Electronics Engineer, IS-855-13

Smithsonian Institution•Cambridge, MA

5d•$119,355 - $155,164•Onsite

About The Position

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is seeking an Electronics Engineer to provide expert electronics/electrical systems engineering support for the development of advanced instrumentation for ground-based and space-based astrophysical and astronomical data collection. This role is within the Central Engineering division and is a full-time, Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal) position located in Cambridge, MA. The position requires access to export-controlled work, and the candidate must be a U.S. person. Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian and are paid from various sources, with employees having their own benefit program distinct from federal civil service.

Requirements

Degree in professional engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or a degree including differential and integral calculus and courses in five of seven specified engineering science/physics areas.
Combination of education and experience that provides a thorough knowledge of physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering and a good understanding of engineering sciences and techniques.
At least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 12 level, including significant experience in general electrical engineering.
Experience supporting architecting system-level electrical designs using both commercial and custom electronics.
Experience supporting project design reviews and participating in other projects' reviews.
Expert knowledge of electrical engineering concepts, principles, and practices for instrumentation development, testing, calibration, and ground support equipment.
Ability to provide consultative and coordinative services in electronics/electrical systems design and analysis, system resource budgeting, documentation, proposal preparation, and test activities.
Knowledge of electrical schematic and board layout CAD/CAM tools.
Knowledge of analog design techniques and design simulation tools (i.e. SPICE).
Experience with digital design techniques using FPGA based digital and analog signal processing systems.
Working knowledge of related engineering fields such as software, thermal, mechanical, optical and/or structural.
Strong oral and written communications skills, including the ability to serve as a technical spokesperson.

Nice To Haves

Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials.

Responsibilities

Architect and oversee development of electrical systems, subsystems, modules, and components for advanced instrumentation.
Partner with scientific investigators to define electrical requirements, translate scientific objectives into instrument performance characteristics and achievable hardware.
Prepare and manage cost and schedule estimates for hardware design, fabrication, test, and calibration; manage resources; and maintain a technical overview of the project.
Document work in technical memoranda, reports, test plans, and procedures, and present work to scientists and engineers.
Provide hands-on support of the build, test, and integration of new electrical hardware designs for instruments and support existing instrument hardware in the field.
Provide technical leadership and direction to, and liaison with, hardware contractors and sub-contractors.
Investigate, select, justify, and oversee procurement of critical electrical, electro-optical, and servo-mechanical components.
Plan and direct the activities of technicians and designers in areas related to the design and fabrication of electronic assemblies.
Serve as technical consultation to CfA scientists and other engineering staff in instrument electrical design.
Travel, both domestically and internationally, to telescope sites, vendor facilities, NASA centers, and other associated organizations for proposal, design, calibration, test, integration, and mission operations support.