Caltech
Overview
Electronics Engineer role at Caltech. The COO detector team designs, fabricates, and commissions astronomical instrumentation systems for ground-based observatories and space-related projects. The candidate will contribute to the conceptualization, design, procurement, characterization, optimization, integration, and commissioning of state-of-the-art detector systems to advance astronomy and related fields. Essential Job Duties
Design, engineering, and optimization of imaging sensors and their operating modes, typically in wavelengths from 120 nm to 5 µm. Design, develop, and implement detector interface and control electronics, real-time low-noise data acquisition systems, and experimental setups. Develop engineering specifications and test plans for detector systems. Develop measurement techniques and improve procedures to obtain more accurate results. Develop or refine models of image sensor behavior. Develop/modify software/firmware for interfacing and controlling detectors in specialized astronomical instruments. Collaborate with the detector team to investigate and mitigate sources of errors in observations involving precision photometry, astrometry, or PSF shape measurement. Thermal design of detector assemblies in cryogenic/vacuum systems. Troubleshooting and lifecycle support for camera systems deployed at Caltech observatories. Design electronic interfaces, test-signal generators, illumination systems, and environmental controls. Write research reports, journal articles, and engineering design documentation, and user manuals. Collaborate with COO’s multidisciplinary engineering team to develop new strategies and techniques for obtaining astronomical data. Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or physics, and 4+ years related experience or equivalent. Fluency with modern electronics design and data analysis software, statistical analysis, and experiment design. Experience in integrating mixed hardware/software systems for demanding performance applications; ability to design, integrate, and troubleshoot independently. Ability to conceptualize and capture requirements, and to document designs and interfaces. Excellent communication and organizational skills; ability to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams. Proficiency in low noise analog circuit design, servo design and tuning, grounding and shielding, packaging of low-noise electronics, high-speed transmission, schematic capture, circuit simulation, PCB layout, and/or cryogenic instrumentation. Occasional travel and work at high altitudes and in low-light environments; successful pre-employment physical including vision screening; ability to lift 25 lbs. Preferred Qualifications
M.S. in electrical engineering, physics, or computer science with 6+ years related experience. Experience analyzing experimental data, developing physical models, and optimizing image sensor electronics. Familiarity with infrared/optical image sensor designs, characterization, calibration methods. Digital logic design with FPGAs; DSP programming and interfacing. Programming in C++, UNIX, Python, MATLAB; familiarity with image processing tools. The Successful Candidate Will
Collaborate across teams and build trust-based relationships to support shared goals. Communicate clearly, mentor others, and contribute to a transparent, collaborative culture. Apply up-to-date technical knowledge and sound judgment to solve problems with consideration of performance and budget. Stay flexible, organize work efficiently, and adapt to changing needs. Commit to continuous learning to improve outcomes and drive innovation. Required Documents
Resume Cover Letter Hiring Range
$97K - $136.9K per year The salary of finalists will be set based on factors including internal equity, experience, and education. EEO and Accommodations
Caltech is an equal opportunity employer. We hire without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Caltech complies with FEHA and the ADA and provides reasonable accommodations in the application process and employment as needed. For accommodation requests, contact Caltech Recruiting.
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Electronics Engineer role at Caltech. The COO detector team designs, fabricates, and commissions astronomical instrumentation systems for ground-based observatories and space-related projects. The candidate will contribute to the conceptualization, design, procurement, characterization, optimization, integration, and commissioning of state-of-the-art detector systems to advance astronomy and related fields. Essential Job Duties
Design, engineering, and optimization of imaging sensors and their operating modes, typically in wavelengths from 120 nm to 5 µm. Design, develop, and implement detector interface and control electronics, real-time low-noise data acquisition systems, and experimental setups. Develop engineering specifications and test plans for detector systems. Develop measurement techniques and improve procedures to obtain more accurate results. Develop or refine models of image sensor behavior. Develop/modify software/firmware for interfacing and controlling detectors in specialized astronomical instruments. Collaborate with the detector team to investigate and mitigate sources of errors in observations involving precision photometry, astrometry, or PSF shape measurement. Thermal design of detector assemblies in cryogenic/vacuum systems. Troubleshooting and lifecycle support for camera systems deployed at Caltech observatories. Design electronic interfaces, test-signal generators, illumination systems, and environmental controls. Write research reports, journal articles, and engineering design documentation, and user manuals. Collaborate with COO’s multidisciplinary engineering team to develop new strategies and techniques for obtaining astronomical data. Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or physics, and 4+ years related experience or equivalent. Fluency with modern electronics design and data analysis software, statistical analysis, and experiment design. Experience in integrating mixed hardware/software systems for demanding performance applications; ability to design, integrate, and troubleshoot independently. Ability to conceptualize and capture requirements, and to document designs and interfaces. Excellent communication and organizational skills; ability to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams. Proficiency in low noise analog circuit design, servo design and tuning, grounding and shielding, packaging of low-noise electronics, high-speed transmission, schematic capture, circuit simulation, PCB layout, and/or cryogenic instrumentation. Occasional travel and work at high altitudes and in low-light environments; successful pre-employment physical including vision screening; ability to lift 25 lbs. Preferred Qualifications
M.S. in electrical engineering, physics, or computer science with 6+ years related experience. Experience analyzing experimental data, developing physical models, and optimizing image sensor electronics. Familiarity with infrared/optical image sensor designs, characterization, calibration methods. Digital logic design with FPGAs; DSP programming and interfacing. Programming in C++, UNIX, Python, MATLAB; familiarity with image processing tools. The Successful Candidate Will
Collaborate across teams and build trust-based relationships to support shared goals. Communicate clearly, mentor others, and contribute to a transparent, collaborative culture. Apply up-to-date technical knowledge and sound judgment to solve problems with consideration of performance and budget. Stay flexible, organize work efficiently, and adapt to changing needs. Commit to continuous learning to improve outcomes and drive innovation. Required Documents
Resume Cover Letter Hiring Range
$97K - $136.9K per year The salary of finalists will be set based on factors including internal equity, experience, and education. EEO and Accommodations
Caltech is an equal opportunity employer. We hire without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Caltech complies with FEHA and the ADA and provides reasonable accommodations in the application process and employment as needed. For accommodation requests, contact Caltech Recruiting.
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