Astronomical Instrument Engineer

Draper•Cambridge, MA

4d•$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-based data reduction and analysis. The role contributes to complex technology development efforts involving the design, modeling, testing, and use of astronomical observing instruments; celestial sighting demonstrations; lab- and field-based optical instrumentation; modeling and simulation, including ray tracing and CAD modeling; and data reduction and analysis. The successful candidate is also expected to learn new skills quickly on the job. The position applies technical knowledge to relevant domains, develops precision instruments, designs experiments and experimental hardware, collaborates on prototype and production hardware, and integrates instruments into larger systems. It also involves developing fabrication processes, preparing technical documentation and test results, training employees, subcontractors, or customers, and conducting independent research. Applicants selected for the position must obtain and maintain a government security clearance; a Secret clearance is preferred. The role is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The full-time U.S. base salary range is $75,000 to $156,000; pay within the range depends on location and factors including job-related skills, experience, and education or training.

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 to fabricate 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 tools relevant to the discipline.
Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or Ph.D. degree.
Secret security clearance.
Experience with ray tracing and CAD modeling.
Ability to learn new skills quickly on the job.

Responsibilities

Apply technical knowledge in areas related to the employee’s expertise and develop new technical skills to support program needs.
Analyze requirements and develop appropriate precision instruments with minimal guidance.
Design experiments and experimental hardware to determine which design concepts are viable and optimal.
Collaborate with engineers to design and develop prototype and production hardware for application needs.
Collaborate with other groups to integrate precision instruments into larger systems and meet performance metrics.
Develop initial fabrication processes for 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 to technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
Perform other duties as assigned.