices for bulkhead and cable harness assemblies.
• Familiarity with electronic rack types, equipment mounting and cooling schemes, RFI, and grounding practices.
• Familiarity with clean room maintenance, verification, and safety.
• Familiarity with vacuum systems, pumping, leak testing, and cryogenic cooling.
• Experience with printed circuit board layout tools.
• Experience with microcontroller programming, Unix, Python, Matlab, IDL, and / or LabView.
• Experience with brushless and brush-type servo and stepper motors and associated controllers.
• Knowledge of Electro-Static Discharge handling training/certification.
• IPC-J-Standard 610 training/certification or NASA 8739 training/certification.

Required Documents

• Resume.