Electronics Engineer

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) Laboratory seeks a highly motivated and skilled Electronics Engineer to join its team.  LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing gravitational-waves. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory’s mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational-wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational-wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach. For more information, please visit the Laboratory website at www.ligo.caltech.edu.

This position is an in-person role located in Pasadena, California.

The successful candidate will work hands-on to develop, design, procure, build and test electronics and electronic systems hardware, from the prototype to production for the many systems in the LIGO gravitational-wave detectors. 

The successful candidate will collaborate across multiple locations, teams, and disciplines, to support the continued operation and future upgrades to the LIGO laboratory detectors, working at the development of existing systems and at the design of new low noise, high dynamic range, analog and digital electronics for opto-electronic and mechanical devices, including for example: piezo transducers, photodiodes, solid state lasers, acousto-optic modulators, seismic sensors and actuators.  

To conquer the many challenges and rewards associated with building systems that have never been built before, the successful candidate will need to show great attention to detail, curiosity and initiative to explore new ideas and technologies, and will have autonomy to make decisions with support as needed. LIGO is seeking a well-rounded electronics engineer with a broad curiosity of engineering disciplines.

This position is hands-on and will focus on the design and prototyping of the electronics with attention to the interface with the other hardware components. This LIGO engineering position will allow the successful candidate to expand their skillset beyond pure electronics, and gain a working knowledge of optical and mechanical systems as they interface with the electronics needed to operate them.

Essential Job Duties

• Develop existing and design new low noise, high dynamic range, analog and digital electronics for opto-electronic devices.
• Build and test electronics components such as chassis, boards and cables.
• Procure the necessary supplies, parts and materials required for the setup, operation and maintenance of electronics prototypes and production systems.
• Liaise with in-house and external workshops and vendors.
• Engage in hands-on creation of precise prototypes in a laboratory setting.
• Assist with the development of test procedures and evaluation methodologies, and carry out the corresponding measurement and test campaigns.
• Document system designs, tests and measurements.
• Perform inventory control and tracking for supplies and parts.
• Support the two LIGO observatories, either remotely or on-site, with travel up to 25% of time.
• Participate in upgrades, troubleshooting, problem solving, failure analysis, root cause and corrective action processes as required.
• Perform cross-discipline work involving mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and physics.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• A B.S in Electronics engineering or 4 years of equivalent workplace experience in lieu of a degree.
• Demonstrable experience of working with basic electronic circuits, electronic testing equipment and testing procedures.
• Demonstrable skills in microcontroller programming and applications.
• Basic electronics construction hands on skills including: soldering, repair, and prototyping.
• Work effectively with cross-disciplinary teams. This includes the ability to take direction, work independently with little to no supervision, and work in a team environment.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, a team attitude and a high degree of professional discipline are essential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters in a relevant technical field.
• Excellent working knowledge of microcontroller design such as Arduino or similar.
• SolidWorks experience: a portfolio of original work or a certification.
• Altium experience: a portfolio of original work or a certification.
• IPC J-STD-001 Electronics assembly certification or equivalent.
• Machine shop skills as applies to electronics fabrication.
• Disciplined approach to testing and documentation of experimental processes and results.
• Possess a high level of initiative, flexibility, and creativity. Possess the ability to multitask, strong problem-solving skills, and a desire to learn.
• Adapts quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements, acquiring whatever knowledge and/or skills are required to effectively address problems that arise.

Required Documents

• A cover letter summarizing your relevant experience and explaining why you are interested in working at LIGO Lab.
• Resume.