Caltech has an opening for a capable and enthusiastic Junior Electronics Technician to assemble and install PCBs and electronics subsystems for radio astronomy projects at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory, near Big Pine, CA

Job Summary

Two major projects at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory are moving into their construction phases, requiring assembly of large numbers of electronics systems. Under minimal supervision, the successful candidate will be required to fabricate and test over a hundred subsystems using standard practices, including mechanical assembly, soldering, connector crimping, and cable harness installation. Basic testing with power supplies, multimeters and oscilloscopes will be required, along with detailed documentation and record-keeping. Key qualities are the ability to do careful and consistent work, attention to detail, and an ability to work closely in a small team.

As part of Caltech’s radio astronomy, OVRO continues sixty years of studying pioneering instrument development in close partnership with faculty, postdocs and students on campus. This covers a wide gamut of science and techniques, with an emphasis on time varying and transient events. The DSA-110 will be detecting and localizing fast radio bursts that are still very enigmatic. The LWA-352 will continuously monitor the radio sky for many types of events, including bursts from ‘hot Jupiters”, cosmic rays, and solar flares.

Job Duties

Under direction, working from drawings, engineering sketches and verbal instructions using appropriate technical data and manuals:

• Assemble circuit boards with surface mount and other components following standard soldering and cleaning procedures
• Repair circuit boards, including replacing fine-pitch surface-mount components, repairing traces, and cleaning
• Assemble cables and wiring harnesses using solder or crimp connections. Observe standard procedures for lacing and strain-relief
• Take standard enclosures and modify with mounting holes, bushings, etc., to house a variety of electrical and electronic components and assemblies
• Carry out basic troubleshooting procedures using multimeters, oscilloscopes and schematics or wiring lists
• Document work using standard word-processing and spreadsheet software
• Additional duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

• Associate's in Applied Science or equivalent two year diploma from a recognized community or junior college
• Skill in electronic assembly, including soldering, crimping, mechanical mounting, etc.
• Familiarity with basic electronic instruments, such as digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and signal generators
• Basic knowledge of low voltage handling and circuits
• Ability to work in a small engineering team, as well as meeting the needs of visiting scientists
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Power Point, etc.)
• Highly self-motivated with good verbal and written skills
• Good organizational and record keeping skills
• A current valid driver’s license
• The ability to lift, push, and pull heavy objects of at least 70 lbs

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with CAD packages for electronics and/or mechanical design, such as Cadence and AutoCAD
• Ability to design basic analog and digital circuits such as digital buffers, analog amplifiers, etc.
• Experience using PCs to record and display data from instruments and data acquisition hardware
• Troubleshooting skills for basic circuits based on schematics and other material, combined with an understanding of fundamental electronic principles

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter