Electrical Engineer

The Electrical Engineer (EE) position is part of Lowell Observatory's Technology Department. The Electrical Engineer designs and builds telescope, subsystem, and facility electronics hardware; and supports installation and test of such hardware. Work is performed primarily at the Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT) site. This position reports to the LDT Engineering Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Electrical Engineer shall design, procure, test, install, and maintain electronic components, equipment and control systems for Lowell Observatory telescopes. The primary duties shall include testing and troubleshooting electronics and control systems and design of printed circuit boards. Other expected design tasks include layout of cables and cabinets, component sizing and selection, and creation of design documentation. Procurement activities include component selection, soliciting and reviewing bids, and inspection and verification of incoming components. The EE shall participate in assembly and testing of equipment to verify function and performance and assist with installation and debug of equipment at the telescope site. Maintenance activities include preventative maintenance and inspections, trouble shooting, and generating operations and maintenance procedures. The EE shall occasionally support night operations in a technical support capacity and when required, provide systems training to telescope operators.

QUALIFICATIONS

• The Electrical Engineer must be self-motivated with attention to detail and able to complete tasks on schedule.
• They must possess excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• They must be willing to take on new tasks and duties as needed.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• The Electrical Engineer shall possess a degree in Electrical Engineering technology, BS in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent training, and a minimum of five years relevant experience, advanced degree is a plus.
• Experience should include maintenance and/or construction of astronomical telescope facilities or other complex technical facilities. Experience should span a broad range of technologies; from low voltage analog to logic-level digital, to 480 volt three-phase power.
• They should be familiar with sensors such as charge-coupled devices, resistance temperature detectors, encoders and load cells, and motor controllers including stepper drives, brushless direct-current amplifiers, and three-phase variable frequency drives.
• Knowledge of astronomical instrumentation is a plus.
• They should be proficient with MS Office software package, schematic capture, and schematic layout.
• Ability to read and create engineering drawings, data sheets, schematics, & wiring diagrams required.
• Experience should include taking circuits from requirements to completion of simple  printed circuit boards, cabling, cabinets, and facility wiring.
• Familiarity with National Instruments LabVIEW software is desired.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Electrical Engineer works largely at the LDT, located roughly 45 miles southeast of Flagstaff, AZ at an altitude of approximately 7800 feet elevation. Environmental conditions can be unpredictable with temperature ranges varying between –20 and +90 ˚F. Inclement winter weather conditions can also be expected which will require travel to/from the telescope in occasionally snowy, icy, and/or rainy conditions; willingness and ability to drive safely in inclement conditions is required.

This position requires a moderate degree of standing, walking, bending, handling, reaching, grasping, driving, and repetitive motions. The role includes operating small and heavy machinery and equipment. Duties may also require driving vehicles, including at night. Requires the ability to occasionally lift and manipulate heavy objects (60lbs or more).