Electronics Technician

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Job Summary

Caltech Optical Observatories is seeking an electronics Technician to join its Optical/Infrared Instrumentation Development group to provide high-performance astronomical instrumentation for premier observatories on the ground, in Antarctica, and in space. We are seeking a versatile candidate with hands-on electronics expertise to support new and previously commissioned opto-electro-mechanical instrumentation. Anticipated assignments include electronic board assembly, testing and rework, electronics rack layout, assembly and test, and planning and manufacturing of associated cables and cable harnesses. A successful applicant will take pride in their workmanship and work environment and have an interest in developing additional technical skills through collaborative work on a multidisciplinary engineering team. This position is based at the Caltech campus with occasional travel to Observatory sites or local industrial suppliers.

Essential Job Duties

• In consultation with electrical engineers, planning and construction of electronics enclosures, including equipment mounting, cable routing, connector selection, cable harnesses, strain reliefs, cooling systems, power distribution, grounding, and shielding.
• Fabrication of one-off cable assemblies with an emphasis on robustness.
• Fabrication and testing of custom electronics, including through-hole and hot air soldering and desoldering of discrete and surface-mounted electronic components.
• Testing, troubleshooting, and repairing digital and analog circuits down to the component level following industry quality processes, standards, and safety regulations.
• Use modern lab test equipment to generate and record electronic signals.
• Read and interpret technical diagrams, test procedures, drawings, and data sheets to test boards and components, and, upon failure, be able to troubleshoot and correct failures with assistance from electronics engineers.
• Troubleshooting and repair of legacy systems; creating accurate schematics and diagrams as needed.
• Install and maintain laboratory infrastructure systems. Maintain laboratory organization, and laboratory and cleanroom supplies.
• Configuration and performance verification of commercial electronic equipment.
• Implement ultrasonic parts cleaning, cleanroom, and ESD safety protocols.
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration and continuous process improvement.
• Observe all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations whenever business is conducted on behalf of Caltech.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of four years of hands-on experience in fabrication and testing of custom cables/and harnesses, PCB assembly/rework using hand soldering tools.
• Excellent manual dexterity for the manipulation of discrete electronics components and manual assembly.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to lay out and fabricate electronics, cables, and cable harnesses employing a range of connector and cable technologies typically found in scientific instruments.
• Sound understanding of basic electronic components and circuit theory. Familiarity with common circuit functions.
• Ability to comprehend equipment maintenance/repair instructions.
• 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.) are required, including both daytime and nighttime schedules. The Electronics Technician will need to drive to observatories to work on instruments, which may include transporting components.
• 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

• Minimum of four years working in a closely related field, plus at least two years of academic or vocational training in electronics or physics.
• Familiarity with electronic rack types, equipment mounting and cooling schemes, and basic principles of RFI and grounding practices.
• Experience with printed circuit board layout tools (Altium preferred, KiCad, Eagle, OrCAD also welcome).
• Experience with microcontroller programming, Unix, Python, Matlab, IDL, and/or LabView for setting up small lab experiments.
• Experience with 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, or familiarity with the NASA Workmanship Standards.
• Familiarity with clean room maintenance, verification, and safety.
• Familiarity with vacuum systems, pumping, leak testing, and cryogenic cooling.

Required Documents

• Resume.
• Cover Letter.