Mechanical Engineer

About the role

The Caltech Optical Observatories (COO) is seeking a talented mechanical engineer to join its Optical and Infrared (OIR) Instrumentation group. This full-time position is based on the Caltech campus.

Essential Job Duties

• Provide mechanical engineering support of Caltech's astronomical instrumentation program, from conceptual design through commissioning, delivering sophisticated research instruments on major astronomical telescopes.
• Aid with mechanical systems engineering, including capture and flow-down of intricate mechanical requirements, and development of critical performance budgets and detailed cost estimates.
• Perform advanced mechanical design, component specification, tolerancing, drawing, procurement, and fabrication oversight of state-of-the-art scientific instrumentation.
• Conduct detailed finite element and thermal performance analyses of ambient and cryogenic opto-mechanical systems accurately and efficiently.
• Cookordination of mechanical assembly, integration, and verification of sophisticated optoelectromechanical subsystems with emphasis on safety, efficiency, reliability, and quality.
• Develop, execute, and deliver instrumentation documentation, including technical notes, quantitative analyses, design documentation, alignment and test plans, and verification results.
• Aid with the testing and validation of instrument optomechanical performance across thermal and environmental use cases.
• Assist researchers and/or students with the design, set-up, or modifications of experiments and independent projects.

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience and 6+ years’ experience, including demonstrated independent design responsibility for mechanical systems.
• Fluency with modern solid modeling software, rapid prototyping, traditional.
• Demonstrated expertise in creating manufacturing drawing packages, interface control specifications, and supporting documents.
• Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are essential.
• Must work effectively and respectfully within talented technical and scientific teams.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and execute complex quotations and procurement efforts.
• High-level proficiency in aOccasional travel and work assignments at high altitudes and in limited light environments; requires a successful pre-employment physical, including vision screening.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent and 6+ years’ experience with complex SolidWorks assemblies, hands-on experience with optical instrumentation, infrared camera systems, and/or cryogenic vacuum systems, or equivalent work or military experience.
• Superior knowledge of optomechanical and thermal design principles and analysis techniques, including for vacuum and cryogenic systems.
• Detailed understanding of manufacturing processes and experience working closely with machine shops and fabricators.
• Strong collaborative communication skills working within a diverse, multicultural, and international team environment.
• Superior knowledge of analysis/FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS).
• Experience with commercial optical design tools (e.g., ZEMAX, CODE V).
• Experience with space-based or satellite astronomical systems.