Astronomical Instrument Engineer

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory•Cambridge, MA

3d•$75,000 - $156,000

About The Position

Draper is seeking a scientist or engineer with a background in astronomy, optical engineering, optomechanics, or astrophysics and hands-on experience with optics-based celestial imaging instruments and astronomy data reduction and analysis. The successful candidate will contribute to complex technology development, including the design, modeling, testing, and use of astronomical observing instruments; celestial sighting demonstrations; laboratory- and field-based optical instrumentation; modeling and simulation; and data reduction and analysis. The role also requires the ability to learn new skills quickly on the job. The engineer applies technical expertise to relevant domains and develops new skills to support program needs. They analyze requirements, develop precision instruments, design experiments and experimental hardware, and collaborate with engineering and other groups to create, integrate, and deliver prototype and production hardware. They also develop initial fabrication processes, prepare technical documents and test results, train employees, subcontractors, or customers, and conduct independent research. Applicants selected for the position must obtain and maintain a government security clearance; a Secret clearance is preferred. This is a full-time position based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The listed US base salary range is $75,000 to $156,000. Draper describes workplace flexibility and programs supporting work-life balance, along with employee clubs, workshops, social events, and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering.
3–5 years of experience in Hardware Instrument Engineering or a related field.
Background in astronomy, optical engineering, optomechanics, or astrophysics.
Hands-on technical experience with optics-based celestial imaging instruments and astronomy-based data reduction and analysis.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Understanding of the design, development, and application of a wide variety of instruments.
Understanding of processes used in fabricating precision instrument hardware.
Thorough understanding of applied mathematics and physics.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency with general modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, CAD software, FEA software, and/or other discipline-relevant design and analysis tools.
Ability to quickly learn on-the-job skills.
Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or Ph.D. degree.
Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

Apply technical knowledge to relevant domains and seek out new technical skills to support program needs.
Analyze requirements and develop appropriate precision instruments with minimal guidance.
Design experiments and experimental hardware to assess the viability and optimality of design concepts.
Collaborate with engineers to design and develop prototype and production hardware.
Collaborate with other groups to integrate precision instruments into larger systems and meet performance metrics.
Develop initial processes for fabricating custom-designed instruments.
Draft and present formal technical documents, reports, and testing results to a manager for approval.
Provide device-related training to employees, subcontractors, and/or customers.
Conduct basic independent research and seek assistance when needed to solve problems.
Contribute content to technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Design, model, test, and use astronomical observing instruments; conduct celestial sighting demonstrations and lab- and field-based optical instrumentation activities; and perform modeling, simulation, data reduction, and analysis.