What are the responsibilities and job description for the Electronics Technician position at Caltech?
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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.
Salary : $34 - $39
