Electronics Technician Trainee

at  California Institute of Technology

JOB SUMMARY

The position is full-time, benefit-based, and located at Palomar Observatory. The position works under the direct supervision of the observatory Electronics Group supervisor, and will work alone or with other members of the observatory crew to install, test and when necessary, learn to repair electronic systems.
Job duties include, but are not limited to, instrument installs, setups, and removals. Duties will also include cryogenic handling, troubleshooting and repair of basic electronics systems, including scientific instrumentation, computing systems, and other observatory electronic systems. The position is expected to communicate effectively with the observatory’s management, staff, and scientific customer base. Work schedule to be flexible and include weekend/holiday work.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Basic computer skills including hardware maintenance.
• Basic understanding and interest in electronics.
• Able to safely work at elevated or confined spaces.
• Able to work at site elevation of 6000’.
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
• Successful completion of background check and physical exam.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3-5 years of electronic technician experience.
• Ability to use electronic test instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, DVM, and logic analyzers.
• Working knowledge of analog and digital electronics and electrical systems.
• Skilled in electronic construction techniques for cabling, wiring, and replacement of components.
• Some college coursework is preferred.
• Understand how to read schematic diagrams.
• Skilled in the use of vacuum systems and safe cryogenic procedures.
• Copper, fiber, and wireless network setup and maintenance experience.
• Computer literate and knows how to use schematic capture software.
• Observatory electronics experience.
• Experience with scientific electronic systems.

• Install, set up, and verify instruments on telescopes. Ensure instruments are installed correctly and in a timely manner for handoff to night support staff.
• Perform tasks at the direction of the Electrical Engineers and/or Observatory Electrician to include wiring and soldering.
• Given inputs from the existing telescope schedules, customers, and management, help plan, document, monitor and report status of activities and projects, including instrument setups and tasks.
• Perform cryogenic maintenance, such as cryogen transfer and vacuum maintenance using turbo pumps on scientific instrumentation.
• Review and update electronic technician procedure, inventory, and logging documents.
• Participate in the troubleshooting of all observatory electronic systems, including instrumentation, computer hardware, network, and electrical systems.
• Help ensure the electronic technician lab, storage areas, and observing floors are clean and orderly.
• Other duties as assigned, including snow abatement on domes and at the observatory.